Hello! I’m writing this as I’m under a week away from finishing the last final of my freshman year here at UT. Man has it been a wild ride. This year honestly didn’t go ANYTHING as I expected it to, truly. However, that can also be seen as a good thing. There’s really no need to dwell on things that COULD have happened because guess what? It didn’t. So if you’re starting freshman year soon or just want to follow along on my journey this year as a freshman… here you go! Here are some things I learned along the way.
Try not to come in with any expectations.
This is a super hard one, especially for me since I tend to hype things up in my mind all the time, only to be extremely disappointed… which you guessed it – happened with college. I expected that I’d be in my dorm, hanging out with my freshman roommate week after week. Didn’t happen. I went home more times than I can count because of how uncomfortable I felt being in such a new environment with no good friends or family around me. And that’s completely okay – I wish someone would have told me that.
You’re not alone.
This can obviously be applied to many different scenarios, but it’s true. I really did not believe this one until I started talking to people. I cried almost every night I was in my dorm since all my classes first semester were online and I felt so alone. I saw everyone on social media going out with people every night, and in all honesty, I had no one to do that with. It sucked. But once I started talking and opening up to people about how I felt like I didn’t have anyone around me, essentially everyone agreed that they felt the same way too. So no matter what you’re going through, SOMEONE out there can relate.
Try new things!
I never thought I would do/join half of the organizations I’m a part of now. It’s crazy. At least at UT, there are so many different clubs and organizations you can be a part of. Obviously, not all of them will be your cup of tea, but anyone that interests you – go to their first meeting! I know it’s hard to do, especially if you don’t have friends there, but it could definitely be worth it. Also, everyone will likely be SUPER nice, especially to freshmen. If they’re not, you know it’s not right to join! One organization I’m a part of, I didn’t join my first semester because I was intimidated. I joined the second semester after building up some courage, and now it’s one of my favorite things I’m a part of, and I’m even an officer next year! It’s better to have tried something and not liked it, than not and regretted it later.
Stay organized
College is a time where SO much is going on all around you, at all times. I’m not kidding. If you don’t have plans one day, there is definitely something going on that you can be a part of. This is why it’s important to stay on top of things, socially and academically. Since professors don’t give you as much guidance as teachers do in high school, you HAVE to be organized in order to succeed. I have a physical planner and Google Calendar, both of which I use religiously haha. Put all your assignments on your calendar so you know when everything is due, and make a weekly/daily to-do list to keep everything organized so it’s not overwhelming. Stay on top of your commitments, and you’ll be sure to succeed!
Do one thing you love per day (at least)
SUPER important tip. I really needed this 1st semester when I did NOT like my time here at UT, haha. Doing at least one thing you enjoy doing per day is key, especially for your mental health. It can be so easy to think some not-so-great thoughts when you hate everything you’re doing in college. I know everyone is busy in college though, so here are some easy examples of doing something you enjoy once a day: getting a coffee, watching an episode of your favorite show, listening to your favorite song on the way to class, seeing a friend, calling your family, etc. Easy ways to boost your mood for sure!
Those are all the tips I have, from someone finishing up their freshman year. Although it may not feel like it at the moment, time goes by really fast. Enjoy it, and take care of yourself first!