Contrary to popular belief, your freshmen year doesn’t always begin in the fall, so for all the incoming freshmen preparing to for their first semester, this one is for you!
When the phrase “your college years are the best years of your life” is said, you can be sure that freshmen year is a large part of what they are referring to. Freshmen year is arguably the most exciting time of your college life. The memories you will make and bonds you will create is going to be what makes your University feel like a second home. Despite the excitement, here are a few lessons I wish I knew my freshman year.
1. “Teachers pet”s are left in high school” — When you enter college classrooms, Mr. Smith turns into “Professor Smith” or “Dr. Smith.” Something about those titles alter the rules a bit. Getting to know your professors can be extremely beneficial. Your instructors are going to be the people who write your recommendation letters and expose you to internship opportunities. By no means should you leave apples on your professor’s desk but visiting their office hours and introducing yourself will surely make a lasting impression.
2. The Band and Athletes are your competition — Most college campuses have a cafeteria, a band and athletes. Those three are a lethal combination concocted to murder any chances of you getting food. Most college bands and teams do everything as a unit, eating is no exception. If your schedule allows, make sure you are at least 10 minutes ahead of the band, and 15 minutes ahead of the athletes (they’re a bit faster). Don’t worry, competing with your university’s band and sports teams will not alter you school spirit. Go Spartans!, see?
3. Do what you have to do, so that you can do what you want to do –The stories are true; C’s do get degrees. Graduating with a 2.0 is possible and slackers do pass their classes sometimes. Although doing the minimum is appealing, always strive for better. You don’t have to ask for extra credit during every class but do what is required. Bad grades can easily ruin your first year of college because you won’t be eligible to do anything. To be active in any organization on campus, many universities require you to maintain a 2.5 grade point average. The grades you receive your first year in college is the foundation of your GPA; take advantage of the required courses that seem pointless.
4. Ramen isn’t that bad — Admit it, before college-life ramen was not something to reach for when your stomach started rumbling. Things change when it is past midnight, all the nearby restaurants are closed, and your only dinner options are Ramen and sleep. Unfortunately, dark moments like the one mentioned are not uncommon for undergraduates. Having a few packages (or a box, because why not?) of Ramen in your room can save your life. Ramen is easy to cook and even easier to spice up because there are different flavors. College students are not wealthy by any means, and Ramen is extremely affordable. Do not commit yourself to an all Ramen diet, but don’t leave the grocery store without it either.
5. Take your clothes out, please –There is nothing more frustrating than attempting to do laundry and seeing clothes in a washer that has timed out. Not removing your clothes when the cycle has ended will almost always result in someone removing them for you (and placing them anywhere). To avoid having your clothing forced from a washing machine, set a timer on your phone. The timer will let you know exactly when your clothes are done washing; you’ll get your laundry done faster and make the machines you were using available. Everyone wins.
Contrary to popular belief, your freshmen year doesn’t always begin in the fall, so for all the incoming freshmen preparing to for their first semester, this one is for you! Use these five tips and you are sure to survive your first semester!