Freshman Advice

People aren’t kidding when they say college is the quickest four years f your life, one day you’re moving into your dorm and the next you’re heading to your classes for senior year. Although it goes by quickly college will shape you more as an individual and help you realize what makes you truly you. I personally have absolutely no regrets in college, but if I could go back and give myself some advice to make it an easier ride, I would. For starters:

1. Make Mistakes- Now is the time for you to screw up honestly. Even as the years of college have gone by I’ve slowly gained more responsibility and now that I’m 21 it’s all on me. Don’t go too wild, but live in the moment because that moment may be gone before you can even blink. If you miss a class, it isn’t the end of the world or if you did bad on a test it won’t make you fail the course, remember that. On the other hand though make sure you learn from the mistakes you make, because this will help you grow as an individual.

2. Smell the roses- It goes by quickly, so live life day by day. Everyone wants to graduate and get a job, but sometimes that isn’t the case so don’t be too hard on yourself. Do you work, but remember to enjoy the ride. If your friend and you stay up a little too late one night, don’t hesitate to join them just because you have an early class. You may be tired the next day, but the endless laughs you’ll share will be a memory to hold onto.

3. Focus – On the flip side, you do want to get that degree and find that career you’ll fall in love with. Take college as a baby step into the real world. Going to class, studying, and getting good grades is completely on you. your mom isn’t there to make sure you finish your homework before dinner anymore. Make sure to take school as seriously as your social life. If you miss out on a night out because you have a test, I promise there will be other nights out. School is your first priority.

4. Get involved – So  cliche because it’s said all the time, but those older folks who gave you that advice are wise. You’re time in college is basically the process of creating a resume so you can score that amazing job once your time is complete. Join clubs that relate to what you want to do so you can gain more experience other than in class, but also have fun doing extra-curriculars as well. It’s important to have a balance between work and play.

5. Talk to EVERYONE- My freshman year friends are no longer my senior year friends and that’s okay. People will come and go during college but it also makes you realize who truly is your friend when they’re still by your side at the end of the day. Getting to know people is all part of the process, it adds to the excitement. Plus everyone comes from different backgrounds so it pushes you outside of your comfort zone.

6. Hoes before Bros – Secretly, we all hope we meet mister right in college, but HEADS UP. Mostly likely not going to happen and you may not believe it, but it’s better that way. College is the time for you to enjoy your girlfriends. How often do you get to live with your best friends? Take advantage o it. Don’t get me wrong, there is a guy out there for you somewhere, but don’t let the idea of a boyfriend consume you. This is YOUR time. You have the rest of your life to spend with someone.

7. Enjoy it! – No joke, if I could do it all over again I would. College really is a wonderful experience that will begin to shape the rest of your life. Make friends that will become bridesmaids and memories that you’ll be laughing at when you’re 40. You are in charge of your own life, so live it for you. Don’t let anybody bring you down.