College Freshman: 10 Things I Wish I Would've Known
Friday, 31 August 2007
I am now a Sophomore in college, and
since my Freshman days, I have thought of and implemented several
things that have made my college experience more enjoyable, and more
fun. Many of them revolve around one thing: LOOSEN UP! That said,
read on!
Scared Freshman Syndrome is a
terrible condition that afflicts many new collage students. The only
known cure is to loosen up, and relax. Yes, focus on your studies,
but also make sure to have good amounts of social time.
Be Social! It doesn't matter what
class they are in, but socialize, especially with the opposite
gender! It is worth it! You may even end up finding “the one!”
Why be a wallflower like you were all though middle and high school?
Live a little and dial down the pucker factor!
Go to campus events when you can!
I am a commuter, which means that I never hear about most social
events, and hardly ever get to go out with my friends, which really
does stink. Provided you know something is going on, buck up and go!
Be involved in extracurricular
activities. Join some clubs, or get into the choir, or band! You may
even get a few free vacations out of it, and learn a lot and have
fun while doing it, too! Take advantage of what you are offered for
all of that tuition money that you pay in!
Be open to new ideas. Don't be so
set in stone that you can't even see from someone else's point of
view. If you see from their point of view, they are more likely to
learn from you when you give your points. Though this, you can also
come to new levels of friendship with others.
Hang around in public areas on
campus and don't just stay in the dorm, or at home. You can't make
friends if you are locked away in your little hole somewhere. Don't
live on the computer (I'm working on that), and don't just sleep
every free moment you have.
Sit in the front of your classes,
if you can. You will get more out of the class, and whether you
intend to listen or not, your professor will come to think you
actually do care, and will end up liking you, giving you an upper
hand to the students in the back.
Make friends with professors. Yes,
they may be older than you, but you would be surprised as to how
many professors are actually fun people. You will always run into
several sour apples, but my personal experience shows that
professors are capable of fun.
Drop the superiority complex. You
aren't any better than anyone else, and if you are, you shouldn't
hold it above their head. Instead, try to be social and make
friends!
Always have a plan B. No matter
what, whether it be an assignment, a job opportunity, a girl or guy,
or anything else, have an alternate plan. You won't always work
things out with the first shot. Be prepared for trial and error
until you finally succeed.
