Dear Incoming College Freshman,
College: the best years of your life. That is a phrase I heard over and over again as I was getting ready for my freshman year. And yet, as I entered college, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. Heck, I still don't!
Here are the things I wish someone had told me before I started.
1. Everyones handles the adjustment to college differently
Everyone handles college differently. For some, college comes as a welcome escape from high school with the refuge of interesting classes, parties, and new classmates. A few people I know met their best friends during Freshman Orientation. If that happens for you, wonderful! If it doesn’t, don't be worried. For me, I experienced a lot of culture shock when I entered college, not from moving to a new location, but for how college differed from high school. From 4th grade to Senior year of high school I had many of the same classmates. As someone who entered college as an introvert, it was very difficult for me to suddenly be in an environment where I needed to go out and make friends. It took me till the beginning of my second semester to fully adjust to the college experience.
A college counselor once described the experience of a college freshman as similar to a roller coaster with ups and downs correlated to parts of the year, midterms, first trip back to hometown during the holidays, joining clubs, experiencing different classes, etc. For me, that was absolutely true. However, despite a rough beginning, I am so thankful for my entire college experience.
2. Challenge yourself to new experiences
You are in a new place, try new things. Take this however you want, whether that is experiencing a local restaurant, taking a class outside your major (Russian Literature, Psychology, Martial Arts, college has it all), taking part in campus traditions, or joining a bunch of clubs. For me, that was Greek life. Upon entering college, I had no intention of joining a sorority. A decade later, I can honestly say joining a sorority was the best decision of my life. I gained confidence and some of the my best friends, and even served as a bridesmaid in my sorority sister's wedding. Greek life isn't for everyone, but find your people.
3. About classes
The 100 level classes at your school will be some of your hardest. In my experience, I did a lot more work (in terms of regular assignments vs. 1 large paper) in my introduction classes.
Go to your professor's office hours. Yes, it may seem tedious, but it is worth it. I cannot tell you the number of my friends who went to large colleges who struggled to get letters of recommendation from their professors because they didn't go to office hours. if you don't engage with your professors or participate in class, you are a grade on a sheet of paper. By engaging with your professors not only do you help yourself in a particular class, but you set yourself up for success in the future.
Study smart, not hard. Find a study method which works for you, whether it is flash cards, group study sessions, or cramming in the library.
While it is amazing to know exactly what you want to do for a career upon entering college, it is okay if you don't. Who knows, maybe you enter school for biology but suddenly find you hate the classes and love art therapy. It is okay to change your major. Almost every one I know changed their major or minor at least once in college.
4. Your friends from high school may change
If you went to different colleges than your high school friends, be prepared for some of those relationships to change. It is okay (and normal) for those relationships to change. That being said, if you are committed to making those high school friendships work, you absolutely can do that. Check out some tips on How to: Stay Close With Your Long Distance Best Friend.
5. If partying is your thing, take advantage of campus services
Most college campuses have some sort of "safe ride" program. Use it. Don’t drink and drive.
6. BACK UP YOUR COMPUTER
Purchase a backup drive and consistently back up your work. I lost a copy of my Senior Thesis the week before it was due when my computer crashed (luckily we recovered it). Learn from my computer mistakes, which I have made often. My parents still remind me regularly to back up my computer.
7. In the Eternal words of Elle Woods
What advice do you wish you had Freshman year of college?