As a “graduating” freshman and rising sophomore, I have had an unbelievable first year at Winthrop University. When I was getting ready to come to Winthrop in August last year, I was absolutely terrified because I didn’t know what to expect! But now that I look back at it, I can say that my freshman year was seriously everything I hoped for–plus more!
Of course, there are some things I wish I knew beforehand, and after the end of your freshman year you’ll find yourself thinking the same thing.
But have no fear! I have some pointers and some advice that might help you out this year!
Here are the 31 things that I learned my freshman year at Winthrop!
1. Staying up late at night to study and work on a project is a thing.
2. Get involved, but don’t sign up for everything.
HCWU fall meeting 2015
3. Always say “hello” to the cafeteria workers in Thomson–they always know how to brighten your day.
4. Don’t feel pressured into going to a party if you don’t want to.
5. Watching Netflix on a Friday night because you have nothing else to do is totally fine.
6. You are not going to fail a test if you take a break, we all need a break while studying.
7. Take those late Friday night outings with your friends, you won’t regret it!
8. Calling home is a blessing and you must never underestimate it.
9. Never pass up the chance to go to a sporting event!
10. You do not need to go to every single Cultural Event your freshman year. You have four years, don’t rush it and don’t stress yourself out about it!
11. During the months of March, April and May, Winthrop worms haunt the trees…and your life.
12. You will have bad days and you will have good days, but they balance each other out in the end.
13. If you want to join Greek Life, join Greek life. If you don’t want to join Greek life, don’t join Greek life. Simple as that, it’s your decision and your decision only.
14. You either love or hate ACAD 101. There’s no in between (well…at least for me there wasn’t). If you love it–awesome! If you hate it, it’ll be over quickly.
15. Your Residents Assistant (RA) is a human being just like you are, so treat them with kindness and respect.
16. You will make mistakes, but learn from them; don’t sulk in them.
17. You are your roommate may not end up being best friends, but do respect each other’s boundaries.
18. You may lose some friends in the beginning, but they will be replaced with people who become family!
19. Coach Kelsey (Head coach for the Men’s Basketball team) can get any audience hyped up. No joke!
20. Start thinking about Studying Abroad early!
21. Make sure you have a good pair of rain boots and/or umbrella!
22. Finals won’t kill you–they may suck the life out of you, but they won’t kill you.
23. There will be weekends where all you do is homework.
24. Always visit the therapy dogs in Digs when they come because it truly is a stress relief.
25. NEVER FORGET WHO YOU ARE, WHERE YOU COME FROM, AND HOW YOUR MOTHER AND FATHER RAISED YOU.
26. Don’t think you are going to find love as soon as you get here, it doesn’t work that way.
27. Definitely get to know your professors personally, they could help you with internships and future job opportunities.
28. Turnitin.com will be your best friend essays.
29. Do NOT hesitate to ask questions, because life is all about learning, that’s why you are here.
30. You are not supposed to know who you are when you get to college because it’s the time to find yourself and create your own story.
31. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!
My dear future Winthrop Eagles,
I am extremely happy that you have chosen Winthrop University as your new home for the next four years! I hope that you have a great experience and love every single bit of Winthrop, just as I have!
See you around campus!