14 Things I Learned During My Freshman Year Of College

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  1. Go to class. Think about how much money you are literally throwing away every time you skip a class. I know the syllabus says you can miss four classes without punishment, but that doesn’t mean you should. I know it’s nice outside/you’re tired/sick/hung-over, whatever the case may be, go to class, it pays off, so I hear.
  2. You don’t have to be friends with the people in your dorm building, but it helps. Let’s face it, you don’t need to be buddy- buddy with the people in your dorm building. Although it would seem ideal, some people aren’t meant to be friends, and that’s okay. However, if you can find a few solid, fun, and trustworthy girls (even if their friendship involves using the stairs) it’s worth it when you need someone to walk with you drunk at 3am (so I hear).
  3. The people that were annoying in high school are just as annoying in college. If you happen to be like me, and find yourself at a University where many of the same people you went to high school with are now sitting in your college classes, this is my advice for you. First, not everyone deserves a second chance, if you didn’t like them then, chances are you’re not going to like them now. Second, honor those friendships with the people you liked and never shun them away to (cut your high school ties), you never know when you could really need them.
  4. Make coffee in your room & invest in a Keurig. If you have a caffeine addiction, it’s normal, welcome to college. But honestly, just make coffee in your room. Spending five dollars for a hazelnut macchiato might be nice sometimes, but everyday can really put a dent in your savings quickly.
  5. Eat healthy. I understand that this one can be a struggle, it’s your first time away from home in eighteen years, and you have the option of unlimited ice cream for dinner? **Mind blown** But seriously, think about what you’re eating, and how much you’re eating, the freshman 15 do not have to happen if you don’t want them to. Also, go to the gym, a lot. Your body will thank you.
  6. Make friends with seniors. Personally, this has been my secret to an amazing first year of college. Making friends with seniors was the best thing I’ve ever done. It is so comforting to have friends a few years older than you, because no matter how much fun you have with them, they truly are subconsciously teaching you to act more like an adult. It’s nice to have an outlet to get away from the freshman crowd, get free advice on the next four years, and let’s be honest sneaking into the bar would be no easy task without their expertise.
  7. Don’t ditch your friends. From experience, I’ve learned that no matter what the circumstances are do not ditch your friends, it’s not worth it. I don’t care if Jennifer Aniston is filming Horrible Bosses 2 down the street, nothing is more important than quality time with your friends. Remember the feeling of the last time someone ditched you, and keep it close to you always, so that in the future you can refrain from doing it to someone yourself.
  8. You don’t need that last shot, but take it anyways. You only have four years here, and you want to make them count. Parties will come and go, some nights you’ll remember, others will be a blur, and it’s all okay. You’re not an alcoholic until you’re out of college anyways. All I’m saying is to have fun while it lasts, because I have no idea where my first year just went, and I have a feeling the next three don’t plan on slowing down for anyone.
  9. If you’ve never smoked pot, you should. If you’ve had yet another shit week, getting drunk again might not be the answer. I understand pot is illegal, but whatever. When it comes right down to it, everyone is going to smoke pot once in their life, and they’re going to love it. After a few solid hits, that psych test isn’t going to be stressing you anymore, I promise. P.S. (It’s not a gateway drug if you don’t make it one)
  10. Be a good girlfriend. I don’t mean this in terms of “be a good girlfriend to your boyfriend”, although that is important, I mean be a good girlfriend, to your girlfriends. College is a stressful time for everyone, be there for them when they need you, not just when it’s convenient for you. There are going to be many pregnancy scares, Plan-B runs, tampon borrowing, and crying sessions over boys that don’t really matter. Just be there, because next week, it will be you who needs them, and their wine.
  11. Be smart when you go out. As my mother always tells me, “no one has your back when you’re fucked up”. It is important to consider the dangers that come along with drinking underage. I’m not saying I don’t enjoy a drink, I do. It is crucial however, to surround yourself with people who you trust to take care of you, and even still to keep in mind that you really don’t know everyone as well as you think you do. Make smart choices, and don’t be “that girl”.
  12. Ask for help when you need it. Feeling like you are on top of the world is a wonderful feeling, but it can’t last forever. Every strong girl eventually needs to breakdown for a little. Struggling in a class? Don’t be stupid and suffer, ask the professor, that’s what they’re there for. Go to your friends when you’re on the verge of a mental breakdown to talk to them about your problems, they love you and will be there for you.
  13. Learn both MLA and APA formats. It’s really a bitch to sit down to start a paper, topic in mind and not know what size your margins should be. Learn them now, thank me later.
  14. Call your mom. She worries about you, every second, of every day. Give her at least a phone call or a text during the day to let her know that you’re alive. Her wrinkles and worry lines will thank you.