I can still remember how excited I was to finally be going to college. I couldn’t sleep the night before move-in because of how anxious I was to finally arrive at Pitt and move into my dorm. All I could think about was how fun and amazing college was going to be. I couldn’t wait to meet new people, try new things, and meet lots of boys (or so I thought). Flash-forward to saying goodbye to my parents after a hectic move-in, and the reality of college hit me. I wouldn’t be living in my own room, I wouldn’t be able to shower in my own shower, and even worse, I couldn’t choose to not wear pants to bed (as I sometimes did). I would be going three months without seeing my family and friends and living with someone that I barely knew. I worried that I wouldn’t make friends or get along with my roommate, and that I would have a severe case of the freshman fifteen. Though I was worried about all of these things, I decided that I needed to make the best of my first semester… and that I did. Along the way, I was able to meet amazing new people, have so many new experiences, and get involved in numerous clubs. Now here I am already starting my second semester, and I couldn’t be happier. I never thought I would be able to say that I actually looked forward to going to class (unless it’s at 9 a.m.). My first semester of college taught me more than I ever thought it could- from the good experiences and even the bad. That being said, here is a list of what I think are the most important lessons that I learned during my first semester of college.
10. Don’t Be Afraid To Branch Out
I came from a small high school with only sixty-four girls in my graduating class. To go from such a small school, to Pitt (made up of close to 28,000 students) was nothing short of a drastic change. I forced myself to branch out, and I was glad I did. I was able to meet great friends that I wouldn’t have been able to meet if I hadn’t done so. Remember that everyone is in the same situation that you are, so what’s the worst that could happen when meeting someone new?
9. Explore, Explore, Explore!
Going to school in a city is something that I’ve seen myself doing ever since I could remember. There is so much to see and do; and because of this, I could never be bored. Though it is tempting to stay in my dorm all day and have never-ending “One Tree Hill” marathons, there’s a whole city to see! Even if you don’t go to school in a city, it’s always possible to make time to get out of your dorm, get some fresh air with a friend, and do something new.
8. Just Be Yourself
Though not everyone struggles with this, coming to a place where no one knows who you are can make it a little intimidating to actually be yourself. It is not only intimidating, but also scary to have no one know who you are or where you come from. Use this to your advantage and show people that you’re amazing Jess the way you are. You’re bound to make longer lasting friendships with those who accept and like you for you.
7. Don’t Hold Back
As great as high school might have been, it is in the past. There comes a time when you need to let go of the past and embrace the future. Sure you had a lot of great memories from your senior year (such as senior prom) but don’t let holding onto these memories stop you from making new ones during your time in college. Trust me, college seems to be going by a lot faster than high school ever did.
6. Sleep > Classes?
It is more than tempting to sleep through or skip classes. In big lectures, they won’t even know you’re gone, right? Though this may be true, try not to skip classes or sleep through every 8 a.m. After all, you never know whom you might end up sitting next to, like your soul mate (a girl can dream, right?).
5. Stay Balanced
Though schoolwork and studying are important, it is also more than okay to go out and have fun! Part of the whole college experience is meeting new people and making lasting memories; and I doubt all of these memories can come from studying in the library every night. Make an effort to go out to dinner, a house party, or even go to a frat party… the experience is probably a must for every freshman.
4. The Freshman Fifteen Might Just Be A Myth
Coming into college, I had the mindset that gaining the freshman fifteen was inevitable. However, finding people to motivate you to work out and eat healthier was a lot easier than I thought it would be. College food isn’t just fat and grease. There are ways to get your fruits and veggies in and beat the freshman fifteen! Not only will you stay healthier, but you will feel better about yourself and your self-confidence will sky rocket.
3. Boys Aren’t Everything
I seriously thought that coming to college would do wonders when it came to my love life. I actually laugh at how wrong I was about this one. Boys are nowhere near better than the ones I knew in high school. In fact, they may even be worse when it comes to wanting the same things as me (hello, where is my Nathan Scott?). Don’t expect to have a hookup with a boy and then have him fall madly in love with you. Though you may react like this, chances are that he won’t. It took me a while to figure this one out, but I now finally understand what Sam Adams meant when he said, “Single doesn’t mean I’m looking for somebody.”
2. Keep Calm and Eat Ben and Jerry’s
College is definitely a time of stress, and lots of it. Though it can all seem impossible, know that you have friends and family both at school and at home that are just a phone call away for support. From impossible classes to homesickness, know that you are never alone- especially if you keep a pint of Ben and Jerry’s in your freezer. Above all, remember that as long as you reach, work, believe, and continue to dream, you can get what you want!
1. Do It All For YOU
I believe that the most important lesson that I’ve learned so far is that I’m at college for me and only me. Nobody except for you knows what you want, so you have to be the one to go and get it. Also, try to not hold onto regrets, and instead call these regrets lessons learned. Got a huge exam on Monday? Have the power to not go out every night the weekend before. See a boy you drunkenly hooked up with last weekend everywhere you go? Don’t beat yourself up over it and keep your head held high. No matter what: your experiences, especially during these four years, are what will help you to learn and grow.