Okay, so it’s practically August. Which means summer is almost over. Which means that school starts soon. Which means that there are a ton of high school graduates out there psyching themselves out for their freshman year of college. I was there once. But before I make myself sound stupid…no, it wasn’t that long ago. I’m not some old and wise college master or anything.
But I have learned a few things these past three years, some of which I wish I had known when I was a freaking-out freshman. So if any of you out there are about to start college–or know someone who is and is freaking out–feel free to read on or share.
My list of things that college freshmen should know (and that might save them some embarrassment).
1. Don’t do the ID card lanyard around the neck.
I cannot overstate this one. I can’t tell you how awful I felt during orientation weekend when the Orientation Workshop Leader I was assigned to told our whole group this advice. Her words: “Don’t wear the lanyard around your neck. Nothing screams FRESHMAN more than that.” Now imagine me, looking around the room and slowly slipping the lanyard over my head and into my pocket while no one was looking.
Save yourself the embarrassment. Keep it in your pocket/purse/anywhere-but-your-neck.
2. Don’t carry all your books.
I know in high school, it was the cool thing to carry your books everywhere instead of wear a backpack. Well, in college, that’s not only uncommon–it’s impractical. You’ll know what I’m talking about once you buy all your textbooks and try to carry them in your arms.
3. Don’t bother dressing up for the first day of classes.
Every college student will tell you that pretty much the only time you dress up to come to class is if you are 1) Giving a speech/presentation or 2) Well, that’s pretty much the only time. I’m not saying that you need to wear sweats the first day. Just don’t come to class dressed in your Sunday best. Even the professors make fun of freshmen who do that. Well, some of mine do anyway. (Of course, this advice does not apply to schools with dress codes. You’re on your own there)
4. Do take a walk around the campus and make yourself familiar with it before the first day of classes.
No one wants to be that person who is carrying a map around in front of their face on the first day of classes, when literally everyone on campus can see you. Sometime before that first day, just take a walk around. Get to know the layout of the buildings. Get yourself a little lost if you have to, and find your way back. (Just not when it’s dark. Not a good idea then).
5. Don’t “look” like a freshman.
This one goes beyond how you’re dressed. When you’re walking around campus, don’t look like someone who is completely lost and overwhelmed (even if you actually are). Other people can tell. They can smell your fear.
Play it cool. Act like you’ve been doing this for years. Pretend you own the place. You’ll live.
And if you can’t for the life of you figure something out, then ask someone. But choose your source wisely. Pick someone who looks nice. And even after that, get a second opinion for good measure. But when you ask, don’t act like you’re on the phone with 9-1-1. You’re just asking a simple question, like any calm and normal person might. Just play it cool.
6. Don’t freak out or think that all college courses are like the incredibly intimidating ones you see in movies.
I don’t know about anyone else, but when I went into my first class as a freshman, I thought it was going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I was expecting some huge lecture hall, everyone with their laptops out, wearing glasses, taking notes, and the professor writing profusely on the chalkboard using big words that I couldn’t even pronounce (think Legally Blonde). Unless you’re going to Harvard Law School, this scenario will most likely not occur. It’s kind of like when you started high school. It was intimidating. But after the first day or two, you’re like “What the heck. This isn’t that bad.”
Same goes for college. It’s just another step up. Yeah, you’ll have to adjust a few things and actually do the readings, but you’ll survive. It’s not that hard. (This excludes majors that are, practically by definition, hard. I’m a Comm major. ‘Nuff said.) But if you’re doing what you love, it won’t be that hard.
7. With that being said, do the work.
I know in high school, you could get away with not actually reading the book in English class. I may or may not have relied on Sparknotes for a few of the classics in my high school days. But the textbooks in college usually don’t have a Sparknotes version to read. You have to actually READ them. This is especially important for professors who give reading QUIZZES. You fail one–okay, whatever. You fail ten–cya next semester, because you’ll be taking the class over again. Which would suck.
Budget your time. Do the work. I said college isn’t that hard, but I never said it was easy. You don’t do the work, you don’t pass the class. Easy as that. Professors won’t baby you, so don’t act like a baby.
8. Don’t treat college like a never-ending drinking fest.
Bad, bad, bad, bad (can I emphasize this enough?) BAD IDEA. You know how everyone complains about how expensive college is? You know that big number with at least five digits to the left of the decimal that you see under the total expenses for one year at college? Yeah, they’re real. And yes, unless you have a full ride, you have to pay them eventually. You know what happens if you get kicked out of school, or out of your major, or off whatever sports team you’re on for underage drinking? Or if you party every night, skip classes, and fail them?
You still have to pay the bills. That’s what.
I’m not gonna preach to you about my personal beliefs on drinking. But if you’re gonna party every night, don’t cry to Mom if you get into trouble and expect her to make everything all right. This isn’t high school. You’re an adult. You’re going to be treated as such. Take responsibility.
End rant.
9. But do have fun.
Just like the saying goes, college really is one of the best times of your life. Enjoy it. Make new friends. Do spontaneous stuff. Try new things (preferably ones that aren’t stupid). Stay up late. Take naps (they’re magical, believe me). Order Chinese food. Make memories.
Because before you know it, it’s almost over. Just like with high school, four years goes by fast (if you’re getting your Bachelor’s Degree, that is). This is your last hoo-rah before you enter “real life” and have to pay off all those loans. Make it count.
And pray that by the end of it all, you’ll still have an idea of what you want to do with your life afterwards.
But if not, you’ll survive.
Brianna Lee Kauffman 