10 Things I Wish I Had Known Before College

Dear Sami, as you are about begin your freshman year of college, here are 10 things I wish I would have known.

With my second year of college quickly approaching, I have been seeing a lot of soon-to-be-freshman getting anxious about their next stage of life. As I'm beginning my sophomore year, I began thinking of what I want my sister to know before she steps foot on campus with me in two weeks. Here are 10 things that I wish I would have known my freshman year of college.

1) No relationships your first semester

Or... Maybe your whole first year. I made this point first because I cannot stress this enough. Especially if you are coming straight from high school without taking a year off. I know you have heard this numerous times, but please, listen to me for one second. Whether you realize it or not, you are transitioning into a whole new stage of life and you don't know who you are. Your first year of college is going to mold you into a new version of your life, and it is really hard to find yourself while in a committed relationship. Take your first year of independence and be independent with it. Learn about people and find what you are passionate about. Go to football games, theatre performances, cookouts, concerts, seminars, and all those silly school-run events. Note that I said, “no relationships” and not “no dating”. If a boy asks you for coffee, then go. Meeting people is important in college, but do not fall too quickly in a relationship as soon as you step foot on campus. (Oh, and definitely go speed dating once- you'll be amazed of how many people you meet.)

2) Everyone knows everyone

This does not matter if you have a student body of 300 or 16,000. This is the first thing I learned once I was enrolled in my first week of school. I made a sarcastic comment to Julie in my Bible class about Betty in my chemistry class, and Julie’s roommate’s best friend’s cousin has Betty in her missionary club and everyone knows in .02 seconds. Moral of the story: word travels so quickly. A good rule of thumb is not to say (or send) anything unless you would be comfortable saying it in front of the person you're talking about. Be nice to everyone, and you will not have any drama your freshman year.

3) Give yourself a light course load.

College is hard, so do not sign up for 18 credit hours your first semester. You may have been able to do this in high school, but college is a whole new territory. Also, to add a side point, do not always listen to your adviser. It's wise to seek advice from other students in your degree program. I was told that I had to take certain courses, when I really did not need too until later on in my degree. I was an A student in high school and did not do well my first semester because I overloaded myself in credits. If I would have taken 14 credits instead of 18, then I would have been in better academic standing. Which leads me to the next point…

4) Do not take morning classes
If you are taking all 7:40s and 8:50s then you need to get yourself a new schedule right now. You may have been able to do it in high school, but things are different now. A general rule is not to take anything before 9am. Just trust me.

5)  Starbucks is expensive
My school has three Starbucks on campus and it’s really easy to buy two drinks a day when you’re drowning in a study session… But it’s a waste of money. I may or may not have spent 200$ in just coffee my first semester. Buy a coffee pot for the morning, and get Dunkin instead. College hack: A venti of flavored ice coffee at Dunkin is 2$, and Starbucks is 5$.

6) Set Schedule

Once you figure out your class schedule (and possibly work schedule) fill in empty spots with things you love. Whether that be joining a club, going to the gym, playing an intramural sport, it doesn't matter. Just get involved in something and put it in your agenda so you will stick with it. Also, I found it nice to circle two different hours a week to invest in someone’s life. Whether that be having coffee with a hurting friend, or a spontaneous shopping trip with your roommate, it’s important to make time for people.

7) Grow in your relationship with Christ

Take advantage of going to a Christian school. Go to convocation. Go to campus church. Join a Christian life group. Get spiritual guidance counseling. Surround yourself with people who will spiritually encourage you. Listen in your bible classes (yes, even Biblical Worldview). Wake up every morning and read your Bible at breakfast. Help and serve others. Not only should you learn academically at school, but you need to gain knowledge and grow in your faith in Christ.

8) Make plans on Fridays

 I'm not saying you should party every weekend, but make sure you are not alone in your dorm on a Friday night. After a long week of classes, it’s time to give yourself a night off. Get a group of friends together for dinner and stargazing, or have a movie night and paint nails with your girls. 

9) Speaking of partying
... Kick-back instead. Let me break something to you, Christian kids are just the same as others when it comes to partying. No one told me this when I signed myself up to go to a large Christian university. If you decide to party while going to a Christian school, be very careful. If the school police find you than you will get kicked out of the school. Which is why I suggest “kicking back” instead. It is a lot more fun to get a small group of people together in your friend’s apartment and just have a good time. Don't waste your time partying.

10) Be yourself
This is an exciting time in your life! You'll learn new things about yourself, meet new friends, and maybe discover a passion you've never noticed before. Enjoy your first year of college, and try not to stress too much! Your first year is supposed to be spent having a great time in your stage of life.