While my freshman year was practically perfect, there are a few things I wish I would’ve done a little differently.
While I can’t change the past, I can fill you in on a couple things I wish I had known when I stepped onto campus for the first time.
1. College Relationships
OK so I know this isn’t true for everyone. We all know those people who met their freshman year of college and end up together forever (who, by the way, are so cute they make me want to puke). However, they are the exception … not the rule.
Most people are just not looking to get into relationships their freshman year. So stop freaking out about the fact that you don’t have a significant other and enjoy your time as a single person!
2. Factor in possibilities that could make you late.
If you live on the eighth floor of your dorm, there will be days when it could take as long as 15 minutes to get on the elevator – especially when you’re trying to get to class at peak times like 9 a.m. This can easily be avoided by waking up 10 minutes earlier and making yourself get out the door a little bit sooner.
Also, if you’re not a morning person, try to avoid taking 8 a.m. classes like the plague – without a doubt, you will be late. Most professors don’t take kindly to this.
3. Map out your class schedule.
When planning your course load, make sure that you can get from class to class within a reasonable amount of time.
I didn’t take this into consideration and basically had to run from one end of campus to the other in about 15 minutes. That is not fun, especially in the heat. I was practically dripping with sweat by the time I got to my class, which was awful. You can avoid this if you plan wisely!
4. The bathroom won’t clean itself.
Long gone are the days of when your mother would come in and clean the bathroom (and maybe even your bedroom for you). Before you allow your dorm room or suite fall into a state of disarray, chat with your roommates on who should clean when. Don’t let it all get out of hand because it will make cleaning it up later much harder.
If nobody else will step up, bite the bullet and clean it yourself – but make it known that it is someone else’s turn next time.
P.S. You can never buy enough toilet paper. Stock up.
5. You won’t be BFFs with everyone.
This is something that took me a while to realize. When people wouldn’t be as friendly as I expected, it would kind of hurt my feelings.
What was wrong with me? What was I doing wrong?
But, I quickly realized … that’s just life. You are just not going to click with certain people and that is OK. Find the people you do like and stick with them.
Have some advice for freshmen? Share in the comments section!
