Wow, the time has really flown by, hasn’t it? It feels like just yesterday I was moving into my dorm room. I was so excited to see how college would impact my life. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. I learned so much this year and I know many of you guys did too. In the beginning, we started with the do’s and don’ts of freshman year. How many of you guys read and listened to that article? I must be honest and say that I definitely faltered on a few things. However, that is completely okay. We are not meant to be perfect. I wanted to write a recap on those do’s and don’t and the overall freshman year experience. First, let me say college changed my life for the better and I hope it did the same for you.
Let’s talk about the planner. It’s not for everyone and you don’t have to buy one if you don’t want to. I used mine for about 2 months and then switched over to my laptop. Eventually, I relied on my memory which is probably not the best choice, but hey, I made it through the year didn’t I? I still think it is a good way to keep a student’s life organized; however, if you thrive without one, don’t buy one. Just make sure you keep up to date on all your coursework!
Next, there is talking about high school. I talked about high school some this year, but I still think you shouldn’t make it your entire conversation. You can’t just forget the last 4 years of your life and sometimes it is good to relate to which high school you went to or what you did activity-wise. Honestly, you could bond over how much you disliked that one English teacher. It’s a great conversation starter, but you should shift to talking about college or life in general. You are not the same person you were in high school so don’t act like it. Sorry, that is not meant to sound harsh, but I just want you to flourish in your new college self.
Explore the city you are in. I agree with this wholeheartedly. Some of the best parts of freshman year were when I was randomly going out on an adventure and finding new hidden gems in the city. It’s always good to know about where you live so dive deep! Go out and explore everything you can. You can do this with friends or even by yourself. Sometimes by yourself is better because it gives you time to think and it gives you a break from the busy and overwhelming college life.
Don’t feel like you must be included in everything. You don’t. Period. It doesn’t get much simpler than that. However, don’t coop up in your dorm. You must have a balance and you will regret staying in your dorm all the time or just doing work/school. So please oh please, know your limit, but also, go live up your college experience. You only have 4 years here so make every second count.
Next, let’s talk about changing your major. Many of you know that I changed my major halfway through. It was one of the best decisions I made this year. I am so much happier in the journalism school and even though I was scared for the change it would bring, I wouldn’t change a thing. Just make sure you keep in contact with your advisor. It can be a complicated process at times so have all your ducks in a row and do something that makes you completely happy! Don’t let anyone decide that happiness for you.
Lastly, don’t come to college with the highest of expectations. College is hard. There is no denying that. There are going to be a lot of harsh realities. However, a change from my first article is that it is okay to have some expectations for yourself. Without having those standards, you will not become the best version of yourself. You will still waver. You will fail sometimes, and the world may seem like it is coming to an end. I promise you it isn’t. So, I think it is good for you to understand both the realities and expectations. By doing that, you will understand your identity so much better.
Not much has changed from then to now; however, there are some pivotal things I want to tell you about freshman year. Trust me, you will want to know this especially if you are an incoming freshman. If not, this is still good advice you can use in years to come.
- Make time for yourself and others
- Don’t fall into peer pressure
- Go home at times if you can
- Don’t overwork yourself or add too many things to your schedule
- Find a community you fit in
- Don’t forget to find time to eat and drink water
- Don’t spend every waking second with your roommate
- Don’t buy a super-expensive dining plan
- Don’t search for happiness, find it within yourself
- Try new things
- Be careful not to damage anything in your dorm
- Invest in some good walking shoes
- Go to class and take good notes
- Utilize extra credit and office hours
- Make friends in classes to help with homework
- Buy an umbrella
- Take time outside and breathe in the fresh air
- Laundry is a pain, but it is better in the morning
- Buy snacks. You won’t always be able to make it to the dining hall
- You only live once so live every moment to the fullest
That’s a wrap on freshman year. I can’t believe how fast it has all gone. I am grateful I got to share some of my experience with you all and I hope you guys had a great year! If you are an incoming freshman, don’t fret. College is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, make it count and reach for the stars! See you all next year same time.