If you are reading this right now, chances are you came across this article looking for a few tips and tricks on how to best prepare for your freshman year of college. I hate to be the one to break it to you, but you can never be fully prepared. *not that funny?* College is a melting pot of people, personalities, ideas, and morals. The best advice I can give you is to be yourself. I’m sure every adult in your life has told you this at least once, but take it from a fellow college student, it is better to be authentic than lose yourself in a sea of people. With all that being said, here are four things that will change your experience as a college student.
1. Buy a Planner
You do not need to have a Type A personality to be consistent and organized. Owning a planner will undoubtedly save you a headache or two. You might not believe me, but when you can’t go to that party because you forgot about a discussion post due at midnight, you’ll wish you had that planner.
2. Walk to Class
The Freshman 15 can happen, but it is preventable! One of the easiest ways to keep off college weight is by walking to class. Studies show that walking is an efficient way to workout, so walking to and from class a few times a day is a great way to keep you in shape. Next time you think about skipping chemistry, remember that even the walk there is beneficial to you. Never forget, however, to be easy on yourself! Young women’s bodies are constantly changing, and gaining some weight with age is a natural occurrence.
3. Ask new people to lunch
Ask new people out to lunch. In college, if you feel like you haven’t found “your people” yet, take that as an opportunity to exercise outgoingness! One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever been given is that every college freshman is thinking the same things and feeling the same ways. Everyone is looking for their place and their people! If you remember that, you’ll feel much more comfortable putting yourself in new situations where you can find those people who might end up being in your wedding. *insert heart eyes*
4. Call your parents
Call your mom and dad at least once a week. We all go to college thinking that we are ready to experience “true freedom.” Here’s a little secret… college is a four-year pre-trial to adulthood. Take the time to call the people who invested in you well before you graduated high school. Their take on your new life will offer you comfort, insight, and a fortified family connection that will last way longer than college. Chances are you’ll learn something, ease your anxiety, and remind your parents that they raised a great kid.
From one college student to another, I hope this advice helps keep you grounded as the seasons of life change! Remember that college is different for everyone. There’s no rush to adulthood, so take your time becoming the best version of you. You’ve got this