I am almost finished with my freshman year at St. Bonaventure. This school year has been one of best years of my life so far. I have learned so much and have had some of the craziest and most memorable experiences that I will never forget. I have made some of my best friends. Before I continue, I want to share a little bit about myself. I live about 6 hours away in a town called Fairfield, CT. I lived in Chicago, IL first, and my family moved to Fairfield when I was 6. I live 45 minutes outside of New York City. My mom made me apply to Bonaventure because she heard great things about it and thought it would be a great fit. I was accepted, but didn’t think I would ever attend. However, when I came to visit campus, I instantly fell involve; I felt like this was my home. Picking Bonaventure had to have been one of the best decisions I have ever made. Here is what I have learned throughout Freshman year and my tips:
Friends
Tip 1: Friendships take TIME
At first, I was nervous about living 6 hours away from home. I am close to my family and didn’t know how I would adjust. However, lucky for me, I found my group of friends from day one. Making friends right off the bat was the best thing. Not once did I ever feel homesick. I have always been a very independent person and that helped me in college. But, there were times at the beginning of the school year when I felt alone. Although I had a group of great friends, we still didn’t know each other well. At first, I wasn’t sure who were the friends that I could trust. I learned that it takes time for friendships to form into meaningful ones. What helped me through those times were the friendships with my close girlfriends at home. After giving some time for new friendships to develop, I can now say that my friendships in college have developed into lifelong ones.
Partying
Tip 2: Know your limit!
In high school, I partied a decent amount but not a lot. Coming to college I knew I was going to go out on the weekends and drink. At the beginning of the school year, I loved going out. My friends and I had the time of our lives. Although I had experience with drinking prior to college, I didn’t have that much. There was a night my first semester, the scariest night I experienced, because I didn’t know my limit. That is one tip I stress the most. If you are planning on drinking in college, I would start out very slow so that over time you will know your limit. I can’t stress how important this is. Trust me— a $2,000 hospital bill didn’t go over well with my parents!!
Changing
Tip 3: It’s OKAY if you change
I first realized I had changed as a person when I first came home to my friends and family. My sister said to me, “You are so much more mature and just chill.” I was confused by this because I didn’t feel like I had changed. Going to school so far away from home forced me to become mature and more independent. My parents saw that change in me as well. They felt like they could have more adult-like conversations with me.
Having a BF/GF and going to college
Tip 4: Going your separate ways may be for the best
Now, this is just my personal opinion, keep in mind that everyone is different. I dated a guy all through senior year of high school and into college. We were planning on going our own ways before school started. But, that didn’t go according to plan. For a while we were great, he lived back where I am from and distance was not an issue for us. The issue came about when we started changing. I knew I had to make the right decision and go my separate way. After my experience, I feel that going to college with a bf/gf isn’t always the best decision. I think it is
good to start fresh and focus on yourself and your friends without having to worry about that person at home. Relationships are great, but I believe there is a time and place for them.
To all the incoming freshman out there, I hope you have the experience I did. There are ups and downs, but that is all a part of the experience. Enjoy every moment of it, it goes by crazy fast. I am really sad that it is coming to an end, but I cannot wait for my sophomore year. Freshman year of college was hands down one of the best years of my life.