DEAR COLLEGE FRESHMAN:
Dear Incoming Freshie,
Congratulations, let me be one of the first to welcome you, as you embark on the next step of your so-called “academic career.” For right about now, us gals in college, are quite reminiscent of the upcoming months full of acceptance letters, high school graduation parties, and days spent aimlessly lounging around the house, (no doubt) binge watching netflix. Much to our chagrin, whilst you cozy up and skim through this article, most of us are buzzing around campus like busy bees. For around this time of the year, our second college semester is coming to an inevitable close. Classes are FINALLY starting to wind down (yay!), while final exam week is continuously creeping up on us (no comment). Need I not forget to mention, that on top of it all, our unairconditioned dorm rooms, are now starting to feel like that of a hot sauna!! If I were to be 100% honest with you, I thoroughly enjoyed this period of anticipation and excitement prior to coming to college. However, as the eldest child in my family, I have to admit I was at a bit of a loss for when it came to getting some good ole pre-college advice. Unlike several of my friends, I had no older sibling present. No one sat me down and gave me the “low down” on freshman year. Thus, it is fair to say I had NO IDEA of what to expect but guess what? I was just fine figuring it out on my own! Undoubtedly, my own days as a Marist freshman are becoming increasingly numbered, hence I wanted to take the time to in part pass onto you the ten things I wish I knew going into freshman year. So maybe, just maybe, these tips and tricks can make your transition into college easier!
Love, An Experienced Freshman
1. Less is more, when it comes to dorm rooms
Let’s be real, no one, I mean NO ONE wants to end up with a messy roommate. Whether you end up being best friends or remain as two people coexisting in a dorm room,you owe each other the courtesy to make your small space feel like home.
College dorm rooms are a lot smaller than your own room at home; and on top of that you now have to share that space with another human being! Head to your local Ikea,The Container Store, and Target and make sure to pick up some essentials like underbed storage, a shoe rack, and an even an adjustable closet hanging rod for more closet space. In terms of moving day, make sure everything is labelled with your name and room number in case anything gets misplaced. Utilize simple tricks from Youtube and Pinterest pins to help make your life easier. For instance, I found unpacking went a lot smoother, when most of my heavy items were placed in my car trunk last. That way, once you arrive on campus, the heaviest items are at hands reach and moved into your dorm first. In addition, put all your dresses, skirts etc. on hangers and garment bags so you can simply hang them up once you reach the room. Once you and your roomate settle in and figure out furniture arrangements, leave your door open, that way you can introduce yourself to your neighbors passing by and meet more people on day one.
2. “Fake it till you make it”
The one thing everyone has in common freshman year, is that we all have no clue what are doing. The only difference between you and the girl standing next to you is CONFIDENCE. Now, I know it’s easier said than done, but trust me on this one. Even the most head-strong people, are secretly dying internally. You have to just put a smile on your face and look confident and you feel it out for yourself.
3. The college student’s “honeymooon phase”….. (believe me, it’s a thing)
Believe me, us college students go through our very own “honeymoon” phase.
From the very start, college allows students more freedom. Gone are the days of being closely monitored by our parents, and in are the days in which we have our new found freedom to “do whatever we want”……… or so we would like to think. Being away from home, can be rewarding but can also requires a lot of growing up.
4. “Divide and Conquer”
As soon as you get your class schedule, each semester secondary to using ratemyprofessor, is what I like to call the “divide and conquer” technique. In college, attendance matters, hence you don’t want to end up be late to class on the first day. Grab your friends or roomate, go in a group or alone, and simply walk across campus and map out where all your classes are. Use your phone to take pictures of familiar spots along the way and write down shortcuts for going between different classes. If you’re especially nervous about having a back to back class, use a timer to see how long the walk will take.
5. Girl, CALL YOUR MAMA…. (or at least text once in a while)
Whether you know it or not you will be missed when you go away to college.
While, you are not expected to call everyday, make an attempt to call your parents at least once a week, during the first few weeks of the semester. If speaking over the phone doesn’t work for you, no problem send a text instead. Trust me, they just want to make sure you’re doing OK and are far more worried than they let on.
6. The importance of a great first impression in any academic setting, can MAKE or BREAK you, use that as you may.
First impressions go a longgggg way. Prior to the first class of the semester, reach out to your professor via email, and express your interest and excitement in their class. In doing, this you are already ahead of the game, and will stand our when the professor first meets the class. Keep in mind that even the most “toughest” and “grumpiest” of professors, love to see a student who is hardworking and invested in their field. Do not forget, OFFICE HOURS, are a gift! It is important to build a professional relationship with your professor founded on the basis of trust and a drive for success.
7. Be a little bit of a nerd, with a whole lot of badass!
Let’s face it, girl bosses such as Rory Gilmore and Hermione Granger may have been “nerds” but are also pretty badass. Remember that college is a time to explore your academic interests and find what makes you “tick”. As surprising as it sounds, as you grow up other people are fascinated in hearing what motivates you and are willing to invest their own time in helping you learn and gain “real world” experience .
8. Upperclassmen are your best friends
Remember, this isn’t high school anymore. As a freshman, most seniors in college are going to be some of the most amazing people you will meet. Just a little bit older, seniors always look out for their freshman friends. Besides, who else is gonna drive you off campus to get Starbucks or Dunkin?
9. Procrastination is your enemy and all nighters are your downfall
JUST DON’T DO IT, OKAY?! Make sure to plan ahead and always finish a paper or assignment ahead of time. The 24hrs of effort you put into your paper will do, and it will also be reflected in your grade. Not to mention, no sleep = worst weekday ever.
10. It’s OK to not be OK.
College can tough. It’s okay to be overwhelmed. You are not alone, and never be ashamed to reach out and ask for help. All it takes to make someone’s day is a big bear hug. After all, we are in this together for the next four years!