This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at GCU chapter.
As my first semester of college comes to a close, I wanted to make a list of some things that I wish I had known earlier. Maybe these tips might help another incoming freshman. These are some things that I have learned:
- Roommates are great friends if you want them to be. But you don’t have to be best friends, nor do you have to always hang out with them.
- Alone time is healthy and eating by yourself in a booth with only a milkshake to comfort you is okay.
- Grades are not supposed to be the same all the time. There is a wiggle room. That A will sink but then it will crawl back up, I promise.
- Don’t be afraid to reach out to professors outside of class in person or through email. If there you have any confusion, ASK! The amount of times I received vital information about an assignment was usually when I asked them after class.
- Don’t skip class… you pay a lot of money for that hour and 45 minutes. Learn something. It’s not the professor’s job to make you learn, that’s your job.
- Your phone will be best put to use if it stays on silent during class or even off. (first day of class my mom texted me and my phone buzzed so loud that everyone stared at me)
- First day of university means it’s okay to get lost to class, not have the right textbook, not know a single soul in the class, or even understand the material. But you better get it down that first week. Get a jumpstart on the semester!
- Get a planner. I don’t care if you don’t think you need one. Trust me it saves lives. Get a small one you can bring with you everywhere.
- Backpacks are cool and useful. Bringing my laptop made me do homework in between classes. You can still find functional and cute ones.
- Invest in a nice computer for college. Get it a protective case and keep it safe.
- Go to the gym at least once a week, especially during midterms and finals. Sweat the stress out. Seriously, it helps.
- Friends who do what they say are keepers. Actions speak louder than words.
- Missing home is normal. Call your mom and best friend from back home, but know that where you are right now is part of your journey and they are rooting for you. (Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks become the most anticipated time for students)
- Walk everywhere. Skip the elevator. Ride a bike or learn to skateboard. When else in life will you be able to walk easily everywhere?
- Don’t become addicted to coffee, Netflix, or skipping class. Your health is #1,
- Take reals notes, yes with a paper and pencil! You will retain the information better and become less distracted.
- Find your favorite “happy” spots on campus. (Mine is the tables near thunder ground in the shade of the trees)
- Go to the club fair and join all of the ones which interest you! You probably will only stick with one or two but what better way to choose than to try them all out!
- Making friends in college is fun and easy! Asking what someone’s major is and where they are from can spark a conversation which can lead to a lasting friendship or even a study buddy for finals!
Remember it is okay to take it slow. College is the time for you. Learn, create memories and have fun!
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