Hi Freshman Year Self, This is Your Conscience Speaking…
A couple years removed from it, the trials and tribulations of freshman year start to clear up. Though I couldn’t always convince myself of this in the moment, things really do change—usually for the better! If I could go back in time, there are just a few helpful tips I would tell myself to make it through this tumultuous year, happy and ready for the years to come.
1. Don’t go out every chance you get, you will not miss anything in just one night.
It might seem like making it to a party with your friends (and maybe even that cute boy in your biology class) is the most important thing. FOMO feels real! But there will be more parties and missing one doesn’t hurt anyone, especially not yourself!
2. Grades do matter, even if they seem like the bottom of your list of priorities!
That being said…classes will never be as easy as they are freshman year so take advantage of that!
3. Don’t get caught up in the little things and the insignificant people.
Friends may change, flings may pass, and people may come and go but it will all come full circle and work out how it’s meant to be.
4. Start healthy habits early on!
It’s easy to eat too much, drink too much, and stay up too late right when you get to college, but establishing healthy patterns will follow you and help you throughout your four years at school!
5. Don’t be afraid to test the waters out! So many new people to meet!
Be open to new friends, exciting relationships, and stepping outside of your social comfort zone. You never know who you might connect with. Now is the time! That being said…
6. Don’t fall for the first person who makes a move on you or compliments you.
It might feel good but chances are it doesn’t carry much weight- they might be telling other girls the same thing! Don’t be afraid to take it slow and enjoy getting to know someone more before anything comes of it.
7. People do settle down after a semester or two.
Everyone makes interesting and questionable choices their freshman year, but it’s about learning and testing the waters. Everyone will eventually find their place and settle down.
8. Get off campus every once in a while.
It can start to feel small, and sometimes the perfect cure for anything is stepping outside of the college world every so often. Retail therapy anyone?
9. Living in a dorm can be loud and overwhelming but it’s an experience worth having.
The people you meet on your floor or in your building can end up being your life long friends! Leave your door open and get to know one another.
10. Join something! Get involved!
Find friends through your involvement and find your passions. You never know what you might have a hidden talent in.
ENJOY!
This is the first year of what very well could be the best four years of your life, maybe even with life long friends. Indulge in the good moments, and don’t spend your energy getting caught up in little things. It’s only the beginning of amazing things to come.