Going Into Your Freshman Year

I don't think anyone loves college more than the two of us. If I could've started earlier I would have. College is where you make so many lasting memories and friends, and it's the only place where although you might be struggling it doesn't seem so bad. There are definitely things that I know now, that I wish I could have gone and told myself before I started freshman year. Keep some of these things in mind, and your freshman year will be golden. I had no idea how many experiences and new things freshman year would bring, and I am so thankful because good and bad experiences have made me a more outgoing and all-around improved person.

1. Walk your classes before the start of semester to get acquainted, pack your backpack with everything you need, and give yourself time to get to class. Make sure you check the weather every morning because you don't want to wear a white t shirt if there is an 80% chance of rain. If you go to school somewhere like Florida or Seattle, keep an umbrella or raincoat in your bag.

2. It's okay to ask people questions because freshman year no one knows what they're doing or where they are going, and everyone understands that. We all remember what it was like. However, if you can get the answer to your question on your university’s app or online, try looking it up before looking completely clueless.

3. Join tons of clubs. It's a great way to build up your resume and meet people on campus. Definitely be involved in your sorority, but also join outside clubs so you can be involved in all aspects of campus. I suggest joining clubs related to your major because it will help you see if you actually want to continue on that path, but it will also be good to talk about in job/internship interviews.

4. Make a bucket list of things you are going to complete by the end of your freshman year. Whether it's run through the school fountain, make the campus story, go to a fraternity formal, or basically anything your little heart desires DO IT. You only get one freshman year, so do it right.

5. Stay focused in school. Classes won't be like they were in high school, so make sure you crack open the books in between flirting with fraternity guys. The amount of work you have can be overwhelming, so stay on top of it. Sit next to someone on your first day of class, introduce yourself, and exchange numbers. Studying is easier with someone else and you never know when you will get sick and need notes. Don’t bother your TA with things a classmate could answer for you. Most people are friendly and don’t mind making an alliance to help pass a class.

6. Be open to new experiences, but also use good judgement. In college you will see and hear things you never thought you would before. Be open to doing new things, but also keep your limits in mind. I'm all for having a good time, but you should also keep a good head on your shoulders and not do anything stupid. You are going for a good time, not death.

7. Get some exercise. I can't say I exercise everyday or even most days, but I can say that I usually try to go to the rec center, take a hike, or play outdoor games at least 3-4 times a week. It is a great stress reliever, plus intramurals are really fun and might help you battle the freshman 15.

8. Take lots of pictures. I wish I took a lot more pictures of my friends and on the quad, just hanging out, or doing other fun things. It's nice to look back on pictures and be like "oh my god I totally forgot about this."

9. Make tons of friends, especially cute boys. Ask people in your classes to form study groups and do homework, hang out with people in clubs, and try to make friends in other Greek organizations besides your own! Having a large circle of friends can be very helpful freshman year, and you'll be surprised how many great people you will meet. The best thing about college is that everyone is open to new friends and in the same boat. You wouldn’t believe how helpful it is to have friends who are part of different organizations in different situations. For example, I know someone who works in the student union who can give me as many free scantrons as my heart desires.

10. Keep a planner or whiteboard calendar with due dates and to-do items on it. It is so easy to lose track of the day, what assignments are due, or what chores need to be done. It is good to keep a running list of what needs to get done. Next time you think you have free time and watch an entire season of a show on netflix, you might want to consult your list to make sure you actually have the time.

11. Don’t judge anyone. If you go into college with an open mind, you can discover who you really are. Exposing yourself to more people with different ideas gives you more perspective and knowledge about the world around you. No lie, I was sheltered during high school, but in college I have learned so much by just listening to people. I am not going to go off and try everything everyone tells me to, but it is good to be open to the idea of a different view or a new experience. For most of your life, you have probably been in the same area of the world being influenced by your parents or the people around you. In college, everyone has a different background so there is so much to soak in.

12. When you walk into class 15 minutes early and there are people lined up to talk to the professor, they are from the last class asking questions, it is not a line to check in. In college, professors don’t care whether you show up to class or not. They have hundreds of students, and they aren’t there to hold your hand through your first class. They are legitimately there to deliver a lecture, grade exams, and nothing more. My first class this semester, there was about ten freshman waiting in line for no reason. Don’t make that mistake.

13. Do not buy your books in advance unless you are positive it is necessary. Many professors don’t utilize the book at all, and then you lost money paying for material that will serve no purpose to you. You can always see the freshman in a class because they sit down and pull out their book from their bag as if we are all going to sit around in a circle and do popcorn reading together. Most of the time, even if you use your book, you will only need it to study or prepare for class. You won’t even need to lug it to class every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

14. Take time for yourself. College is what you make it, so stay positive. It's super stressful, but take time to yourself to go make a wish list on Vineyard Vines, buy yourself a monogrammed necklace from Marley Lilly as a reward for your A on your calc test, or treat yourself to Starbucks sometimes. Your mental health is especially important in college because if you become too overtired or disorganized it can affect all aspects of your life. It's okay to watch 2 episodes of Friends and then get back work.