This time two years ago, I was getting ready for my freshman year of college. I was nervous as hell, as most freshman are. Everyone had tons of helpful advice for me; what to do, what not to do, what kinds of friends to make, etc. But still, when I got to school, I felt kind of lost. Because school is about to start, I made a list of everything I wish someone had told me before I started college.
You might not like your roommate and that’s okay.
I know a lot of people who don’t get along with their roommate. Either they’re best friends with their roommate, or they barely tolerate them – there isn’t always an in between. It’s okay if the latter one is you! You’ll make it through the year because you’ll make friends other than your roommate!
And the very worst case scenario, you move out.
Make friends in every one of your classes.
Don’t be afraid to say hi to the people sitting next to you in your classes. Introduce yourself and get to know them. Trust me, they’re just as nervous and shy as you’re feeling. And knowing people in your classes is super useful when those days come when you feel too sick to go to class. Also, it’s just another friend to have in your back pocket. Never stop doing this – you always need good friends in school.
You may feel like you have no direction.
If you take classes that you think you’ll love and then you don’t, that’s totally okay. The things you loved in high school might not be exactly what you expected. This is what college is for – discovering what you want to study for four years, and what you want to do for the rest of your life.
There is pressure to party, but you don’t have to say yes.
At some schools, the weekend is only for partying and drinking. Some people might try to pressure you, but if you don’t want to drink or party every weekend, there will be people right there with you. You can make friends with people who do party and people who don’t. Your real friends won’t care either way.
Midterms and finals are just as hard as they seem on TV shows.
Take good notes, don’t text in class, and actually read the material. You’ll be fine on your tests as long as you study and pay attention. Don’t be that kid who never goes to class until the tests. Trust me, attending class really pays off.
The freshmen 15 is real AF.
That dining hall food that you’re basically forced to eat will make you gain weight. But don’t stress about it. Really. Just use portion control and make a pact with friends to eat better and go to the gym together. They’re suffering just like you are so work together to get that 15 pounds off of you. To be honest, it’s probably way less than 15 pounds but if you do start to notice it, just grab an apple instead of that cupcake.
You make lifelong friends, and also friends to let go.
Some friends in college are forever – they’re the first people you call when you need a hug and some ice cream, when that boy finally asks for your number, and when you just need a break. But some friends, you can let go. That’s what’s nice about college – if you realize that a friend is doing you more harm than good, you can stop hanging out with them and better yourself instead.
You’ll want to call home and that is totally okay.
Sometimes you might just want to call your mom or dad or sibling and you totally should! It may seem like you’re the only homesick one, or the only one dying for a home cooked meal. Everyone is trying to hide it as best they can, but everyone – even upperclassmen – like to call home every once in a while (or every day, like me).
You might not immediately have a #squad.
There are people who immediately find friends for life. You’ll see them at dining halls. You’ll see them in your hall. It looks like they’re that popular clique you tried to leave behind in high school. You might only have a few friends and feel left out. But trust me, the more you settle in, the more of a #squad you’ll belong to.
All your money will slowly disappear.
College takes a lot of money out of you. You have to eat, get snacks, buy books, go out with friends, buy those essential party outfits. But don’t worry! You should never be afraid to ask your parents for a little extra allowance, or beg off that dinner out on the town with your friends. Eat at the dining hall or have that delicious instant mac n cheese and you’ll be just fine.
School might not feel like home.
My whole freshman year, I didn’t call school home. My dorm was just my dorm, my campus was just a place where I learned. I ended up transferring – don’t forget that you can transfer. If your gut is telling you your school is wrong, then follow your gut. It’s rarely wrong.
Hopefully, this helps to allay some fears for incoming college freshmen. You’re gonna fit in, find a major you love, and find the squad you’ve always dreamt of. And if not, I’m here for you. You’ll be great! I promise.
Featured image via Tony Tran on Unsplash
