It’s hard to believe that the 2018-2019 school year is almost over, and that I’m already writing about my freshman year experience in college. If you think high school flies by, college goes by ten times faster. Whether you’re reading this as a high school senior, eager to learn what awaits you next fall, or just reading to see the insight of a girl who had one hell of a freshmen year, here are five lessons I learned my first year of college!
- Good Things Take Time
See here’s the problem, TV shows and movies make it seem like you’ll stumble into your life long best friends, your future husband, or feel right at home on your first day of college, while walking on the quad. If that happens to you then you go girl, but for the other 99.9% of first year college students, it can take weeks, months, even a whole semester before you find your place on campus. This isn’t meant to intimidate or worry you, but rather to reassure you that everyone finds their people, club, or home away from home eventually, just don’t expect things to perfectly fall into place right away! The best things are worth waiting for.
2. GET INVOLVED
If you don’t hear it from me you’ll hear it from every staff member on campus. But seriously girl, get out there and get involved!! The fastest and easiest way to meet people, and make fun memories is to join clubs, sports, or greek life! This way you’re already surrounded by people who you at least have some things in common with, it will keep busy, and possibly bring you some amazing on campus opportunities! Another piece of advice would be to get involved with one organization that has to do with your major, this is a great way to meet people you will probably have classes with, and it looks great on resumes!
3. College Gets Lonely
There will be many times in college where you find yourself alone. There won’t always be friends to hangout with, eat with, or do homework with. Learning to be okay with alone time, and sometimes having to just do your own thing is a good lesson to have not only in college, but in life! Also, your family or friends from home are just a phone call away, remember to check in on them too!
4. Be Nice To EVERYONE
This may be shocking to some younger readers, but college is nothing like high school! Cliques, “popular kids”, and social status flies out the window. So keep a friendly smile while walking around campus, be nice to everyone you meet, and never think you’re too good to be kind to someone (that’s also just a good rule for life in general!) You never know when you might need to connect with someone for a class, in a club, or for opportunities around campus. Having a reputation for being kind and genuine will only do you good and help you down the road!
5. Self Discipline
College is all about learning how to adult (even if it doesn’t seem like it!!) Mom and Dad aren’t there to wake you up for classes, cook you dinner, or tell you when you need to be places! Time management skills are essential, and while it’s important to have fun, and make memories, it’s just as important to stay on top of school work, studying, and going to classes. Otherwise be ready to pack up to go home second semester!
Freshmen year of college is a whole lot of firsts! As a huge life transition with many changes, there will be a lot of up’s and down’s. Not every moment will be like in the movies, but nothing in life really is. Be open, positive, and use your resources to help navigate through this crazy, exciting, nervous time in your life! And remember, don’t forget to call mom and dad every now and then!