10 Things I Learned as a College Freshman
Although I’ve only been an official college student for three months now, I’ve already learned some life lessons that each and every one of you will experience no matter what- even if you memorize every word on this page. Going through the difficult parts of newly found independence can be tricky, but absolutely worth it in the end.
You Can’t Do it By Yourself
As an incoming freshman, I felt like I was on top of the world. I had never had the sense of independence that I did once living on my own; however, that confidence quickly went down the drain as soon as I realized how overwhelmed I was. Without a doubt, college is a heck of a lot harder than high school and it’s important to take advantage of your resources. Use the tutoring centers, they’re there for a reason!!!! Also, form study groups. Studies show that you learn better from working with others, and it makes studying way more fun.
You Will Get Sick … Be Prepared!
If you think you have an invincible immune system, think again. Being holed up in a dorm with hundreds of other freshman makes getting sick inevitable, so make a point to keep a box of Emergen-c and cold medicine around just in case you start to feel the effects of cold and flu season.
Get on a Schedule
One of the great things about college is the amount of free time you have. However, one of the terrible things about college is the amount of free time you have. As tempting as it is to lay in bed all day and watch Netflix, getting ahead on assignments will serve you well in the long term and you’ll thank yourself for giving up that episode of Orange is the New Black to fit in a last minute study session. It’s important to go to sleep and wake up around the same time every single day (yes even on the weekends), and get your body to experience the internal clock sensation. Waking up at a decent hour gives you time to work on assignments, hit the gym, or grab breakfast before class to get your day started off on the right foot.
You Can’t Do Everything
No matter how many or how few social and academic organizations you choose to be involved in, your schedule will be insane. In high school, there were tons of opportunities to associate yourself with many different extracurricular activities, but it was generally always possible to make it to practice, spanish club, tutoring, and chess club and make it to bed by 10. Not the case in college. You have to prioritize events and functions that are important to you, not your mom, or your best friend, or your boyfriend.
USE A PLANNER
Quite possibly the most vital form of advice I can offer. A planner or agenda of some kind is essential in order to get a visual on exactly how much time you have until that essay or math assignment is due. By writing everything down, physically or electronically, you will immediately become more organized and able to divide your time appropriately. You may even prefer to have one planner for academics and one for social.
Find a Study Space Other Than Your Room
Explore your campus and find the perfect study environment for you. Do you like a quite work space? Maybe the library is the perfect spot for you. Do you like more of a social scene? Maybe try the union. Cabin fever is easy to come by in such a small room, so it can be beneficial to get outside to refresh your mind and avoid a mental rut.
Get to Know at Least One Person in All Your Classes
Getting the phone number of that annoying girl that always seems to know the answer could mean a better understanding of an assignment or someone to ask what’s on that ever looming calc exam. Skipping a class because you’re sick or just lazy is practically inevitable, so having someone reliable to ask what went on in class will be a life saver. PS don’t ask your professor unless you’re prepared to hear everyone’s favorite response, “It’s on the syllabus”.
Go to Class
I don’t care if it’s the most boring class of your entire existence or if the professor “doesn’t even take attendance” … GO TO CLASS!! Research shows that there is a clear correlation between the number of classes that students attend and their grades in that class. Even if you don’t write anything down, just retaining the information will help better prepare you for the test than going to lunch with your bestie.
Invest in Those Who Invest in You
Personally, wasting time is one of my biggest fears. Don’t be afraid to stick with the friends you already have going into college while you make new ones along the way. Being able to recognize a true friendship as opposed to fake, surface level ones will become even more important as a freshman than it ever has been before. All in all, don't waste your time chasing after that guy or that really popular girl in your sorority. If it’s meant to be, it'll be. And most importantly BE YOURSELF! Don’t change to meet the needs or desires of others.
Believe in Yourself
If you don’t think you can do it, you probably can’t. A positive attitude can change everything!
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