8 Things I Already Want To Tell Next Year’s Freshmen

1. Make a friend you’re okay crying in front of, even if you hate crying in front of other people. At some point you’re going to hit a wall, and you’re going to hit it hard. You’re probably not going to want to cry alone in your dorm or apartment. You’re going to want a hug because you can’t hug your mom or your best friends from back home.

2. If you think you shouldn’t be in a class, you probably shouldn’t. Drop it when you can still switch into another class. When a professor warns you that you’re in a major specific class, not just a “requirement fulfillment” class, listen to him/her and get the hell out.

3. People of the opposite gender are weird in college. You may think everyone is all about hooking up in college, and a lot of times they are, but sometimes you happen upon the rare guy or girl who is ready to commit, but doesn’t know how to tell you. It will make your life hell for a little while.

4. On the same token, communication is important but college students tend to be terrible at it. Whether it’s a new relationship you’re trying to start and you just can’t quite make your feelings clear, or a bad roommate situation, sometimes you just have to spit it out.

5. Read. You’re probably going to have a lot of really daunting textbooks that weigh about as much as you do. Don’t use them to decorate the floor of your room. You’ll end up staying awake until 2 am for weeks.

6. Eat. Properly. There are endless food options and there are endless times when you’ll be too lazy and too stressed to feel like eating. When your clothes stop fitting for one reason or another, you’re going to be mad about it.

7. Be involved. I know. It’s the most cliché thing people tell you in college. Pick something and commit to it. College is hard. You don’t have to do 500 things. If you pick a good organization that allows you to pick from a variety of things, you’re going to have a good time. Look for organizations that allow you to develop your leadership skills but also offer fun events and social groups.

8. It’s okay to be a little bit of a mess. No one knows what they’re doing.