The commencement of my first year at Chapman was, without a doubt, one of the most emotionally taxing couple of weeks I had ever experienced. The deathly combination of being sleep deprived, homesick, and suddenly immersed into an entirely foreign environment all at once wreaked some type of havoc on my emotional state. With that being said, here are the top seven things I wish I had known before my first year at college:
1. It is more than okay to feel any level of sadness or homesickness at any point in the year. I know that it may appear that everyone around you is having the times of their lives, but trust me, everyone feels this way at some point or another. You don’t need to suppress these feelings or pretend that they don’t exist – it’s healthy to allow yourself to feel sadness even if it is uncomfortable.
2. You don’t need to go out every weekend night to feel validation. I know that Ashley invited you to a kickback at one of her super cool upperclassmen friend’s house that’s supposed to be super fun, but if you’re tired, then you’re tired. Sometimes its best to give your body (ahem, liver) a little break, and let’s be real, binge-watching your favorite show on Netflix with a pint of ice cream sounds a hell of a lot better than making casual small talk with people you barely know at a party.
3. Be open to anything and don’t let preconceived notions dictate your choices. The beginning of your freshman year is the prime time to adopt Jim Carrey’s “Yes Man” philosophy. If anything at all peaks your interest, (i.e. club or organization) do not be afraid to try it at least once- you never know what may be your new favorite activity!
4. Get to know your professors. Take advantage of a professor’s office hours because it’s infinitely better to take the time to ask your questions in person. A professor is much more likely to round your B+ to an A- if they know you on a more personal level and know that you are invested into the course work. Get your money’s worth out of tuition by getting that extra time with your professors- it will definitely pay off in the long run.
5. Appreciate Solitude. Cherish the alone time that you are fortunate enough to get, especially if you are living in a dorm with two other people. You don’t need to constantly surround yourself with others and being alone does not make you a “loner.”
6. Find ways to occupy at least some of your free time. While a little down time is definitely beneficial, Chapman offers so many unique opportunities to get involved that not taking advantage of those would be a shame. Whether it be Greek Life or another organization, find something that calls to you and join it.
7. YOFO (you only freshman once). Freshman year goes by incredibly quickly and before you know it, you’ll be moving out of your dorm room to go home for summer. Make the most of your freshman year because there is truly nothing else like it.