Going into my senior year at William Paterson University, I’ve been thinking a lot about the past four years and everything I’ve learned about who I am and where I want to go. There is so much I wish I knew, but I guess you live and you learn!
As a freshman, I remember feeling intimidated and a bit uneasy about living away from home and all that was familiar. Responsibility was taken to a whole new level and I had to learn fast. So here I am as a senior, ready to give all you freshman advice on how to make your college transition a little bit easier!
Always, Always, ALWAYS have your ID
For starters, it is your room key. But even non-freshman still have issues remembering it. Your ID gives you access to the fitness center, rec center, dining hall, and more. You never know when you will need it. It is always hand to keep a lanyard that can hold your ID and makes it easier to keep it with you at all times. It just makes everyone else’s life easier.
Be Smart with your Pioneer
Yeah it seems awesome having an extra $400. It’s never ending right? Yeah, you would think so. It’s hard to believe how fast that much money could go. Even though it is refillable, it is better just to avoid having to drain more money out of the bank if you are just smart with how you use it.
Get Involved
Getting involved in clubs, sports, etc. is the best way to meet people you have common interests with. It is also a great resume builder especially when you get involved earlier! It gives you opportunities to hold positions and gain leadership and connections. And you can make some of the best friends you will ever have.
Stay True to yourself
Being on your own, it’s easy to get in with the crowd and do whatever they are doing. Which is why college is such an important time in growing up and finding yourself. Just remember to stick to your guns and stand by what you believe in. Don’t worry about what other people think.
Studies Come First
You are away from home, yeah you want to have fun. And you can, but never let that make you forget why you are here in the first place. You are here to get an education, a good one at that. If you are constantly skipping classes to recover from a hangover, you should probably get your priorities straight. We are in our 20’s and we are young. We want to live, but we are also in the process of building our future. It is very important to keep a balance. The decisions we make now could affect us later on.
The Friends you make here will be your friends for life
People are lucky to have their best friends from childhood to adulthood. But the people you meet here are different. You live with them. They see you at your best and at your worst and still stand by your side. These are the friends you will have for the rest of your life. So my advice to you is, get your education, have a great time, and make the best memories, because they last forever.