10 Things I Learned During My Freshman Year of College

I cannot believe that my freshman year of college is coming to an end! Looking back on the year, here are some things I learned:

1. It’s normal to be homesick - It's okay to be homesick, and it's normal! Moving across the country for me was a tough transition, it was hard to leave my parents, my bed, and all of my friends back home. Throughout the year I learned that in order to get over being homesick I had to immerse myself in activities (exercise, clubs, events, etc). Let your friends know, most people are feeling the same way and it made me feel better to know that I wasn't alone.

2. The freshman fifteen doesn’t have to come true - I think this may have been my biggest fear going into college, it doesn't have to be though. The dining halls DO have healthy options, and it doesn't hurt to grab a salad for lunch instead of chicken tenders. I love to stay active by going to workout classes with my friends! Your gym/rec center will most likely have passes for group classes and I highly recommend taking advantage of those.

3. College is about learning, not partying - This should be the most obvious one, but it is important to remember. You should always finish your homework before going out, or skip a party if you really need to study. It's the smart thing to do. I promise there will be another party, and the one you're skipping will (probably) not be a life changing experience.

4. Be nice to everyone- The golden rule has, and always will, apply to life: treat others how you want to be treated. You should always be nice to everyone anyways, but it's a great way to make connections and the more friendly faces to see around campus, the better.

5. Save numbers- On the above note, the most simple thing to do is to save people’s numbers. I have found myself needing to text someone I met once at freshman orientation, and having their contact is a lifesaver!

6. Be true to yourself - College is a time where you’re on your own and your previous beliefs and morals may be challenged. They may change, but let that be your decision, not something pushed on you by others! Find out what you actually believe in and what your viewpoints on certain topics are because now is the time to do it.

7. Try new things - Join weird clubs, take classes that interest you, go to events that seem fun, just put yourself out there & you never know what you’ll find or who you’ll meet. I joined the wake boarding team, which is something I never imagined myself doing (and I quit because I was terrible), but it was fun to try!

8. Call your mom - You’re not fooling anyone when you say you don’t miss your mom! There has not been a time where I've been disappointed to hear my mom’s voice. Moms have superpowers and they know the answer to everything - it's true.

9. Take care of yourself - The amount of times i have gotten sick this year is crazy. Dorms are gross, and when one person gets sick, it spreads like a wild fire. Take your vitamins, kids!! Get enough sleep!! Block the germs!!

10. It’s okay to not know what you’re doing - If there is one single most important thing I have learned, it is that it’s okay to feel a little lost. It’s so rare to go into college knowing exactly what you want to do, and finish on the same page! This is a time to find out what you’re truly passionate about, and it is not going to be a straight path there.