Fresh Expectations

It’s almost the time that everyone talks about, your freshmen year of college. The ‘best’ 4 years of your life lay ahead and the time is steadily approaching. Everyone you talk to says how exciting it is and what a great adventure you are going to face, all of which is so true. There are a couple of downsides however, that no one seems to mention. Well we’re here to tell it to you straight.

1. Living with strangers, albeit is exciting, is extremely uncomfortable at first. This is not to scare you, but just know that it is normal to feel uncomfortable or awkward your first week in a new, strange place. On the opposite side if you’re living with an old friend or perhaps a new friend, be prepared to learn about habits or annoyance that you may not have noticed before. Again this is EXTREMELY normal, whatever normal is.

2. The microwave will be your best friend and your worst enemy at the end of your first semester. Sure it’s great for those 3am binges when you feel like you could eat an elephant and still be hungry, but user beware this will cause you to gain about 20 lbs your first year. Use the microwave sparingly. Microwave foods are usually full of salt which causes you to gain water weight and actual weight, be cautious in the food you are stocking up on in your dorm. Make healthy, conscious decisions with what food you keep in your room.

3. Most importantly, college IS NOT high school. The so called “cool” kids from high school pull a Channing Tatum from 21 Jump Street and become awkward and out of place when they lose that comfort and recognition of their hometown. The so called “misfits” from high school become popular, fitting into social groups and clubs that never existed in high school. Everyone has a place in college. College isn’t about cliques or titles; it’s about enjoying the experience and making the most of your time at school. You will find the right group of people , it just takes time and you may end up with a different crowd than you ever expected to see yourself with, which is the beauty of going to college.

4. Taking lead from college is not high school… you will need to develop study habits and develop them early. Set time out of every week to devote to studying, you will thank yourself come midterms and finals. Live by the mantra work hard play hard, it will pay off in the long run not only in college, but in your professional life as well. Remember in college balance is key and part of that balance does not include skipping a ton of your 8am biology labs, your teacher will notice and your grade will be affected.

Your freshmen year of college is a year of firsts. Embrace it for what they are, good or bad. Learn from your mistakes and adjust when necessary and you will be successful and have a great time while doing it.