Hey guys! I can’t believe the fall semester is already so close!! I know there are a lot of incoming freshmen out there who are probably freaking out (as I know I was) about what to expect at college.
1. You will make friends.
You probably won’t make your closest friends during the “bonding activities” during your school’s version of Welcome Week. Your closest friends will be made in the clubs you join and the classes you take– that’s where you’ll find people with similar interests! So, if you don’t have a new BFF by the end of welcome week, don’t stress yourself out! Let your new friendships evolve naturally, don’t force them.
2. You don’t actually HAVE to go to all those awkward ice-breaker activities.
If you’re a social butterfly, you probably like the idea of diving in a group of people and coming out with a hundred new friends. However, if you’re like me, the sound of these freshman ice-breaker events is enough to make you cringe. From my experience, a lot of people went to these events mainly because everyone else was going. But, they came back disappointed. Because they met hundreds of people who were also nervous about putting their best foot forward. Therefore, they couldn’t get past that “Hi, my name’s ______. I’m from _______ and I want to study ______!” opening without making any deep connections. Even more, you meet so many people that you’re head is spinning and you can barely remember all their names! For some introverts like me, this is a very uncomfortable experience that’s enough to make you want to head right back home. I prefer meeting people in the dining halls or during classes, where it’s natural and not so over-enthusiastic and forced. For others, it’s an enriching experience that helps them make life-long friends. Just follow your gut. (Side note: These events usually have food or some sort of goodie. So, you might not want to avoid these events completely. 😉 But, you can stop by and play it by ear.)
3. Leave all those extra t-shirts at home.
The great thing about being a freshman is that you get to be babied and it’s AWESOME. Which means lots of organizations will be throwing t-shirts at you wherever you go! I’m pretty sure during my freshman year, I got at least 6-7 free t-shirts just because that’s how freshmen roll. So, save yourself some room in that suitcase or box so that you can pack something else more useful! Like sweats for your first final exam period! (JK, but not really.)
4. There’s still drama in college — but, that doesn’t mean you have to be a part of it.
It’s all about the friends you choose. Avoid the gossips.
People will always bond and break apart by talking about other people. Just because you feel like you have no friends and you’re finally making a connection with someone else, don’t do it! Remember that you’ll most likely have to spend the next four years with the people that you meet this year. So, even if you might be feeling cranky and vulnerable, resist the urge to be judgmental and gossipy. Be a good friend. Focus on bettering yourself, and I promise that college will be a much happier and fulfilling experience for you. Also, first appearances are not always what they seem. My best friends from college right now are not who I thought they’d be. Give everyone a chance. If you are stressed and need to vent, it’s best to have one or two trustworthy friends to confide in. Spend time with people who take the high road and don’t always agree with you. It’s beneficial in the long run.
5. It’s really easy to get sick in college.
College is great because you have the freedom to eat whatever you want, unlike when you were living under someone else’s roof. But, mom was right about eating those veggies. You not only should eat your veggies, you NEED to eat those veggies. Your first semester is going to be a mental and physical battle. This means you’ll probably be getting less sleep, have less time to exercise, and have lots of stress that you never had to deal with before. On top of that, you’re living in close quarters with other people who are going through the same thing. Your immune system will be a lot weaker and getting sick is inevitable. I never really got sick in high school, but my body went haywire during my first semester of college. However, this doesn’t have to be a constant battle. Enhance your immune system by being mindful of what you eat, drinking lots of water, exercising when you have time, and getting a good night’s rest. Because your schedule will be hectic, it’s easiest to control what you put into your body. So try to eat three healthy meals a day, and maybe even take a daily multivitamin. I take daily gummy vitamins and it does wonders (plus, they’re yummy).
6. Do the assigned reading for a class.
Even if you don’t have a quiz over it, read it. If the professor suggests it, odds are they’ll put something on the test about it. Also read the chapter you’ll be going over in class before you get to class. You’ll already have a basic understanding of the information so when your professor actually teaches it, you’ll grasp it more fully. This saves a ton of study hours!
7. Going to different colleges from your best friends doesn’t mean you’ll lose touch and lose your friendship.
One thing I’ve learned in the last year at college is that a true best friend is someone you don’t have to talk to or see everyday but, when you do get to talk to them, you pick up right where you left off. Your friends will understand that college is a busy time in your life and you won’t have time to talk everyday. There were times when Marisol, Hannah, and I went months without having a real conversation and it’s only made our friendship that much stronger, knowing that even distance can’t tear us apart!
8. Your confidence will be tested.
In college, you will get to encounter some of the most brilliant students who will be mind-blowing! This can be an enriching experience, but it is one that intimidates most people. You will meet people who come from insanely privileged backgrounds, people who seem to have a genius gene so they don’t have to study, or maybe even people who always seem to be doing better than you. But, hold your head up high and realize that you are there among these amazing students for a reason. Work hard and focus on yourself. Use the people around you as inspiration. Don’t talk about grades. Don’t compare yourself.
9. Netflix is dangerous. Don’t touch it during finals season.
Enough said.
10. Get involved!
The key to a fun and successful first year at college is to get involved in clubs you’re really interested in! This is where you’ll build life-long friendships.
11. Go to your professors office hours frequently, even if you have to make up a question to ask them.
Get to know them and definitely introduce yourself to them during the first week of classes to let them know how excited you are about their class– even if you’re not. This will help them see you as a person, not just another number. Trust me, this makes a difference during end of semester grade submissions! Plus, they have to have office hours– they get bored, so they want people to come in!
12. “Freshman year is basically meant for messing up.”
This quote was said to me by a very wise upperclassmen. Your freshman year is not going to be perfect. Even if you were a star student in high school and made straight A+’s your whole life, you will still encounter lots rough patches. You’ll change your mind about a lot of things. College is physically and mentally exhausting. Although you need to discipline yourself, it’s most important to love yourself. So don’t beat yourself up if you’re ever in the middle of freshman year thinking, “This isn’t how it was supposed to be.” Forgive yourself for that not-so-hot grade in Econ, keep working hard, and move on. You’ll get it. And when you do, it’ll be amazing!
College is a roller coaster. You don’t know what to expect– but that’s the best part! It’s an entirely new experience but you get out of it what you decide to. It can be the best or worst four years of your life– it’s your choice.
Good luck, freshmen and welcome to the ranks!
-B & H
Three Best Friends Take On College 