Freshman year is full of new things from going to a new school to learning how to adapt to college life. Iv'e learned so much this year but there were many things I wish I would have known going into school. It can be really scary, but freshman year can also be one of the best years of your life.
1. Watch your popcorn
I can't tell you how many times I had to stand outside in the middle of the night, morning and all other times of the day because someone burnt their popcorn. Fire alarms are super sensitive and when they are set off everyone has to evacuate. I set off the alarm once and it was super embarrassing, don't let that be you.2. Be open to meeting new people.
Starting college is hard because you hardly know anyone. Take advantage of every opportunity you get to go out and meet people. Everyone is looking for friends, don't be worried about people not liking you. Just put yourself out there.3. Try to remember peoples names
You're going to be meeting so many new people your first month or so. If you're good at remembering names, that's great. If you aren't, thats okay too. It's always super awkward when you know you've met someone but can't remember their name but the truth is, at this point they probably don't remember yours either. So just ask and get the awkwardness out of the way, it's better than never knowing and eventually having it be too late to ask again.4. Go to class
Even if you have those professors that don't care if you come to class, or if you're in a giant lecture hall, going to class is a must. Professors often discuss material or make important remarks that can't be found in your textbooks. In a smaller classroom setting, professors know if you aren't present and won't think as highly of you if you aren't there.5. Do extra credit
I'm not sure how grading works at most schools, but at mine the difference between a B+ and a B are huge. A plus is worth roughly .33% more than just a flat letter grade. Extra credit makes all the difference and will show your professor you're really trying.6. Don't buy your books from the bookstore.
Your campus bookstore jacks up the prices of the textbooks. I saved over $100 each semester buying my books off of amazon. I also recommend buying and not selling your books. Buying is so much easier because you don't have to worry about something happening to them or returning them at the end of the semester, plus it's a nice incentive at the end of the semester when you can sell them back and magically get easy cash.7. Do SOMETHING
No matter what it is, get involved with something. Whether it's greek life, a club or a sport, do something. You're college experience will be so much better if you're involved. Activities also introduce you to people and can help you adjust to the college atmosphere.
8. Watch out for your friends.
A great thing about my school is that we all watch out and take care of each other when we go out. Parties are great but it's still important to watch your drinks and to make sure your friends aren't leaving with a sketchy guy.8. Take care of people
If a friend is sick, take care of them. You never know when the situation will be switched and you'll want someone taking care of you. Check out this website from the University of Texas for more information about alcohol poisoning. Don't be afraid to call 911 and get your friend in trouble. Many schools have a policy for helping students with no repercussions.9. Form study groups
Study groups are a great way to go over material. Teaching things you know to others is one of the best ways to remember information. It's also a great way to go over material you don't know.
10. Get away from your high school self
No one cares anymore if you were a super great football player or were the best in your class. People who can't stop reliving their high school days are hard to be around. Don't forget those memories, but constantly bringing high school up to your new friends is annoying. Don't be that person.11. Avoid sickness at all costs
Staying healthy in college is super hard. You're confined to small areas with people and constantly interacting with everyone. Pump yourself up on vitamin C and use some hand sanitizer.12. Call your family
They miss you A LOT. Go ahead and give them a call and tell them how you're doing.13. It's okay to not know what you're doing with your life
If you haven't decided on a major, THAT'S OKAY. Freshman year is the time to take different classes and figure it out. It's also okay if you don't know by the end. You'll get there and find something you love.14. Bring enough socks and underwear
Let's face it, you're not going to want to do laundry every week. Hell, I hate doing it. Think about how often you want to do laundry and bring enough socks and underwear to last you however long. This will save you in the long run.15. Be a good roommate
If your roommate is still sleeping, don't turn on the light when you get up. Stumble around awkwardly with your phone for a flashlight and get dressed. Use headphones when listening to anything. If you're staying up late and she is going to bed, go somewhere else. Happy roommates make your life easier.16. Don't get into a relationship right away
Getting into a relationship as soon as you get there limits you socially. You won't go out as often and you won't be as open to meet new people. Let yourself meet every guy you can, my guy friends are some of the best people that I know.17. Long distance doesn't always work and that's okay
Out of all my friends who went into college with a long distance significant other, I think maybe one or two of them are still together. College changes you and it's hard maintaining that connection so far away. IT WILL BE OKAY. Being long distance means that most of the people you know won't know your ex and you won't be surrounded by things that constantly remind you of them. You are going to meet so many new people and find someone else.18. Go to sporting events
Supporting your school and hanging out with friends is so much fun! Just do it. You won't regret it.19. Don't wear your lanyard
You are going to be so tempted to wear your lanyard with your ID around campus because it's convenient. Don't do it. It is a huge flag to everyone saying "Hey I'm a freshman."20. Have fun
Freshman year is the year where you're expected to have fun. You will have the least responsibilities this year out of all four years there. Take advantage of it.
Rachel
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