How Am I Supposed to Get Through Freshman Year Alive?
The moment you realize college isn’t just putting a label in your Instagram bio…
by SOFIA KAUFMAN ★ OCTOBER 4, 2021
Your freshman year of college: the time you’ve been anxiously anticipating since someone first asked, “so where are you thinking of going to school?” Between the excitement of dorm shopping, new friends, and a fresh start, the beginning of this four-year journey can be seriously daunting. It starts with common app applications and writing your college essay, then suddenly you’ve fasted forward to commitment day, showing off where you will be attending, putting your school in your IG bio, being thrown into random Facebook group chats with a bunch of strangers, and a flood of DMs in search of the perfect freshman year roommate.
Overwhelmed yet? Me too. But as time goes on, things will settle down. This is all until freshmen arrive on campus and the chaos starts right back up again. Friend groups form fast, classes are stressful, and the unpacking has just begun. The good news? Almost everything from the first weeks of school will be completely different by the end of the year. To those freshmen who are overwhelmed by college, this is the perfect place to learn the do’s and don'ts this year on campus.
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DON’T #1: Get With *That* Frat Guy
Sorry ladies, that older frat boy you wanted to hook up with? Big no. You never know who is watching, their history, or their intentions. If you plan on rushing a sorority in the Spring, you definitely don’t want to mess with older girls (because that frat guy is totally in love with you and isn’t seeing anyone else). Even though this tip seems simple, freshmen always have the urge to go crazy in the first couple of weeks of school. New setting, new environment, new friends? What can go wrong? Following this rule will help keep your reputation and self-worth intact.
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DONT #2: Hide in Your Dorm Room
Listen here, because this can definitely make or break your whole college experience. Please for the love of God do not hide in your dorm room. Trust me. Go out, make friends, and have a good time. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed with work and we all want time to catch up on the latest season of that Netflix show, but I promise it’s more important to branch out and meet new people. It’s not that deep, if you find someone who doesn’t fit your ~vibe~, there are 20,000 other students on campus, so go out and find your best fit. The first couple of weeks on campus are crucial. That being said, don’t be afraid to reach out to people and step outside of your comfort zone.
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DO #1: Run That Extra Mile
On a more positive note, definitely make sure you’re getting enough exercise. Even though life can be crazy, the elusive “Freshman 15” is no joke. It is so easy to push working out to the side, however, it certainly keeps your mind working and positivity up. Even though it sounds so corny, working out is the best distraction from all the work and drama that can arise in college (and there will always be drama). But don’t let the cold Syracuse weather discourage you from exercising, you need something to keep your spirits high and not let your motivation drop. It also never hurts to find a workout buddy to keep you in check (duh, another way to make some new friends).
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DO #2: Stay on Your Grind
In the Fall, tailgates, parties, and boys are constantly at your disposal and can definitely get in the way of school. But you do need to remember that we are also here to learn (as much as we may hate to admit it). You do need to stay on top of your work, even though falling behind is one of the easiest things to do when life gets busy at school. If you stay on top of your work, you will feel so much more accomplished when your grades come out at the end of the semester. Also, you will feel less guilty about going out on a Thursday night (Friday morning discussion? Don’t know her).
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No matter what advice any older students, parents, or friends throw at you, the most important thing is to have fun. It's college, and you have four years to make a fool of yourself with pretty much zero boundaries. It’s better to look back and laugh at the stupid moments than stay in and regret it later. Take that extra shot, go on the slip and slide at a frat, and most importantly (sorry to be corny), be yourself.
Cover Photo Credit: @chloehetcher_