It is so hard to believe that I am already done with my first year of college! Where has the time gone?! Today I will be sharing 22 Things that I learned my freshman year.
1. Time Management Is Key!
I can not tell you how important this is! Luckily, I mastered this concept in high school because my school functioned on a modular schedule (simulated a college schedule) so my transition was extremely easy. I had friends who had the traditional 7-8 periods a day in high school and struggle with time management. Something that I like to do on the first day of class when I get my syllabus is to write down all the due dates in my planner in pencil.
2. Establish a relationship with your professor and go to their Office Hours!
I am sure that it is different at a larger school, but if you go to a smaller school like I do, it can benefit you in so many ways. Going to their office hours let’s them know that you actually care and have initiative to work. If you are lucky, they may give you some bonus points or go out of their way to help you.
3. Break out of your shell and try new things! Get Involved on Campus!
I spent the majority of the time in my first semester trying new things, going to new club and organizations meetings, and meeting new people. I finally found my home in several organizations and clubs my second semester and I was so happy! Also, be sure to continue to do community service!
4. Being independent is awesome!
We all have to grow up some time! Adult-ing sucks, but the sooner you grasp it, the better you will be in the long run!
5. You do not need to bring everything that you own with you!
I thought that I brought a little too much stuff to my dorm room when I moved in, but in reality it was everything that I needed (even if I was only 20 miles from home). Word of advice, do not pack a lot of clothes that you have to hand wash or must be dry cleaned! You can’t put those in washing machine! While it looks like a lot, in reality I was able to move 90% of the stuff out by myself in two days AND I managed to fit it all in my dad’s little two seater. LOL You would be surprised how much stuff I squeezed in there!
Above is a picture of my side of my dorm room! I got lucky and got assigned the handicap suite so our room and bathroom was bigger. As far as my living situation for next year, I will not be living on campus.
6. Quizlet is your best friend!
Everyone’s retains information differently, but I have found this to be the most efficient way to study. You can use the website or the app!
7. Do not buy books from the bookstore!
One word. OVERPRICED. Try purchasing it used from Amazon or try Chegg.
8. You roommate does not have to be your best friend, and that is OK!
I loved living on campus and I definitely recommend that you live on campus for at least your first year. But, at the same time I am not going to lie or sugar coat thing’s. I did not have the best experience with my roommate this past year. Things were sweet at first and then they turned sour extremely fast! My suite mates and I got along much better! Not saying, that everyone will have the same experience that I did, but if you are rooming random (that includes someone who you have never met, but mutually agree to live together) the best thing that I can say is to go in with an open mind. And if it doesn’t work out for you like it did not for me, no worries! You can meet and make so many more friends on campus!
9. Utilize Rate My Professor!
When you are registering for classes, this website is your BEST FRIEND. Do not voluntarily register for a class where the teacher received a 2.5 or less rating thinking that you can work a miracle and get an “A” in the class. You won’t. Trust me. I learned my lesson with that with Art History and ended up dropping it.
10. Always carry an umbrella!
Usually you can foreshadow when it is going to rain, but sometimes you never know. Plus, it is never cute to show up to class soaking wet.
11. Do not walk alone at night!
Although my campus is not on the best side of town, I never had an issue with this because it was always heavily patrolled at night. That being said you can never be to safe or too sure. With the recent murder of the freshman female UT Student, I definitely can say that that it opened my eyes and caused me more aware because that could have happened to anyone, male or female. I highly suggest that you walk in groups of friends, have a campus police officer escort you to your desired location on campus, or wish for the best and carry pepper spray. Most importantly, always let someone know where you are at all times!
12. Do not let your grades and GPA define you!
Yes, your grades and your GPA are important, but it doesn’t define you. School isn’t for everyone. I have always been a A/B student and I am ok with that! But remember, just because you have a 4.0 doesn’t make you a better person than someone with a 2.0, also vise versa. No one is entitled to anything more or less.
13. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
You would be surprised how many people are there for you if you reach out!
14. If you have a lot of free time on your hands, get a job!
No excuse. Working is not fun, but you will not be complaining when you have a little extra money on your pocket. Don’t have a car? Scope out the local methods of Public Transportation. If you aren’t eligible for work study, there are a few on campus jobs such as a Student Caller. While everyone is different, but I was able to juggle school, get good grades, and work two part time jobs.
15. You may experience a positive metamorphosis!
I myself can definitely see a difference in myself since high school. I feel like I have matured in some ways for the better. Most importantly, I understand how money works. But rest assured, I still have some growing up to do. However, I will say that the only thing that really irritates me is when people who I have known for a while but do not see me often bring up how I acted in the past or the mistakes that I made. I am a completely different person now. But of course, I am human and I still have things to work on.
16. Not everything you try will work out!
Don’t get into an organization? Don’t get the job? I hate to break it to you but sometimes, THAT IS LIFE. The worst thing that you can do is try again next year!
17. Do not feel pressured to give into peer pressure!
Boy oh boy, the things I learned about and witnessed outside of the classroom. I grew up living an extremely sheltered life. What more can I say? Be firm in where you stand, and let others know that NO MEANS NO. While I am not trying to advocate anything…. If you are going to drink, drink responsibly (and don’t drive!). If you decide to have sex, use protection. And most importantly, stay away from drugs!
18. It is ok to be single!
I have never been one to have many male friends or attract a lot of attention from boys as I attended an all girls high school. Going to college, considering my parents met their freshman year I expected to meet the love of my life on the first day of class. I see some girls my age rushing into a relationship which isn’t the best thing in my opinion. Personally, I don’t feel like I am missing out on much as I am focused on school and a lot of guys my age don’t want anything serious to begin with.
19. Think Before You Post!
More people are watching you than you think! That being said, be cautious of what you post on social media and what your friends post! It may come back to haunt you when you are ready to start your career or give you a bad reputation around campus!
20. Be excited for your future!
I have always had the tendency to be a planner. Whether I stick to your path or not, it gives me a little bit of sanity to at least have an idea of what is to come. With my Marketing and Visual Communication Design degree I want to get into Digital Marketing, Social Media Marketing, or Advertising! After all, my dream job is to be a Creative Director for a well known company!
21. Time Flies!
What more can I say? In the blink of the eye I was done! That being said, I have three more years to go and I plan to make the most of them!
