It’s your first year at college and you’re probably like a deer in headlights. You’ve got so many things running through your mind and so many questions unanswered. Are college classes really as hard as they say? I’m not sure if I like my major. I need to find a job! What if my roommate and I don’t get along? What if I get homesick? I really don’t want to gain the Freshman 15!
PANIC! PANIC! PANIC! PANIC! PANIC! PANIC! PANIC!
Are you done freaking out yet? Okay, just take a deep breath. Whoever said that your first year at college had to be tough should have had a V8… Nah I’m only kidding but there are little tips and tricks that you can use that will make your first year experience smooth and easy.
NUMBER ONE
I’d just like to take this time to make you aware of the fact why you are here in the first place. Don’t those SAT’s, ACT’s, countless applications, and college essays seem so distant now? You worked hard to get here, don’t forget your efforts. Give yourself a good pat on the back. You my friend are awesome.
NUMBER TWO – PART ONE
Move in day! You got that weird mixture of both excitement and wanting to badly pee in your pants.
This marks the beginning of your journey in college. (Eh, that was kind of cheesy but it’s true.) I don’t think I have to mention to come prepared, especially if college is a long way from home. As a matter fact, being overly prepared is fine. Your mom wants to pack those 3 unnecessary boxes of Capris Suns and granola bars? LET HER. You’ll thank her when you’re studying like a madman or running late to class and you have to grab a quick bite.
NUMBER TWO – PART TWO
You may or may not know your roommate yet and even if you do, you are still entering a new environment that you’re not used to. My suggestion is that you try to be open. I know it’s hard for some of us shy-folk but coming in with a positive attitude can really go a long way. College is about meeting new people and expanding your knowledge of the world. You can learn so many things from different people. The key is being open and accepting of this change.
NUMBER THREE
I know what you’ve been thinking. No parents means no curfews and rules, no curfews and rules, equals freedom; your freedom. You can do anything you want and eat anything you want, which is especially true if you are living in the dorms which tempt you with their buffet style dining halls and bountiful ice cream machines and desserts.
DON’T GIVE IN TO THE TEMPTATION!
I’m not saying treating yourself to a chocolate chip cookie or two will kill you…but thirty within a week will! Nobody wants to gain the infamous Freshman 15, and you don’t have to!
Having healthy snacks such as granola bars, yogurt, and fruit in your room for those late night cravings instead of bags of chips and brownies is one easy step to being a healthier.
Be good to your body and it will be good to you…which brings me to the topic of the dining halls. I’d just like to state for the record that they got fries (and they are so delicious ermahgerd) but constantly having it as your meal won’t do your body any good. Before feasting on the main dish, try having a soup or salad first. Either choice is healthier and fills your stomach up faster so you don’t binge on less healthy food options. It also takes twenty minutes for you to feel full, so taking your time and chewing more often can help you cut down on your calorie intake which you otherwise would have not been aware of if you were merely gobbling the food down.
(I don’t blame you though, who knows if this will be the last day you ever eat fries again? JK)
Lastly, the most vital tip is to drink water and lots of it! It’s recommended that you drink 8-9 glasses a day so that your body can cleanse itself of toxins. There are a variety of things you can do to maintain this. For one, you can have a pack of water bottles in your room or a reusable bottle that you can refill throughout the day. Or when you are at the dining hall, instead of choosing Pepsi, fill your cup with water and chug up! You can even drink green tea, which is good for your digestive system.
#Noteworthy: A tablespoon of honey will curb your appetite for whenever you are feeling the munchies. This will prevent you from binging on unnecessary snacks when you aren’t really hungry.
NUMBER FOUR – LAST ONE FOR NOW
Sleep is your best friend.
It’s recommended that you get at least 8 hours of sleep at night, but who are we kidding? You are in college. There will be a point in time where you will probably pull an all-nighter, or for those who tend to be more into the social scene, staying up ‘til the wee hours of the morning having fun.
Whatever you experience, I know I can’t fool anybody into sleeping exactly 8 hours. So when you are up late, remember to pick your choices wisely. Are you really willing to go to that 2 hour lecture at 8 a.m. on 1 hour of sleep? Was this because you procrastinated? The decision is ultimately yours. You are a responsible adult who could make their own choices. My motto to you is “Play hard. Work Harder.”
Yeah it’s kind of reversed but you’ll thank me later.