What I Have Learned in a Year of College Life

                So after being in college for a year, I have found some pretty important tools and ideas to surviving the dreaded first year.  I’m not an expert, but I have gained some insightful knowledge to pass on to those who have had difficulty and next semester’s freshman class.

1.)    Yes, it is going to be hard.  It’s not high school anymore.  Universities are supposed to prepare you for the real-world environment.  That means professors will challenge how and what you think. 

2.)    Be open-minded.  Universities are a huge melting pot of people, bringing in different ethnicities, cultures, and religious ideas to one place.  A quarter of the student population are freshmen, so you are not alone.  Everyone will have their own opinions, but don’t disregard them.  The different points of view shape how you see the Big Picture.  Stand by your own opinions, and become more knowledgeable with it.

3.)    It’s NOT Animal House.  I will be honest and say that there is drinking on campus, but don’t think John Belushi is going to be having a toga party at his house every week.  University students are cheap, so be prepared to pay to bring your own drinks or to even get into the Freshman House.  It is also okay not to drink.  I don’t drink at all, and many people who have invited me out to party have supported my decision.  But the choice is yours.

4.)    Have FUN!  You’re on campus and you can’t find anything to do?  You’re doing it wrong.  RA’s and student organizations always have something going on to break up the mundane study, eat sleep routine.  Whether you fly solo or with a group of friends, you can find ways to enhance the college experience.

5.)    Make NEW friends (and keep the old ones).  So your roommate is your friend from high school.  He could be a cool guy in school, but when you find out that they don’t clean up the ramen from a month ago, avoid the roommate-is-my-best-friend experience.  Other people on campus are in the same boat, and have their own stories and jokes to tell.  Diversifying the people you know is a great way to expand a network of relationships.  But don’t throw away those close friends from high school.  Those friends are who you base friendships on, no matter how crazy or obscure.

6.)    Be yourself.  Some people see college as a time to reinvent themselves.  I think it would be more of a hassle to balance old and new personalities amongst the insane pace of college life.  Relaxing and letting people see the true you is the best way make friends.  I underwent a small “rebirth” in my personality, making myself more presentable and mature to match the new world I immersed myself in.

So that’s what I have gained socially in university.  I have liked the input from many of you, so please continue commenting.  Spread the word.  I also have created a Facebook page for you to follow whenever I make a new post.  Thanks for the support.

Until next time.