As I near the end of my freshman year of college, I can clearly see how much growth and development I experienced over the past nine months. Here are a few of the most important lessons I have learned and tips I would like to share from my first year, which I hope will be helpful to anyone starting their college journey soon.
Time and Space Management
Transitioning from living at home to sharing a small 13 x 10-foot room in Reid Hall was a significant adjustment. I had to quickly learn how to respectfully share my space, including a bathroom with half the girls on my floor. While living so close to my friends has been a blast, it has also taught me that maintaining an organized space is essential for both my well-being and that of those around me.
In college, you are consistently presented with opportunities to try new things. While it is so important to say “yes” and try new experiences, it is equally important to prioritize responsibilities. I learned to set aside time for nonnegotiable tasks, such as laundry and meal planning. If these things don’t get done it will only create more stress and disruption in the long run.
Go to Class, Even When Attendance Isn’t Mandatory
Consistently attending class is one of the most important habits to build in college. Not all professors make attendance mandatory or take it into account for your course grade, but developing a habit of skipping class can significantly hurt your grades. Sometimes all it takes is showing up, and doing so will help you stay on top of your work.
Your friends may have different schedules, so better offers may come your way than sitting in a lecture hall. However, consistently attending class ensures that you stay on track and get the most out of the class.
Check the Weather
This may seem minor, but it is one of the lessons I learned very early on in the school year. In college, you spend so much more time walking between classes than in high school, so dressing appropriately for the weather is important. Additionally, don’t forget to pack rain gear! A 20-minute walk in the rain is far less enjoyable in tennis shoes and a sweatshirt.
Put Yourself Out There
Moving away from home places you in a community with so many new faces. While most people are open to meeting others, it is often necessary to take the initiative of introducing yourself. Speaking from personal experience as someone who was very shy in high school, putting yourself out there can be challenging, but the friendships and experiences gained from doing so are priceless. Sometimes, it takes just stopping by the room of the person who lives next to you to find one of your closest friends.
Remember to Have Fun
It may sound cliché, but enjoying yourself and having fun is truly one of the most important parts of college. College is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make the most of it. There are moments where it truly feels like the movies, filled with so much fun and laughter. Those moments are the ones you will carry with you long after graduation. Although I am only one year in, I can confidently say it has been one of my best years yet.