Last Updated on March 6, 2023 by Corynn
Entering your first year of college and not sure what to expect? Here are 14 things every college freshman should know before starting school.
This blog post is about things every college freshman should know.
What Do I Need To Know As A College Freshman?
Here is a list of things you should know to better prepare yourself for your first year in college:
1. Forget Everything You Ever Learned About Making Friends
First thing you need to know about college is that the way you meet friends is completely different than how you met friends in high school.
High school was a place of trying to fit in. Rather than in college, that isn’t the case anymore. Instead of just meeting friends in classes, you’ll be able to meet new friends while living on campus, through parties and events, and joining clubs on campus.
For most, the friends you create in college actually last longer than the friends you make in high school. For example, the friends I made in college; became my best friends. They actually became bridesmaids at my wedding as well!
2. College is All About Putting Yourself Out There
Following up from my previous point. In order to make friends and create connections, you have to put yourslf out there.
Attend those first week events (or also known as Frosh week), join clubs that sparks your interest, or even starting a conversation with someone in class.
If you live on campus, another great way to put yourself out there is keeping your dorm room door open at times. This shows to others that you’re open to making new friends.
3. It’s Okay Not to Know
Can I be blunt with you? Entering college, you will not know everything about being an adult and living on your own.
You can prepare yourself as much as you can. But in order to learn, you have to live through it. Remember to walk into college with an open mind and expect the unexpected to happen.
4. Learn How to Cook a Few Things in a Microwave
Back in the day when I used to visit my boyfriend (now my loving husband) is that he knew how to make some creations in the microwave.
As a college student, you don’t always have access to a stove all the time. Sometimes you just have the dining hall and the microwave in your dorm room.
Need to know what else you need to bring on campus? Here is a list of dorm room essentials every freshman should bring with them!
5. Get To Know The Dining Hall Options
See how much dining credits you get. What happens if they run out? Ask how much an average student uses per day in their dining credit.
I suggest to also add snacks onto your dorm shopping list. Just in case you get hungry in th middle of the night and the dining hall is closed.
6. Don’t Go Home Every Weekend
Your parents misses you a lot and would want you to come home any free chance you get. However, try to limit the amount of times you go home each weekend.
The reason for this is because a lot of social networking happens on the weekend. Your friends may want to go see a band that’s in town, or you have way too many assignments to get done.
It’s always great to see your parents (and get laundry done), but you want to try and experience college to the fullest extent.
7. Get To Know Your Professors
Being in a classroom with 50 or sometimes a 100 students, can be really hard for professors to get to know you. I highly suggest to personally introduce yourself to your professors and always have their college contact information on hand.
For any questions you may have about the course. Or if something comes up, you can communicate with them.
8. Know Your Procrastination Triggers
I am known for procrastinating (not a good trait I have). Although it was really put to the test when I attended college.
The college course load is nothing compared to the high school course load had (oh how easy it was!).
One way to limit your procrastination is to know your triggers and conquer them. For example, my trigger for procrastinating is knowing I have more time and can get my assignments done “at any time”.
Instead of waiting until the last minute to complete an assignment, I completed small task each and every day. so when it’s crunch time, I’m not left with a lot to do.
Here is a list of ways you can limit your procrastination:
- St small goals
- Eliminate distractions
- Organize your task
- Focus your attention on the task at hand
- Using music or a podcast
- Change the work location (study hall, library, coffee shops)
- Work with a study group
- and promise a reward for yourself at the end of each task
9. Try To Stay Active
The Freshman 15 is NO JOKE. The stress of exams, diet, balancing a new schedule, and loosing sleep can truly affect your physical health.
Keep yourself active to avoid the freshman 15, and to exercise for your overall mental health.
Most colleges add-on a membership fee to their gyms or offer a discounted rate at a local gym nearby.
10. Dating Scene Is Completely Different Than High School
Your pool of finding a partner has just increased. No more trying to get that guy off the high school football team who has 5 other girls after him.
The college dating scene is must large and also inclusive. This is your time to truly figure out who you are, and what type of people you want to be with.
Just remember to protect yourself at all times and don’t let any relationship come between you and that diploma.
11. Find a Part Time Job
I hate to admit it but being a college student, you’re broke most of the time. This is where I highly suggest you find a part time job or create a side hustle.
I have a bog post all about how to save money in college and the different type of side hustle a college student can do.
RELATED POST: 11 Life Hacks To Save Money As A College Student
12. Attend Your Classes
Classes in college are A LOT harder to catch up on rather than the ones in high school. Missed a day of your college classes? Well it’s going to take you a while to catch up.
Professors cover so much coursework within those 2-3 hours and they hardly ever review back to previous lessons.
Plus you’re paying a large amount of money to go to school. it would be a waste of money to not attend your classes.
13. Don’t Fall Into Peer Pressure
Peer pressure happens everywhere you go. I noticed peer pressure happens more frequently in college than in high school. Due to the fact that you’re living on your own, and have access to restricted items easier.
Please remember you don’t have to do what everybody else is doing. If a situation makes you uncomfortable then leave.
If you have “friends” pressuring you to do something that you don’t want to do? Then it’s time to look for some new friends.
14. Your Freshman Year Is Exciting But Take It Slow
College is going to be crazy, exciting, and confusing all at the same time. Especially your senior year.
Remember to enjoy the moment as well as take it slow. You don’t have to attend every single party that your friends are going to. You don’t have to stick with the same group you met at orientation day.
Remember to take time for the things you enjoy doing. College is not meant to consume your everyday lifestyle. Continue your hobbies and extracurricular activities as much as you can!
Plus if your mental health is at risk, talk to someone. As a student, you get access to all these resources for your mental health. Remember self-care should be a number 1 priority in your college journey.
