10 Things You Need to Know Before Starting Your Freshman Year of College
Preparing to go to college is a nerve-wracking, exciting, and overwhelming experience. After I graduated high school, I could not wait until I was away from home and on my own, yet a part of me was not ready because had no idea what was going to come my way after I moved into that tiny dorm room. Today, I have come up with the 10 Things You Need to Know Before Starting Your Freshman Year, something I wish I had before coming to college.
1. Say Yes
First and foremost, say yes! College is only 4 years long, make the most of it. Of course, have your limitations, but try to go out of your comfort zone. If someone asks you to hang out or grab coffee, do it. You never know who may become your closest friend because of saying yes.
Some of my favorite nights of college were when I forced myself to get out of bed to get ready. If you are tired after trying to do something, you can always go back to your room.
2. Friends Will Not Come to You
Making friends was my all-consuming thought freshman year. Will I find a friend group? Do the people I hang out with like me?
Turns out, I was asking myself the wrong questions. You need to ask yourself, who do I want to be surrounded by? One of the coolest parts about college is that there is people from all backgrounds and with all different experiences. You have the opportunity to choose you you want to be around!
You have to put yourself out there in order to make friendships. Be the one who asks someone to go on a walk or grab lunch instead of waiting to be invited.
3. Get Involved in 3 Clubs
Going to a large college, there are loads of opportunities to get involved academically, socially, recreationally, and the list goes on. Find 3 clubs that you want to join, I promise it will make your freshman year so much better.
My favorite part about joining different campus organizations was meeting people in different pockets of campus. In turn, I knew people from all different areas and was exposed to different groups of friends.
Some examples of organizations you can become involved in are Greek life, Bible studies, clubs in your major, honors programs, and community service programs. Getting involved early on in college was one of the best decisions I have made that has positively impacted my upper class experience.
4. Leave Your Dorm Room Door Open
On the first day of move-in, leave your door open! It is so simple and effective in getting to know your hallmates. During move-in, we didn’t have to worry about awkwardly knocking on someone’s door if it was already open. After a couple of weeks, my hallway in my dorm made a group chat where we could borrow clothes from one another and let one another know what was going on that week. We even went to the lake together one day!
It is so important to get to know those around you because you will see those people every single day walking in and out of their rooms.
5. Talk to Your Professors
Professors are resources! It took me way to long to learn this one. Coming from a small high school, I knew my teachers before they even taught me the material. In college, I had a new professor for every class and had no idea who they were.
After learning to go up to the professor, introduce myself, and attend office hours, my grades reflected it. Making an effort to reach out to your professors shows them that you care about your school work and respect the work that they are doing. As a result, you will make a better effort in the class if the professor knows who you are.
And a bonus, who knows if you may need some advice or a letter of recommendation later down the road!
6. Go to Sporting Events
The student life at my college revolves around sports. Whatever is the basis of student life at your school, make an effort to participate.
At my school, almost all sporting events are free, so it was easy to go and sit in the student section whenever we wanted. It kept me busy in the evenings and is something easy to do with friends.
7. No One is Looking at You
On my first day of class especially, I was freaking out that everyone was staring at me. I did not know where I was going, I was terrified, and it was raining. In hindsight, I should have focused more on myself and less of what other people may be thinking about me.
College is a time to spread your wings to become the person you want to be. Don’t let other people dictate who you are! Be confident in what you are doing and you will attract the right people.
8. You Do Not Have to Know What You Want to Do in Life
Phew! I thought that I had to have everything figured out by my freshman year. In reality, I did not.
I have changed my major twice and redirected my path multiple times. Freshman year, it is good to have a plan, but it is also fine to alter that plan. At the end of college, you want to be doing what you love, so take time during your experience to find out what you really want to do.
9. Have a Google Calendar
My Google Calendar saved my life freshman year! I would input all my class times and meetings. Through using a calendar, I noticed how much free time I actually had. By being organized, I could find time to be very social while also attending class and staying on top of my studies.
Before I had my calendar, my brain was a jumbled mess trying to remember all that I needed to do in a day.
10. Have Fun
Last but not least, HAVE FUN! I cannot believe I only have one year of college left when I am writing this. When you look back on your college experience, you will remember all the times that you were doing things, not the times you were in bed. (Those nights are still important.) College is a once-in-a-lifetime experience where you are surrounded by people in the same stage of life as you. Everyone is trying to figure out life. Step out of your comfort zone and find the good in every situation, and as you leave college (it flies by), you will be so proud of the person you have become.
