Surviving Freshman Year
design: Revati Mahurkar
What I wish I knew.
by KENDALL LUTHER ★ AUGuST 11, 2024
If you are an incoming freshman, your last weeks of summer are probably filled with chaotic dorm room shopping, difficult goodbyes, and panic TikTok scrolling through ‘what you need to know about college’ videos.
Trust me, I get it.
College is full of unknowns, and lots and LOTS of change. It can feel both intimidating and exciting as move-in day approaches. There are many things I wish I had known before heading into college for the first time, and I’m excited to share them with you.
But first, my qualifications: I chose Syracuse University — a school across the country and over 2,000 miles away! I only knew about five people attending SU, which was not my dream school, but I loved freshman year. Crazy, I know.
If you are nervous or unsure about what your first semester has in store, I hope my tips and advice will ease your transition into college.
Embrace the discomfort
When you are finally settled from moving in and saying your goodbyes to your family, you’re going to feel uncomfortable. You will feel sad and nervous, or may even overthink your decision. This is NORMAL!
It became a running joke between my roommate and me that we felt like we were at summer camp for the first few weeks. It takes time to feel adjusted and find your routine at a new school with brand new people and experiences. Trust me, everyone is feeling the same way — some people just hide it better than others!
My biggest piece of advice for adapting is to embrace the discomfort and use it to your advantage. Prop open your door, go say hi to your neighbors, and participate in the welcome events! I met some of my best friends in college because they were brave enough to knock on my door and invite me to dinner.
By actively embracing the awkwardness of college, you will feel much more at home and will be able to support other students who are feeling the same way. You could meet your best friend or your soulmate, who knows!
Know your limits and respect others’
Frat parties, alcohol, and hangxiety! Oh my!
College is the first time many people begin experiencing easy access to nightlife, alcohol, and other substances. Whether it’s your first time drinking, or you’re a seasoned professional, it is crucial to know your limits.
Stick with a group and make sure to watch out for each other. College is an incredible opportunity for experimentation and making silly drunk mistakes, but it is easy to get in too deep. Take it slow and find what works for you.
You have four years filled with fun and bad decisions ahead of you — don’t force it during syllabus week!
Prioritize your health
No matter how strong you think your immune system is, you will get sick.
Being ill at college is an unfortunate rite of passage, but preparing properly can be a major help.
You may battle a cold or the frat flu, but having medicine ready in your dorm room will help you prioritize staying healthy. While starting classes and making plans with new friends, it is easy to sacrifice taking care of yourself. Keep your health in mind and find what works best for you.
Exercising, staying hydrated, and taking vitamins helped me stay healthy for the majority of my first semester. You know your body, and how to keep it healthy and happy!
Explore your campus before your FDOC
One of my biggest tips is to get to know your campus before your first class. You will most likely be on campus before many returning students — use it to your advantage!
Your FDOC will be filled with nerves. Finding the locations of your classes or the best dining hall is a perfect way to ease some of the first-day jitters. Grab some of your new friends, comfy clothes, a sweet treat, your class schedule, and explore!
Say yes!
I cannot reiterate this enough: say yes!
During my first semester, I said yes to every opportunity, whether it was attending a club fair or impulsively seeing City Girls at the New York State Fair. By saying ‘yes,’ you can get a better idea of where you fit at your new school.
Saying ‘yes’ can help you find your routine, and what you like and don’t like. Reject situations that feel unsafe, but don’t let anxiety or insecurity make you regret trying something new your freshman year.
—
Freshman year is the perfect time to make mistakes and discover yourself. By embracing discomfort, knowing your limits, prioritizing health, exploring campus, and saying ‘yes,’ you will be set up for success.
Good luck, babe! You got this!