Photo by Element5 Digital from Unsplash
The fall semester is just about to start. In a few short weeks, freshmen students will find themselves trying to figure out college life. Your first year of college is something you are probably very excited about, but it can also be something that makes you nervous. If you are one of those incoming freshmen who is currently stressing about what college will be like this year, these tips are for you.
I remember anticipating freshman year. I was thrilled when I found out who my roommates were and went and followed them on Instagram immediately. They were probably worried I would be the crazy and weird roommate because of that. I read lots of blog posts and pins on what to pack for my freshman year. I even tried to study the campus map a little to help myself get familiar with the school layout. Looking back, I’m well aware I over-prepared. My first piece of advice for you is to relax.
- Relax
College is a time of your life dedicated to learning. You will learn things about education, friendships, relationships, time-management, and yourself. If you are stressing because you feel like you don’t know enough for college, stop it. Everyone in college is going to feel clueless at some point or another. Relax and know that it’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed at this stage of life.
- Balance
When you first think about the college you might think about the classes and homework, or maybe you think about parties and date-nights. College is about all of this stuff, but it’s not a pick and choose one side of the spectrum and forget the other exists kind of deal. Part of college is learning to balance the several different aspects of your life. You will have to learn that sometimes you have studied all you can and it’s time to go to bed and stop worrying. You will have to learn that sometimes you’ll have to skip out on a party because you need to do homework. Learning to balance work, social, and school life can be tricky at times, but you’ll figure it out.
- Be Friendly
I remember both worrying and being so excited about what my social life would be like in college. I had a pretty solid group of friends in high school, but I was ready to branch out and meet new people. However, I was scared to actually reach out and be friendly. At this stage of life, especially in freshman year, people are looking to make new friends, so being friendly is worth it. Not every person you smile at will turn into your best friend, but one of those people might. So, be brave and be friendly and stop worrying about what that person might think about you if you sit down by them.
- Learn to Cook (At Least a Little)
One of the biggest changes in college is moving out and living on your own. This means no more mom to wake you up in the morning, pack your lunch, or cook your dinner. College puts you in charge of it all. This could give you some mixed feelings, but I promise that in the long run, it will be beneficial. Learning to cook, even just a few basic meals, is an important life skill. If you are overwhelmed by the idea of having to cook for yourself every night, then you might want to look into getting a food plan. In Rexburg, myamericanave.com lets you have a kitchen and food plan. You can cook for yourself sometimes and also go to the campus cafeteria. See if your college has any housing options that could let you get a meal plan and have a kitchen as well.
Don’t overthink as you get ready for college. Relax, enjoy the last bit of your summer, and know that college will be incredible.