Coming into college is the biggest change many freshmen have encountered in their life so far. It’s different; you have more free time, more freedom, more options and more control. It’s normal for all the change to become overwhelming and it’s not difficult to slip into bad habits. Also, it’s easy to possibly get caught up in different things, both good and bad. Here are a few tips to create good habits and routines for this fun and interesting time (a month in, but it’s still not too late!) and also keep up the positivity!
1. Eat Breakfast
Yes, I know that nobody wants to wake up 15 minutes earlier than they have to for their 8:00 am, but eating breakfast will make you feel more awake even if you missed out on those last few minutes. Even if it’s just a piece of fruit or some yogurt, breakfast can make a big difference. You’ll feel more awake for the day and, more importantly, your first class. It also helps to regulate your metabolism, helping keep off that freshman 15! Also, you don’t even have to wake up that much earlier to grab a quick bite. Once I made it to Core, ate a bowl of yogurt and granola, and was out the door on my way to class in seven minutes!
2. Create a Workout Schedule
I’m definitely not the only one who says they’re going to go to the gym after class but then gets back to my dorm and thinks that a two-hour nap would be better. While sleep definitely can make you feel nice, exercise will enhance your day. Even if it’s just a quick run or a few minutes on the stair climber, once the sweat starts, it really does improve your day. The tired feeling will go away and I promise that those flowing endorphins will put you in a healthier mood. The whole “exercise makes you happy” thing is true, believe it or not. Also, working out doesn’t have to be a boring chore. Fike offers so many fun classes that will give you good exercise and let you have a great time with your friends. I personally recommend Kickboxing or Werk It because you won’t be disappointed!
3. Make a Bucket List
Whether it’s your roommate, your suitemates or just some friends, start making a list of fun things you guys would like to do this semester, this year or over the next four years! Think big, but also think of fun things to do or try when you all have a free day at Clemson. Planning ahead for something to do on your bucket list will make everyone excited. Also, it’ll give you something to do if you ever have a boring afternoon on your hands and you don’t just want to sit around and watch Netflix. My suite is keeping a running bucket list and so far a few of our ideas are to take a Greenville afternoon trip, go to a Taylor Swift concert and make a late-night Cookout run. Feel free to steal our ideas to start out yours!
4. Put together an amazing playlist
There is truly nothing worse than walking up the hills here on a Monday in the rain on the way to your 8:00 am. But some fun, feel-good music will work wonders! Put together a playlist of some of your favorite songs. Put some throwbacks (Jonas Brothers and Hannah Montana, I know you want to listen to that now), some Beyonce (duh!), some great country songs (if you’re into that) and some songs that you can’t help but dance to even if you’re just walking around with headphones in. Play it to boost your mood, or play it in the background while you study and make sure to take ample dance breaks.
5. Get involved in things YOU want to do
Tiger Prowl might have been a few weeks ago but there is still plenty of times to get involved with different clubs and organizations. I know everyone says to “get involved”, but seriously, get involved. College is a place where if you’re interested in it, there’s probably a club for it. Try to join at least one club or organization that really catches your eye. It doesn’t matter whether or not your friends join with you, and it might even help if they don’t. You’re going to meet great people who are interested in the same things you are, that’s why you’re both there. If you step out of your comfort zone I assure you that you’ll have fun and meet new people. Who doesn’t like more friends?