15 Things I Learned my Freshman Year of College

I can’t believe my freshman year is over already – time definitely flies. I’m already feeling nostalgic even though I still have to go to college for 4 more years. Anyways, here are some things I learned my freshman year of college.

1.  Call your parents/family – I know life can get really busy and also stressful. But your family would love to hear from you every now and then. Just call them and let them know how you’re doing.
2.  You don’t need to bring everything you own to college. Okay, I have to admit I literally get separation anxiety when I don’t have all of my clothes with me. I’m that type of person who says she might wear something someday even though she hasn’t worn it in the last 6 months (or the last year). I also like to have my summer clothes with me in winter cause what if all of the sudden it is warm and I need a pair of shorts? It could happen. Anyways, throughout the entire year, I got more and more stuff (joining a sorority is literally like getting a new closet). And when I had to move out of the dorms I had so many stuff they wouldn’t fit in an SUV.  We literally had to make 2 trips and my mom wanted to kill me. I had to leave some stuff at a friends place and pick them up the next day… I had enough stuff to fill 2 SUV’S. So don’t be me and don’t bring your entire closet to your dorm. Also when you go home bring some stuff and leave them there.
3. You are lucky to be able to go to college. I feel like education is something people usually take for granted. And there are so many people in the world who don’t even have the opportunity to finish high school or even elementary school! So, be thankful to your parents for giving you an education because college is really expensive. I know sometimes you might just want to drop out of college and be a stripper. I know, I’ve been there, but at the end, it is all worth it.
4. Know your alcohol limit and stick to it. I have to confess that some night outs this past year are a blur – because of alcohol. And many scary things happened because of it as well. So many bad things can happen when you’re impaired, so be responsible and know how to control yourself. Also, if you’re going out with friends and know you are going to get drunk, have a sober friend that is willing to take care of you. And if you aren’t sure if at least one friend is going to stay sober, have a friend you trust and who could pick you up and take care of you on speed dial.
5. Be safe & stay safe – We always get emails about crimes happening around campus and I was honestly shocked to see how many (reported) rapes happened this past year on campus and also how many people get mugged. So take precautions and stay safe. Look at your surroundings and never walk alone late at night.
6. Ask for help – College isn’t like high school where people would offer to help you without you asking them to. In college, if you don’t ask for help, no one will help you. So, if you are having trouble understanding something in class, just go to the office hours. I promise no one will think you’re stupid.
7. Go to class – there is no explanation for this one, just go to class. Your grades will thank you.
8. Don’t buy your textbooks until you are completely certain you’ll need them.  I took a business class that required a textbook and I bought it but I never even opened it and still got an A in that class. I basically wasted $100… So wait until you’re completely sure you’ll need the book to buy it. Also, some professors tell you you’ll need the book but you actually don’t. Ask upperclassmen who have taken the same class with the same professor, whether if you’ll need the book or not.
9. Do the extra credit – don’t underestimate the power of extra credit. One extra credit point can make the difference between a B+ and an A. So just do it! Even though you think you won’t need it.
10. You can have a fresh start – There isn’t a better time to have a fresh start than college. You’ll be surrounded by people who have no idea who you are. It gives you a chance to be a new you and to start again.
11. Use Rate my professors – I literally go on Rate my professors whenever I have to sign up for a class. I do my research cause the last thing you want to be doing is signing up for a class with the worst professor.
12. Don’t be shy – At least the first month of college is all about making friends so don’t be shy, talk to some people. Remember that if you say/do something embarrassing, you probably won’t see that person ever again.
13. Don’t make your social life a priority – Yes, having a social life is super important but so are your grades. If you’d rather go out and drink and party the night before a final, you need to set your priorities straight. One thing I learned my freshman year of college is that you go to college learn and to graduate (someday), not to binge drink and party. You have to learn how to balance both.
14. Always charge your phone before going out.  You never know what could happen on a night out so always always make sure your phone is at least on 80%.
15. Eat healthy and take care of yourself – avoid the freshman 15 by knowing how to take care of your health. Work out, eat healthy, drink water, avoid alcohol, drugs & caffeine.