Hey Hope!
Since our second year of college has snuck up on us and the school year is kicking off, I thought it would be a good time for a little self reflection. As I was looking back at all the pictures, friends, and memories we’ve made at our respective colleges, it got me thinking about all the things I wish I’d known going into college. So, I’ve compiled a list of nine things I wish I’d done differently or known ahead of time as a college freshman. Hopefully any new college students out there will benefit from this and it’ll help keep some perspective for the year to come!
1. Wander around campus!
At least for me, I remember feeling embarrassed or a little anxious walking from class to class the first few days because I was never quite sure of where I was going. I knew the buildings my classes were in, but that was all I focused on. Those are still important to know (obviously) but challenge yourself to get uncomfortable and explore more! Try finding one new building each day or going into a new section of campus you’ve never walked before. You’ll feel more confident, and you’ll feel more at ease with your surroundings. *The picture on the right is of the greenhouse on my campus, which I was always too nervous to walk into during visiting hours last year. This week I decided to man up and just explore, and I'm so glad I did!
2. Keep a journal
When starting college, everyone seems to be constantly overstimulated with new experiences, people, classes, new living environments, etc. This can be super overwhelming! Something I learned was to keep a journal each night before I went to bed and write down some parts of my day, how I was feeling, and goals for the next day. This helped me to feel more in control, helped me remember new names, and also created a cute way to look back on my freshman year. *One of my favorite journal segments was a count of how many pancakes I consumed the first semester. The total? Over one hundred. It’s my favorite food, don’t judge!
3. Go to campus events
This one may look a bit different due to current health practices and COVID19, but when your university gives you dorm activities or campus scavenger hunts or impromptu concerts and poetry slams in the Union, try it! I always found excuses not to go to things like this first semester by telling myself I was too busy or it wasn’t for me, etc. Ignore this voice in your head and go for it! The whole point of coming to college is to find new things you enjoy and finding what makes you you. You might be surprised how much you enjoy something, and you’ll likely make some new friends along the way!
4. Get comfortable being by yourself!
To all the extroverts reading this (including you, HP) I’m sorry guys, but this one is super important. When it comes down to it, college is about getting your education first, and let's be real, the schooling aspect takes up (or at least it should) a huge part of your time. With this, you might realize you’ve spent all day going from class to class, studying, and eating a quick lunch by yourself. It wasn’t uncommon for me last year that on Thursdays I didn’t have the first real conversation with anyone until dinner time. Don’t feel ashamed! This is normal. College students work their tails off, and sometimes that means spending a lot of time by yourself. Embrace it, and find what schedule works best for both your studying habits and your mental health.
5. Frequent self care nights!
This one is pretty vague, but college can be very draining, especially at the start. It’s normal to have several different feelings about this new stage of your life, both positive and negative. When getting used to this “new normal,” take time to care for yourself. This can be dedicating an hour to reading, dancing, yoga, weightlifting, etc. Find whatever brings you joy and relieves a bit of stress. This can most definitely help you to avoid burnout and exhaustion whether that be mental or physical. *The picture on the left is my friend Meghan and I, treating ourselves to Dunkin' Donuts (our favorite!) after a long first week of classes. Treating yourself every once and a while is a great form of self care!
6. Say NO!
This one is so important! One of my biggest regrets? Feeling like I had to say yes to everything and everyone because I wanted to be liked by all these new people. Looking back, I wish I’d stuck with my gut when I didn’t feel like doing something or going somewhere. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself and your own mental health is listen to what you want and what will make you happy, not what you think other people want you to do. If you join a club and find that it isn’t for you? Leave and find something new! At least you tried it. Don’t feel like every group or activity you commit to is a life sentence. If you don’t want to be there, don’t stay for other people or because you think you have to. Follow the activities and people you are drawn to and stick with them! You are fully responsible for the environment and experience you create during your time in college.
7. Know about your student loans and apply for scholarships continually!!
This is a boring one but it’s also one that I am currently kicking myself about. My freshman year I got enough scholarships and government loans that I thought I was sitting pretty and didn’t worry about finances much (if at all.) I didn’t apply for any outside scholarships for my second year of college, and guess how I’m doing now? Pretty poorly financial wise. Shocking, I know. BUT, that is 100% on me, because I didn’t research enough or take my finances seriously. The more work you put in now to learn about how you’re paying for school and applying for scholarships annually, the better off you’ll be when you walk across that stage and get your diploma.
8. Study A LOT. More than you think you need to.
For my fellow procrastinators out there, this one is a tough one to hear. In high school, I didn’t study much until the night before, and I was always fine. I naturally continued these habits in college and guess what? That is wayy too stressful and not very helpful at all. Sure I knew the information on the test, but when the final came around? Blank panic. Do not do this to yourself; I’m serious. Find a study routine that gets you consistently looking over your course materials and notes. This will help you to remember the information better and also make the most of your (expensive) higher education.
9. Appreciate your time in college!
I am fully aware that this is kind of a cheesy last point, but with everything up in the air about health and safety, make sure to be appreciative of where you are. Take more pictures with your friends, go on more spontaneous adventures. If my freshman year was any indicator, you never know if anything is guaranteed. One day I was getting up early, going to the gym, walking to class, and getting food with my best friends and the next day I was packing my bags and heading home for the rest of the semester. Appreciate the time you get to see your friends or be in the same room as your professor and those acquaintances you only talk to in that one class. Be present. Even though it can be stressful and hectic and overwhelming, remember to slow down and enjoy your college experience in whatever capacity you are able to.
-maddie
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