What I Learned My Freshman Year of College

            Wow. I’m still in shock that I just completed my first year of college. I’m already ¼ done with some of the greatest years of my life. This past year truly has been one of the best. I’ve laughed more than I ever have before, I’ve shed a few tears too, but I’ve learned, grown as a person, and made memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

            My mom told me over and over again that there are so many things that I’m going to learn in college outside of the classroom and not in books. I’ve only been here a year but looking back I sure did retain a lot and I’d like to share.

So here are my top 30 pieces of advice to incoming freshman:

1. Always check your email before going to class because there is always that off chance that you have an email from God himself (okay your professor) saying class is cancelled.

2. Going to the gym is important, DO IT! The earlier the better because that’s when it’s emptiest and if you actually want to get something done try to stay away from 2-6 PM because that’s when it’s busiest.

3. Be unique, be you. Cowboy boots are practically foreign here in Syracuse, NY. Well, they are also apart of my everyday wardrobe considering I have seven pairs. So I didn’t let that stop me from wearing them with everyday outfits, not just on Halloween when girls were dressing up as “cowgirls” with their plaid shirts from Hollister and high-heeled cowgirl boots.

4. Clubs and organizations are going to lure you in with free pizza, especially the first few weeks of school. GO TO THESE EVENTS. You are in college. If it’s free, especially food, you take advantage even if you aren’t especially interested in the Squirrel Watching Club. If there is free pizza you go.

5. Go to class. It may seem like the cool thing to brag about that you skipped again but it’s worthwhile to go. You’re paying an arm and a leg and maybe another leg too just to sign up for these classes so get something out of them. You never know when something important may be discussed.

6. Naps are God’s gift to college students, but be sure to set an alarm for a nap no longer than 1-½ hours because you will not be able to sleep that night or you will wake up tired rather than refreshed.

7. Bring fun things to do with your friends. The laser tag game I got for Valentine’s Day was a hit! The boys on my floor and I played for hours. But give a bunch of ROTC kids guns and we know how to have fun. Cards Against Humanity was also a fun time too, just know your group well enough that no one will be offended playing.

8. Ordering wings at 2:00 AM every now and then isn’t going to kill you. Just don’t make it a regular thing.

9. When people tell you how many more credits they’re taking/have taken, clubs they’re in, internships they have, and everything else and they’re your age – don’t panic. It’s okay to not be tied down and forced into doing things so quickly.

10. With that being said, take college classes in high school! If I hadn’t come in with 21 credits, changing my major may have caused me to stay longer and that may even still be a possibility unfortunately.

11. “Win or lose we booze” is a real thing. People are always going to find a reason to drink, don’t be surprised by it.

12. Mental breakdowns are common. It’s nothing that a good chat with your best friend over hot chocolate and kahlúa can’t fix.

13. Nobody, I repeat, nobody, cares about your boyfriend or girlfriend from home. We’ll listen every now and then, but honestly we don’t give two shits. Actually, we don’t even give one.

14. Don’t buy the books for class right away. Sometimes you get lucky and the professor says you can find it online or you don’t even need the book so save that money because books will be one of your biggest expenses!

15. Changing your major is completely okay. If you want to, do it. Maybe a couple times. Make sure to question life and why you’re even in college too. If you don’t do that then you’re lying to yourself.

16. You don’t need to be an alcoholic to have fun and you’re not going to be the only one who doesn’t drink. If you don’t want to, don’t feel ashamed for not being interested.

17. You look stupid wearing heels to class. You look even more stupid wearing heels and a barely there skirt and crop top to a party on a Saturday night in February.

18. Do some crazy things and cross shit off your bucket list. Also, never turn down a challenge. I got my cartilage pierced and did the polar plunge. Also climbed a statue of a horse just to say I did it.

19. You will hear it again and again. But get involved. You don’t need to fill every single time slot in your schedule or be a D1 athlete. But give yourself a reason to get your work done or a new way to meet friends. I don’t know what I’d do without the club Western Equestrian team and I’ve made some great memories because of it.

20. Dressing nice during finals week is overrated. As is wearing makeup and anything other than sweatpants to your 8:00 AM.

21. Familiarize yourself with the Greek alphabet because sororities and fraternities are a common topic of discussion and you’re going to want to know what house you’re looking for when it’s negative temperatures and 11:30 PM on a Friday night.

22. Call home, write home, facetime home, visit home every now and then. I guarantee you’ll be homesick at first. You may think you’re homesick, but even more than that, your parents and family miss you. They’ll try to act tough and like you being gone doesn’t bother them but they would do anything to have you living at home again.

23. You’re lying to yourself if you think you’re going to go to bed early. And if you do go to bed before 10:00 PM you probably pulled an all nighter the night before or are extremely sick.

24. You will make the greatest friends at the most unexpected times. Do whatever you need to do for them because they would do the same for you. If they need a gym buddy go with them. If they want someone to eat with, be there even if you ate not to long ago. Help them study, let them vent, do anything for them. Those are the people who will be in your life for the long haul.

25. Romantic relationships are overrated. Live while you’re young and enjoy being able to talk and hang out with whomever you’d like.

26. Never promise yourself that you will study or do a project over breaks such as Thanksgiving and Spring Break because it never in a million years will happen. Instead you will watch Netflix, sleep, and enjoy your mom’s cooking.

27. With that being said, Netflix is the college kid’s best and worst enemy. It will entertain you during all hours of the night or keep you awake during a lecture hall, but it will also distract you from your homework and cause you to lose a significant amount of sleep.

28. College is about learning to do something well and in a short amount of time. Procrastination is common. Master it.

29. Your parents are going to constantly ask you about your grades. If you’re lucky you can be straightforward and honest, for the rest of you, start thinking creatively now.

30. Most importantly though, have fun. Enjoy the time because you don't get much of it. Step out of your comfort zone and make some memories. Take a ton of pictures, try not to stress too much, and live while you're young. 

Kaileen and Scott are two of the greatest friends I could ever ask for, and college would not have been the same if it were not for them. Thank you both of you. I'm going to miss you two so much over summer, but I can't wait for the next three years!