Now that classes are finally over and finals are only thing left before I complete my freshman year of college, here are some things I learned from my first year.
1. Go to class
The importance of going to class cannot be overstated. Yes, it’s okay to miss every now and again if you’re not feeling well, but if at all possible, try to attend class. It helps you keep up with the material and ask any questions you may have. You’re paying a lot of money for your classes, so just go to them! It makes all the difference.
2. Make sleep a priority
I’m a morning person, so my 10 PM bedtime might not work for everyone, but getting a good night’s rest is one of the best things you can do for yourself. If you stay up all night studying, it’s not going to do you much good if you pass out during your exam! Rather, set yourself a strict bedtime that ensures you’ll get plenty of rest, especially on exam days.
3. Leave campus
Cornell obviously has a gorgeous campus, but it’s crucial you take the time to go off campus at least once a week, just to escape from the Cornell bubble. During prelim and finals season, which seems like pretty much all the time, the whole campus is stressed. Take a bus to the Ithaca Mall or the Commons, and forget about your work for a couple hours.
4. Find a club you love
There are a ton of clubs on campus, which is great, but for a freshman the sheer number of clubs can be overwhelming and make it hard to figure out what you want to join. I joined a bunch of clubs at the beginning of the year and slowly narrowed the list down to only the clubs I really enjoyed. Having an extracurricular you’re passionate about helps relieve your stress and gives you something to look forward to.
5. Don’t be afraid to change your mind
I came into college pretty set on my major, but I started to realize it might not be the right choice for me. I was scared to change my plans, however over the course of the year I’ve learned it’s really important to enjoy what you’re studying, and less important what other people think of your chosen major. Do what makes you happy; there’s nothing worse than spending a year in classes you dread attending.
6. Challenge yourself
My most rewarding class this year has been my most challenging class. I took Hindi as a foreign language, which I knew would be a ton of work, but it turned out to be worth it. If there’s something you think you might enjoy, but you’re scared it may be a challenge, go for it! If you like something, the amount of work you have to put into it won’t seem as much of a burden.
7. Spend your BRBs
I was very conservative with my Big Red Bucks this year, and I’m ending the year with more than I could ever spend. As I’ve tried to spend as many as possible in the last month of school, I’ve discovered some pretty delicious places to eat on campus I never tried before. There are so many on campus eateries that have a great variety of yummy food, so spend your BRBs before it’s too late!
8. Take time for yourself
Alone time has been one of the things I’ve enjoyed most about college. I think it’s a great skill to be able to do things by yourself, and you might find out that doing certain things alone is even more fun than doing them will other people. It will help you gain confidence, and you’ll learn a lot about yourself, which is a huge part of the college experience.
9. Overcome your fears
I was almost too scared to audition for choir, and it’s become one of my favorite things about Cornell. Walking to places I’d never been to before on my own was frightening at first, but now I love exploring new places. I was even anxious to try new eateries for the first time, because I wasn’t sure exactly how to order or what foods would be on the menu. You will have so many new experiences at college; don’t let your worries stop you from trying something you might love.
10. Don’t have expectations
Everyone told me all these things about college that ended up not being true. Every person’s experience with college is different, so don’t let people put expectations in your mind about what it should be like. As soon as you start enjoying your experience for what it is and stop worrying about what other people might think or if other people are doing college “better” than you, you’ll enjoy yourself a lot more. Remember, this is your experience and no one else’s. You do what’s right for you.
I can’t believe my first year of college is almost over. See you next year, Cornell!