The best years of your life start now. Strangers will become lifelong friends, you will look back on some pictures and wonder “what was I thinking?” and classes will shape your future. It all starts now. Freshman year is the time to define yourself and get started on the rest of your life. Nervous? Don’t be. You’re going to make mistakes along the way, but embrace them and learn from them. There’s no foolproof college handbook, but these few tips will make your freshman year run a little smoother:
DON’T: Wear the lanyard with your I.D. around your neck
There’s nothing wrong with being a freshman, but wearing the lanyard around your neck with your I.D. in it screams ‘freshman’. Just put your I.D. in your pocket, wallet, purse or bag and it’ll save you some stares.
DO: Get involved
Make the time in your schedule to join a team, club or become a part of Greek life. You’ll get the chance to meet new people that could become your best friends and have something worthwhile to put on your future resume.
DON’T: Go home every weekend
Everyone gets homesick from time to time, but your college years will be the best of your life so enjoy every second you can here. Attend the sporting events on the weekend, go bowling or have a movie night, but don’t run home every weekend.
DO: Go to class
Remember that you’re paying for these classes and do need to learn something while you’re here. Skipping class from time to time isn’t the worst thing you could be doing, but don’t make it a habit. If you go to class, chances are you’ll learn something and get a better grade than if you skip all the time.
DON’T: Always rep your high school
It’s fine to hold on to those few articles of clothing from your high school glory days but at some point, you need to move on and support your university. Be proud of where you came from but be proud of where you are and where you’re going. Don’t hold on to the past. Embrace the future.
Make the most of your freshman year. These next few years will flash by before you know it and you’ll wish you could go back to relive them all over again. Enjoy this moment and live it up. Good luck!
