Stale Candy & Musings: Advice for Incoming Freshmen
By Ashlyn Jurena
Pumpkin spice is back in season, the leaves on the trees are turning red and orange, suddenly, fall is approaching, and school is back in session. What are the odds of feeling jittery and unprepared for the upcoming semester, especially as a first-year student at a new school? Here are six tips for incoming freshmen entering college or university as first-year students.
1. Experiment with the style you been holding off for YEARS
Truth is, college is not like High School where people care if you’re somewhat a little different. Starting off at a new school is a great
opportunity to experiment with the style you’ve been holding off for years in fear of being labeled as cringeworthy whether it being a new hairstyle, look, or vibe. Just know if it does gets around and you find out that people care about the way you look in terms of expressing your new profound style, it just shows the lack of maturity and growth on their part in their own uni journey and doesn’t reflect your worth and reflects their immaturity.
2. Always trust your intuition
Regardless if you’re commuting or dorming, being accepted into a friend group is something most people in college long for. However, if something seems unexplainably wrong, always follow your gut and never put yourself in unsafe situations or places for the benefit of other people.
3. Never EVER settle for less
Don’t ever feel subjected to hanging out or giving your energy to a certain group of people because deep down you feel that you can’t find anyone else to hangout with or find another romantic partner/interest.
Instead, focus on and find the things you enjoy when you’re on campus, such as being in a club, sports, or an activity, and grow from there. Introducing yourself and slowly getting yourself acclimated in academia by subtly networking with peers as well as professors in your desired studies is a MUST!
Entering college or university as a first-year student is all about exploring your options and finding out what sticks for you and what doesn’t.
4. It is okay to be nervous but still push yourself
Being a little fish in a big pond is very scary and can be difficult to navigate, especially when everything is unfamiliar to you. Although very scary, nervousness can be utilized for getting out of your comfort zone to achieve what we desire by meeting new people, asking proactive questions in class, and participating in various activities on campus.
5. Find time for your passions and hobbies
If you constantly overwork and exert yourself, chances are you will feel unfulfilled and miserable. Time management is a crucial skill to have while doing schoolwork or other activities in college and university. Make sure all deadlines for coursework are written down somewhere either in a planner or on your devices, so that you can make time for the stuff you love.
6. Become the best version of yourself
Stay true to yourself. Don’t live through other people. The setbacks in life make you resilient. The world doesn’t wait for you; persist to keep moving forward and let your presence be known. Entering college or university as a first-year student is all about exploring your options and finding out what sticks for you and what doesn’t.
