It's that time of year again- all of the big stores are putting out their back to school stock, and you're trying to get as much use out of your swimming suit as possible. The sunshine is reaching its peak before the Earth slowly orbits farther and farther away, giving us a few more sunny days before we succumb to the cold.
For those entering their first year of high school, there is a general nervousness for the next 4 years to come. Whether or not they'll still be close with their friends from middle school and trying to fit in are some of the biggest concerns for them. Worrying if the teachers will like them or not, and if the classes will be too hard that they fail are even crossing their minds.
We've all gone through it. We all know what that feels like. Now, multiply that nervousness by 10, subtract all of your close friends from high school, and add financial issues and you've got a college freshman.
It's not easy. It's really scary, actually. Having being sheltered for 18 years by a small town and caring parents, it's really intimidating to essentially be forced to be independent. It's like the mama bird kicked you out of the nest without telling you..
..although, even though you were initially scared of falling, you're still a bird. And you have wings, damnit.
There are so many tips and advice out there for college freshman. But nothing I found could help me- only experience could, so I could learn and grow from it. With that being said- this article is not meant to guide you, necessarily. This is merely a few words of advice from someone who has experienced it, and clung to it for dear life, as a tool for her next 3 years.
1. Always have a safety net.
I can't tell you how many times I've had $0 in the bank. The truth of the matter is: there is always going to be a friend that suggests going shopping or ordering food out. You don't want to look like the cheapo, so you go for it- except, "just this once" turns into 5 nights a week, and that work study sure as hell ain't gonna help ya. And it always seems that right when you need money the most, something happens. Like, you catch an upper respiratory infection and need to go to Medwell, or you have to invest in a pair of heavy duty snow boots because FMO refuses to shovel the sidewalks.
Unless your parents pay you for being you, you'll always have to work a little harder to maintain a safety net in college. So...just save your money and don't spend it like water.
2. Never be afraid to ask for help.
You'd be surprised how helpful people can be. Especially professors and other students when you're failing a class. Always ask others for help, even if it's by email. Professors will not get annoyed if you schedule a meeting with them, ask them a few questions, thank them, and then pass their test. If anything, it's a compliment. And, every time someone helps you out, return the favor to someone else. It makes you feel good, and it's an extra confidence boost.
3. Always schedule and keep a planner.
This is probably one of the easiest methods for success. Our bodies love schedule, and it's been proven to be one of the most effective ways to achieve goals, ESPECIALLY in college. The feeling you get when you complete your last task of the day is incomparable. It takes maybe 5 seconds to write a due date down. And maybe 10 minutes to plan your day- or maybe even 20 minutes to plan your week. Do that, and stick to it and I guarantee a great semester.
4. Set goals.
Just like keeping a schedule, setting goals and accomplishing them releases dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a hormone that is associated with reward and happiness and control. In essence, you not only accomplish everything you need to get done, but you also become a happier, more relaxed person because of it.
5. Take advantage of the entire test-taking time.
Generally, you have 50 minute classes, 80 minute classes, or 150 minute classes, all on different days. If you professor says you have that amount of time to complete a test, use it. It does not matter if you have been studying for 3 weeks and it is open book/open note. Use all of time to check, re-check, and correct errors. Sit there if you have to, and study the test. Just use all of the time given.
6. Always wave and say hi to people you know.
If you pass the same person everyday on your way to lunch, say hello. If you've met them before, even if only for a half a second, always smile and wave. This broadens your network, and you never know when you'll need that person. It sounds like you're just out to use them, I know. But if that person you passed every day happens to be in your Calculus ll class and is a Mathematics major, then you'll already be in good graces with them because you're so polite.And it'll help you make friends, and keep them. If you see a familiar face that you have been saying hello to on the commute to class sitting alone in the dorm lobby, strike up a conversation with them.
7. Appreciate what you have.
You meet a lot of people in college. Some come from terribly broken homes, and are doing EVERYTHING themselves. Don't find yourself in a conversation with them about how pissed you are that your parents gave you an iPhone for your birthday, and not a Galaxy.
8. Always go to the on-campus events.
Again, you can meet some very cool people at these things- and you make memories with those around you. And from time to time, it's okay to have fun without being drunk.
And don't worry- the "I'm gonna get drunk every day of the week" phase will end..very abruptly when you get your midterm grades back.
9. Drink lots of water.
Trust me.. you'll understand when you're running around like a chicken with its head cut off. And also when you get massive headaches. And, also, when you start breaking out like you're in middle school again and gain weight.
Water is magical. Take a water bottle to every class, and swear to finish it by each one. Invest in a Brita bottle so you don't have to pay as much each week for a case of water.
Only buy a soda when you ace a test, or when something good like that happens. Again, the goals/rewards system releases dopamine and makes you one happy college kid.
And, finally:
10. Call your mom.
As much as you fight, she still misses you while you're at college. A lot. She is your #1 fan and biggest supporter when it comes to school, so she'll feel so proud of you each time you call with good news. She's already proud of you for even going to college and being on your own. Even if she's never gone to college herself, she also has a lot of advice of her own. She'll comfort you if you have a bad day, or try and help you make sense of your problems when you call her while you're angry. She might threaten to drive out to the school and lay out anyone who gets in your way- but she won't. Because she knows you can handle it yourself, and that's the beauty of it all.
So there you have it. Ten of the very many things I learned at college last year. Freshman: take what you can out of this and have a happy and safe, fresh start. One day soon, you'll have your own advice for those coming up. Until then-
Love, Lexi
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