So you’ve finally finished high school and now you’re off to bigger and better things — college. While going to college can be a fun and exciting time, it also comes with the anticipation of entirely new surroundings and an altered lifestyle. You won’t wake up to the fresh smell of your mom’s homemade pancakes and come home to freshly laundered clothes folded neatly atop your bed anymore. You’ll have a newfound sense of independence and time to explore yourself freely for perhaps the first time.
Initiating college can produce a whirlwind of excitement, terror, anticipation and joy. You don’t have to tread foreign lands alone — follow these college hacks I wish I had known my freshman year to help make your experience a little less treacherous:
Find Your Fit
College is different than high school in that you’re much more likely to find people like yourself. It’s not uncommon to roam a college campus and see a diverse grouping of individuals playing a game of Frisbee out on the field, another set of students putting on a play and even more sketching the scenery outside. If you’re from a small town and hated the lack of diversity, you’ll love college.
If you’re looking for the No. 1 college hack, it’s this — get out and find your fit. Colleges host an array of clubs and sports teams, from the college’s radio program to video game design.
You Might Not Have It All Figured Out — and That’s OK
As you pack up your suitcase before setting off for your first big day, you might be asking yourself, “what do I need for my first day of college?” You’ve got clothes for every weather scenario possible, an endless supply of pencils, and lots of snacks and drinks. You’ve got everything ready to go … except your major.
No worries! It’s a common misconception that you’ll have your life plans figured out before beginning college — and that’s a pretty heavy burden. You’ll find that most people you meet are undecided too. Join as many clubs as you’d like and have deep conversations with professors, and you’ll find your calling in no time without even having to stress about it.
Put Your Health and Safety First
I’m sure your parents have already lectured you on the basic college safety tips: using the buddy system when roaming the campus at night, never leaving your drinks unattended at parties and never giving into peer pressure. When you begin college, you won’t always have the advice of your parents to guide you through the way. You’ll find your workload in college is immensely different — and at times larger — than it was in high school.
If you’re a freshman, you might also begin to feel homesick and long to see your family, friends and fur buddies back home. Not only can stress leave your worried, but it can also make you physically ill and lead to more serious complications. Don’t let this overpower you.
Remember, your health should always be your top priority. Eat healthy, find a balance between work and your personal life, and seek advice or guidance if you feel depressed, anxious or overwhelmed. Nothing is worth making yourself sick over, as my mother always said. Don’t sweat the small things, keep yourself healthy and happy, and enjoy the next four years — they might just be the best years of your life.