Congratulations my lovelies you got accepted into college. Now, before you go off with your newfound freedom, I have a few tips for y’all from my college freshmen experience. These tips are both general and social so that you can be the best you can be.
General:
- 1. Do not PROCRASTINATE assignments
I cannot stress this enough: do not wait until the last minute to do your assignments. Procrastinating will make you not only stressed but depressed, so please do your assignments the minute your professor gives them to you.
- Set a sleep schedule
From my experience, I only went to sleep at a reasonable time on the first day of class, but I did not continue the schedule, and my nights got later throughout the year. If you know you have a 9 am class or an early class, go to bed so that you can stay awake and energized for your bright day. My first semester of college, I had an 11 a.m. class and a 9:30 a.m. class on different days, so please get a good night’s rest or you will be groggy and not motivated to do your best.
- Do not put too much on your plate
It’s good to have extra curriculars and hobbies but if you have too many on top of work and school you will stress yourself out. Make sure to break up your schedule and see what you have and do not have time for. It’s important to have space and time for the things you do want to do. Remember, just because you want to do something doesn’t mean you always have to do it.
- Exercise and eat healthy
CSU does have a gym area and lots of fitness opportunities. Go be active, whether that’s basketball or swimming. You have to take care of yourself, and your health is important. My freshman year I enjoyed taking walks and going to the pool and the gym with my friends. just working out and getting out of the dorm. I’m vegetarian, so my diet is pretty healthy. Try to get some healthy habits before your freshman year or during it.
- Do not compare yourself to other people
As you progress through college, you will see other people and your peers doing their own thing and potentially the thought of, “am I doing enough,” may cross your mind. Long story short, you are doing enough. You are doing just enough; your path is different from everyone else’s and that doesn’t mean you are behind. If you cross the finish line you are doing perfectly fine, my love.
- Go to class
Now I know you’ve probably heard it a million times but go to class. Skipping class once is okay, but once it becomes a habit it becomes a problem, especially if that professor counts attendance as a grade. Just go to class. Not only because you do not want to miss any content if it is not online, but also because that is why you are in college – to get your education.
- Learn how to budget your money
This is not only a real-life skill but it’s a good skill to have in college. It does not matter if you have a job or a monthly allowance that your parents supply you or both. Keeping up great spending habits is important because you never know when you will want something or want to do something and if your funds aren’t in the best shape that can cause issues. Side note: if you borrow money from anyone, just pay it back when you get the chance. Money comes back but trust is hard to gain back and nobody loves somebody who takes advantage of others.
Social:
- 1. Know who your friends are and who you hang around with.
I’m only going to say this once, NOT EVERYONE IS YOUR FRIEND!!!!! Don’t be around people who abuse substances or have bad moral compasses. Learn to also speak up for yourself and the things you believe in. I might sound like a mom when I say this next part but IF JIMMY JUMPS OFF THE BRIDGE ARE YOU GOING TO JUMP? The answer to that should be no, you should value yourself and your safety above anything else. Do not sit and get caught up in something because you love your so-called friends. Know that real friends would do the same for you if you’ve done something for them – that’s called family. Know your worth and what loyalty is.
- Get a support system
Whether that’s a therapist, family, or a good friend group, there is a genuine difference between hearing and listening. You can hear everything but not listen to everything. Listening is an action meaning active listening is a skill that everyone should have in college. Get a support system
- Do not fall into peer pressure
If you do not want to do something – whether that’s drinking, smoking, partying or anything else that does not align with you as a person – don’t do it.
- Get out of your comfort zone
My dad once told me you’ve got to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. When I first heard that, I rolled my eyes, but now I understand what he meant. I’m not the most social person but after being in college in my freshman year I can say that I’m more comfortable being in social settings such as parties. I am able to use my voice and be more confident; I’m comfortable being uncomfortable. Try new things and see how you like them. It may be scary, but you’ll never know if you don’t try.
- 5. Learn how to prioritize your school life over your social life.
Make sure you remember why you are in school. Put school first, there are parties every weekend, clubbing events, sporting events or plays, but school is the most important.
Relationships:
- Know your worth.
Ladies and gentlemen, if you are dating, do not let people show you they do not want you more than once. Know your worth and set boundaries early on within the relationship. Boundaries are extremely important within relationships, and some people will try to push your limits to get you to come out of character. Another thing is within relationships, if someone does not ask you to be your boyfriend or girlfriend y’all are not in a relationship. Do not let them make you look silly and embarrass you.
- Go at your own speed
When you are in a relationship, go at your own pace. If you do not want to do something, you do not have to. Consent is a two-way street where both parties have to agree, not just one.
- Take some time to get to know yourself
In college, I recommend taking some time to step back and date yourself and get to know yourself. To elaborate, get to know your preferences, what you allow, and what you don’t allow. If you know yourself, it will be easier to reject things you do not agree with. Do not settle for something that you do not deserve or agree with.
With all that being said, my love, have a good freshmen year. It will be different from your peers but make it authentic and make it yours. Good luck babes!
