I vividly remember anxiously pressing the refresh button on my computer in July waiting to see my assigned roommate for freshman year. After copying her name, I quickly typed it into Facebook to begin stalking. I’ve been living here on campus for two weeks now and couldn’t be happier. Everyone can relate to the pre-college jitters because we all are uncertain of living alone in a new place. Although I’ve only been here for a few weeks, I have begun to learn some insider tips that might come in handy:
1. (Almost) Always keep your dorm room door open – After living at home my entire life, the rule of keeping your room door open (especially to complete strangers!) seems absurd. I can safely say now that it’s one of the best, and easiest, ways to meet potential friends. Not only should you keep your door open, you should take a minute to stop by and say hi to other hall mates with their doors open because everyone is looking to make new friends freshman year.
2. Use an agenda – I have always been that organized student who writes every assignment down and marks the calendar for every event. Being in college made me realize organization is an essential skill. There’s nothing more stressful than getting to class and realizing you missed the deadline for a paper or worse, missed an exam. Feeling organized and prepared will help lighten the stress and make you feel more accomplished. It’s one of the best feelings when you can cross a task off of your never-ending “to do” list.
3. Get involved – This might sound cliché but involving yourself in every aspect of college life is one of the most fulfilling feelings. When you’re feeling lonely or homesick, it’s great to put yourself out there and meet new people to help fill the void. If you’re anything like me it can seem scary joining a club or team that you’ve never heard of and being with people you’ve never met. This is a great opportunity to learn a new skill or enhance one you already possess. Not to mention you may end up meeting your best friend or even a potential crush!
4. Take time to eat – It’s embarrassing to admit, but coming to Virginia Tech I was almost more excited about the food than the school itself! VT’s dining was rated top in the country and it’s safe to say they were right. Especially with the new dining hall, Turner Place, which offers everything from delectable desserts to home-style cooking. Freshman year will probably be a hard transition from moms homemade dinners to Styrofoam take out containers, but taking the time to sit down and enjoy a meal is essential. Whether it is a leisure Sunday brunch at West End or a thrilling night out to Origami’s hibachi, every girl deserves a meal worth smiling about.
5. Don’t get in the habit of skipping – Sure we’ve all been there, 7am on Friday morning and the buzzing alarm
clock seems like a faint dream. You quickly press the snooze button and roll over, deciding to skip that one class. It starts out with skipping one class, innocent and harmless, but evolves into a weekly routine. It’s ok to miss a day here and there for whatever reasons come up, but you’re in college to get a (pricey) education and should be putting forth effort every day. There are numerous people who would love to have the opportunity to attend college so remember that school is a privilege and you should feel honored to go to class!
As you begin to transition from high school to college, remember that the next four years do not guarantee an amazing time, it’s up to you to make them amazing! By building your confidence and getting involved and organized, every college girl should feel excited and proud to be where she is. Embrace your beginning year as the “new girl on campus” and don’t let a day go by without reminding yourself to make every day count!
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