Everyone adjusts to college life differently. Some may dive headfirst into their studies, various clubs, making new friends and taking advantage of their newfound freedom. On the other hand, others may take longer to warm up because they are experiencing anxiety or homesickness in an intimidating new environment. Whether we discovered something about ourselves, learned the do’s and don’ts of college, or came to an earth-shattering realization, we all went forward with something valuable from our first quarter of college. Here are a few words of wisdom from your WWU HerCampus team.
1. If you eat pizza every day you will gain 20 pounds quickly
It’s not your fault that the dining halls are like a never-ending buffet! The temptation is there, but just be wary of the choices you are making. What would your Mom say about what’s on your plate?
2. Your roommate(s) do not have to be your best friend(s)
If it doesn’t work out and you’re not BFF’s for life, don’t try and force it because then it makes things less real. Junior, Kylee Morgan says, “it’s harder to have fun and be happy when you force things. There are plenty of other people out there who are dying to be your friend!” So go to a campus event, join groups, go to the rec center or start a job! There are tons of places to meet new friends if you don’t get paired with life-long pals.
3. Being homesick is normal
Moving away from home for the first time can be really scary. Suddenly everything is unfamiliar. It WILL get better! Junior, Hayley Gjertsen says, “try not to go home too often or you will miss out on having fun with friends. I made this mistake my first quarter at WWU because I had a hard time with the transition of moving out of my parent’s house.”
4. Ask for help sooner, rather than later
Don’t hesitate to ask your professors for help. They love when students take the initiative, so utilize your professor’s office hours. It’s the best time to get one-on-one help. In a lecture hall of 100 students, you can start to feel lost. Talking to your professor during his or her office hours is a great way to connect with them and get the help that you need. Senior, Jessica Fletcher says, “keep in mind that your professor wants to help you!”
5. Mom was right. About a lot of things.
Enough said. Also, don’t forget to call her.
6. Establish rules with your roommate before it’s too late
Roommates can define your experience. It’s important to come up with some rules that you agree on right from the beginning. Things like “clean up your dishes after eating,” “knock before coming into the room,” and “ask before you borrow my clothes” are just some basic rules that will make living together easier. Don’t be afraid to sit your roommate(s) down if something is really bothering you. It’s not healthy to stuff your feelings down—it only makes things worse!
7. Take care of yourself
Your health is so important and you especially realize this when you are living in close corners with people. You can start to feel the stress of being away from home and having intense exams and homework. Do your best to get enough sleep and exercise whenever you can. Senior, Jessica Fletcher says, “I learned to always make sure you are staying healthy by drinking Emergen-C, Airborne, plenty of water and by taking vitamins!”
8. Look to upperclassmen for guidance
Make an effort to get to know older students! They can teach you so much through their own personal experience and share their words of wisdom! Remember that they have been in the exact same position as you.
9. Go to class
Know that actually going to class will make or break your grade. Just because going to class is technically optional, it doesn’t mean you should skip the class you really hate. Junior, Kylee Morgan says, “a professor once told me, that each time you skip a class about 75 dollars of your tuition is going down the drain…”
10. Don’t make life-altering decisions because of a boyfriend or girlfriend at this age
This can be a hard one, but you have to do what’s best for your future. Junior, Hayley Gjertsen says, “I was thinking about leaving WWU to be with a boyfriend back home and it would have been a mistake.” When your heart is involved, making the right decision can be difficult. Trust your gut and go from there.
11. Make time for yourself
There is so much going on in college with campus events and friends, but don’t feel like you have to go out all the time, otherwise you might start to feel burnt out. Junior, Stephanie Roloff says, “don’t feel bad turning down plans with others just to get some R&R time. It’s important to make time for yourself too!”
12. Double check to make sure you switched back out of your shower flip-flops before heading to class
Senior, Carly Roberts says, “I made it all the way to Red Square from Nash Hall once in my shower shoes and by then it was too late to go back!”