By: Melissa Howard (University of Delaware)
When I was a little kid, I always dreaded seeing back to school commercials on TV. They were a constant reminder that my carefree beach days of summer were coming to an end, only to be replaced by early morning school days and homework. The end of summer is always a little depressing for kids, until the summer before freshman year. Incoming college freshman spend their summer anxiously anticipating the end of summer and move in day. College equals freedom and independence from parents.
I remember how excited I was driving up to the University of Delaware as a freshman. I remember seeing the upperclassman, who lived off campus, drinking on their porches and front yards with giant signs saying “You honk, We drink,” of “Freshman daughter drop off” hanging on houses. It looked like the seniors were having so much fun.
The beginning of the school year excites college freshman because everything is new, different from life before and the start of the best time of in life. College really is a fun place to discover who you are, what you want from life and have a blast doing it. However, be careful freshman not to have too much fun and forget the actual reason of college.
1) Go to class! Its the real point of college and it makes studying a lot easier. Tests are tricky and are often worded so only people who attended class can get the correct answer. Ask the seniors, they will tell you their best grades were in the classes they never missed.
2) Get involved! Its intimidating for college freshman to join activities, but just do it. Extracurriculars give something other than school work and partying to feel connected too. Plus, activities increase the number of people you know.
Most colleges have clubs and groups for everything. If you have an interest, try to find it on your campus and become involved.
3) Have fun! Only focusing on class and extracurriculars equal stress and a very boring college experience. There are only four years here, so make the most of it. Go out on a Thursday night with new floormates, even with an 8 am class (at least once). Spend a Saturday where you could be getting work done at a day-long. Life is too short to be stressed all the time. Work is for people with jobs.
Enjoy college, freshman – these are the best years of your life. Make them count in every possible way.
