Hey freshman,
Relax.
Take a breath.
Everything will be okay.
Here you are, ready to take on the next chapter of your life. All I can say, is do not go into this close minded.
Trust me, I know its you may be anxious and worried to go into a classroom not knowing what to expect. You are new, you have no experience and are extremely vulnerable. However I’m here to tell you that you will be successful.
So, I see you’re enrolled in College Writing. This may not be your favorite class, and you may despise the writing process, however you MUST go into the course (and all your others) with an open mind and a valiant effort. For this course, my main piece of advice is to be open to the revision process, seeing as it is extremely important to your success in the class. Be willing to take the advice of your peers. Edit and work on your paper outside of class, don’t rely solely on class time. Write your drafts WHEN the drafts are due, even if it's crap.
In order to grow as a writer, you must be willing to change. Doing so will allow you to flourish into the writer you are capable of becoming.
ACADEMICS
In regards to class, don’t skip it… you aren't paying to sleep. Get to know your professors. When you study, don’t do it in your room, you’ll be tempted to nap, you’ll be distracted from your hallmates. Also, try to use an active study method such as making flashcards or study groups, its helps you firmly grasp the concepts and is a lot less boring than reading notes. I cannot stress this enough… GET A TUTOR IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING. It doesn’t make you look dumb, it makes you look smart for wanting to do well.
LIVING WITH OTHERS
Never leave your clothes in a washer after the cycle is over. Be there to take them out a minute before the cycle ends. Not doing this is rude. The second your laundry is done, people WILL pull your clothes out and move them.
If you’re having issues with your roommate, talk to them. Don’t let them build up to the point where you can’t stand each other.
I CANNOT STRESS IT ENOUGH… ALWAYS WEAR FLIP FLOPS IN THE BATHROOM (the includes the shower)
That shit is NASTY.
STAYING HEALTHY
Don’t rely on caffeine; stay well-hydrated, eat “healthy” foods, and sleep.
SOCIAL
Get involved; Try out as many clubs as you can. Feel no obligation to stick with them if you don’t like them. Don’t just wait for different opportunities to present themselves to you, go out there and look for them.
Lastly… in regards to attire… Don’t wear your lanyard around your neck; you will scream freshman.
When current or past students speak about their college experience they mention Homecoming, formals, the Parties, and their impressive record for most drinks consumed in a night. However, doing so fails to shine the light on the negative parts of college that no one wants to talk about.
For starters, being home sick. You may go into school with the expectation you will be fine but I can assure you, you will be home sick at one point or another, and you will not be the only one. You’ll miss the company of family and friends, sleeping in your own bed, pets (that one’s a killer) and the home cooked meals. You may think it's weird to go home so you remain here, with the company of papers and study guides, the rickety bed with a paper thin mattress, the abundance of squirrels, and the mystery meat.
But, it is OKAY and it is NORMAL to go home.
You may have been able to breeze through high school with little to no effort, so college will be a reality check. In college there will be times when you are extremely overwhelmed and stressed. In college, cramming the night before will, in most cases, not result in As… Let me persuade you to leave those habits in high school.
Freshman year is a time to change, it gives you the opportunity to change who you are, experiment, and get out of your comfort zone. It allows you to change into the person you have always wanted to be. Be confident, get out of your comfort zone, and try new things. College is the greatest opportunity you’ll ever have for personal development.
Make the most of this.
Smile. Relax. Take a breath. Everything will be okay.
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