Georgetown 101: A Freshman’s Guide
Coming to college can be daunting. New people, new places, a whole new world to figure out. That’s why Her Campus Georgetown is here to make it a little easier. Check out these tips to make your freshman year a success!
1. Maintaining Amicable Roommate Relations
Freshman rooming situations are notoriously difficult. Unless you went to boarding school or camp it’s most likely the first time you will be living with someone other than your family. For many collegiettes™, freshman year is the first time they will be sharing a room with anyone. Considering how small freshman dorms can be, it is important to keep in mind that the close quarters can breed conflict. The year will be much more enjoyable if small conflicts do not break out into full on roommate warfare. You do not have to become best friends with your freshman year roommate, although some lucky collegiettes™ will, but it is always better to try and maintain at least a cordial relationship with the person or people you are living with.
The best way to keep relations friendly is to be mindful of your roommates needs. Try not to blast music when your roommate is studying, keep communal space clean, and always ask before borrowing your roommate’s things. A little bit of consideration can make your living situation much more comfortable.
2. Tying Up Lose Ends
Leave your high school relationship in high school. It may seem harsh, but unless you are going to the same school it is better to tie up lose ends with your relationship and not waste time and energy struggling with a long distance relationship. Freshman year is full of new experiences, and the best gift you can give yourself during this time is the freedom to enjoy them. Long distance relationships are always hard, but especially so in freshman year. While most freshmen are enjoying their new lives, those with long distance relationships often feel bogged down. Eventually many couples grow to resent having to constantly stay in contact, having to be available by text every day, and having to take the time out for long Skype conversations – especially if there is the added difficulty of a time difference.
Some relationships can withstand college. However if a relationship is meant to be it should be able to withstand, and would probably benefit from, taking some time out to get settled into freshman year, without the responsibility of keeping in touch.
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3. Staying Organized
It may seem unnecessary to say, but staying organized in college is extremely important. No one is going to be looking out to make sure you stay on task. If you want you can blow off all of your work until midterms roll around – though we certainly would not suggest it. Rather than leaving everything to the last minute stay ahead of your work. If you remain organized and on top of your work you will be much happier in the long run. There is nothing worse than missing a great night out to write a paper due the next day that was assigned weeks ago.
4. Making Friends
Freshman year everyone is looking to make friends. The best way to make friends is to be outgoing and approachable. Everyone is in the same situation; everyone is looking for new friends. There is no reason to be shy. Go out, meet new people – you will be surprised how easy it is. Everywhere you go you will see new faces and meet new people. Before you know it you will have friends from your dorm, friends from your classes, and any clubs or organizations you join. While your meeting so many people you will inevitably forget a few names along the way, don’t stress. Everyone understands how difficult it can be when you are meeting so many people at one.
A word of advice: you are no longer interviewing, so keep your SAT scores to yourself. No one cares how impressive your GPA was or what colleges you turned down. You are at Georgetown now; enjoy it and let people get to know you for you.
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5. Taking Advantage of All Georgetown Has to Offer
While you are at Georgetown make sure you make the most of your time. There are so many ways to get involved on campus it is easy to find anything you’re looking for. Whether you want to join a club sports team or an a cappella group, there are plenty of choices at Georgetown. If you are looking for an on campus job The Corp is a great way to make some money while also making new friends. Or if you are interested in an on campus internship, working for the Georgetown University Alumni and Student Federal Credit Union provides amazing work experience and lifelong friendships.
With so many ways to get involved on campus many people never want to leave, however being in DC offers a wealth of opportunities and excitement. Once you are settled in on campus, being able to venture out into DC is one of the best parts of being a Hoya.
6. Staying Safe
Bear with me, it is time for the clichés – staying safe on campus is extremely important. Don’t walk home from parties or bars alone. Never leave your drink unattended. Always stay safe and be smart while enjoying your time at Georgetown. Make sure you have emergency numbers, for DOPS and GERMS, in your phone in case you find yourself in an unsafe situation. Staying safe should always be a collegiette’s™ first priority.