Freshman year can be intimidating to say the least. As you find your groove during the first month, remember that the communal shower experience is only temporary, some people will have much later bedtimes than you, and most importantly, you have a whole group of people going through the exact same big change.
With all of these new adjustments, the last thing you need to worry about is the infamous “freshman 15.” And here’s what I have to say, first of all, it is OKAY if you need to buy that new pair of jeans! You’re not in high school anymore, and your body is adapting and changing just the same as your mind is, so be easy on yourself.
Also remember that your body is the least interesting thing about you. Your favorite songs, funny stories, and what you enjoy doing is much more exciting especially when meeting new people.
Coming from a now senior, it really is true that these years go by fast. I comprised a list of 15 things you will gain during freshman year (that are way more important than your weight).
1. New Friends
The people in your hall, or your class slowly become some of the closest people in your life, and it will make you wonder where they’ve been all along.
2. A Newfound Independence.
You’re on your own now and that is scary, but this is a period in your life it is all about you. Be selfish with your time.
3. New Skills
Things you did at home that seemed pretty ordinary can all of the sudden come out at college. Of my friends, I have the ability to remove any pizza stain from a going out top, and I take pride in that because some of them are stubborn.
4. Friends With Skills
Besides your skills, you’ll also learn that some of your friends are great at things you’re maybe not so great at. My now-housemate can sew, curl hair perfectly, and do professional level makeup looks.
5. A New Perspective
At some point in your first semester, you’re going to have the realization that where you come from and how you were raised may be completely different from some of your peers. Meeting new people allows you to gain a new perspective.
6. A New Major!
This may not be you, but it was for me. I realized early on that education (as awesome as teachers are) may not be my calling and I have since added two majors and a minor. Just know it’s okay to switch.
7. A New Mindset
This can also tie into the new major, but just remember that you’re 18/19 and it is alright if you don’t have a clear idea of who or what you want to be. Experiencing new things is how you figure it out.
8. A New Appreciation For Your Day-Ones
I have never called my mom more than in these past four years, and this goes for any relative, parent, or friend from home that you are close to.
9. A New Coffee Order
Starbucks being on campus has a lot to offer and I have recently tried matcha as a senior.
10. A New Going Out Top
One of my favorite parts of colleges has been the intertwining of closets and more times than not I am wearing my housemate’s shirt or she’s wearing mine and you’ll realize it looks way better on one another and if you’re lucky she’ll let you keep it.
11. New Friends For Life
College friendships are a little different from high school. They are super sped up just because you are spending so much time together, living, eating, going out places. This is something I never take for granted. When I had a loss in my family, 5 of my friends from college drove to New Jersey to be there for me.
12. A New Favorite Pizza Place
Let’s be honest, Pennsylvania is not known for their pizza, but after a night with your friends, usually involving a trip to another dorm or maybe the hill section, ending the night with a slice of pizza is a must (and if it was my choice, I’d say CKs, a general tso’s slice? Come on.).
13. A New Club/Sport
I encourage you to join at least one. I have done volleyball the past four years and although I am not good and do not have the height for it, I have made fun memories with my friends.
14. A New Home
I remember the moment I accidentally called Scranton “home” while being in my real home in New Jersey. It is hard to believe in such a short time that the people that make Scranton feel like home allowed a piece of my heart to live in two places at once.
15. A new pair of jeans
And last but not least, a new pair of jeans. If you’ve gotten through this list, you can tell that there are many things you’ll gain freshman year, and gaining is not always a bad thing, just an adjustment. So, splurge on the jeans, eat the slice of pizza, and enjoy every minute because this time is fleeting but the memories you’ll make will be forever.