1. Your parents aren’t always going to be by your side:
Your parents won’t be there in college to wake you up for school or make you dinner for when you come home late. My first couple of weeks here were hard because I have such a close relationship with my parents. Even though it was hard leaving them, after freshman year I have become even more independent and reflect more on my actions.
2. Healthy eating:
Freshman 15 is real. Because our dining hall is essentially a buffet that we have access to for all three meals, I struggled with wanting to try a little bit of everything for a single meal and not controlling my portions. Throughout the year, it took me a while to figure out how to eat the freshest foods and fruits. I also struggled with realizing when I was actually full, rather than sitting in the dining hall and getting a second plate.
3. How to manage my time:
I thought that since I played three sports in high school and was able to manage my time well, I was going to have no problem once I started college. But, little did I know, I had so much free time that I had to figure out how to manage my time again. I didn’t realize how much free time I would have throughout the day. Realizing this, I had to really understand what to do with my time and how to effectively use it.
4. It is okay to make time for yourself:
Along with managing my time, I realized that I don’t have to spend every waking minute with my friends or studying. Some days, I just need to lay in my bed and watch Netflix or go do something I like.
5. Find something fun:
Make the best out of your college experience! Currently, the one thing I can depend on that is fun, is club tennis. I was very passionate about tennis in high school and was a little disappointed when I realized that I couldn’t just walk onto the D1 team. But joining the club tennis team has been a fun experience. I met have met and become close with so many upperclassmen while working on my tennis game.
6. Not everyone wants to be your friend:
It is hard to make friends in college, but even if you are kind and friendly some people may not want to be friends. I recommend trying to meet as many people as you can, but keep in mind not everyone wants to be your friend.