Since my freshman year is almost over, I thought it would be nice to write down the top six things I learned my first year to help other freshmen.
- Go to class
I know this sounds like a no-brainer but seriously go to class. I had an 8:00 a.m my fall semester and it was a struggle to get myself out of bed 4 days a week. I ended up skipping quite a few times and it was always a struggle to get caught up each time I missed a day. You’re at college to expand your knowledge and to get an education. So, unless it is a genuine emergency, going to class is always the better choice than not.
- Invest in a decent planner
No, seriously, actually investing in a hard-cover, touchable, not in your phone planner would be one of the top things I wish I did. I had managed to skate through high school by just relying on my memory and hoping that I had remembered anything. That does not work in college… trust me. I have missed or almost missed so many due dates because I didn’t write it down. Even if I put them on my phone calendar, I am still prone to forgetting about important dates. Finding a nice planner that has enough room to fit all of your events and investing in a few colored pens as well, will serve you so well throughout college.
- Get to know your professors
Your professors are there to teach you first and foremost but they are also incredible resources of knowledge and helpful tips. Just simply saying hello and goodbye when you enter and leave class can work wonders for you. Always find at least one professor that can be your go-to person if you just need to vent or have problems that you need to talk to. They are there to not only teach you but also to help you. Having a strong relationship with even just a few professors can go miles to help you while you’re in college but also after you graduate.
- Get involved
I know this one seems stereotypical but it’s true. Getting involved was probably the best thing I did my freshman year. I joined the newspaper first thing when I got to Winthrop and it was wonderful. It gave me something to do so I felt like I had purpose but I was also able to meet upperclassmen to give me advice and to show me around campus. I have gained so much experience and could not be more grateful. I also wanted to join a community of young women who enjoyed writing as much as I did so I joined HerCampus. I have loved being a part of this great organization and meeting a fantastic group of people who are kind, caring, and so welcoming.
- Always communicate with your roommates
This is so so important to remember. You are in such a small space often with little to no privacy. It is almost a given that you will fight at least once with your roommate. But it’s important that instead of going silent or being passive-aggressive, that you both sit down and have a mature conversation. Being able to talk through what the problem is and how to solve it without arguing or exploding in anger will work wonders for your living situation.
- Take care of yourself
This one is probably the most important one and the one I forget to do the most. College is stressful and it’s harder because you are on your own. Be sure to take some time, even if it’s just 30 minutes, to rest and relax. Scroll through social media, watch an episode of your favorite show, read a book, take a quick nap. Whatever helps you relax and de-stress, be sure to make time to do something besides school work or work in general.
For any incoming freshman, know that your first year will be challenging. There will be lows but there will be so many more highs. You will make so many friends, learn how to live on your own, and take great classes. College is a crazy time but it’s one of the best times of your life.