What Every Freshman Should Know
You only get to be a freshman in college once, so before you go, I want to share some advice. The beginning of your first year in college is overwhelming, stressful, but most importantly exciting. Looking back, you want to have the best memories and have made the year something you will keep with you for the rest of your life.
When getting ready to go to this unfamiliar place for the first time, everyone, and I mean everyone, will want to give you some sort of advice. From your parents and grandparents to your neighbor and hair lady, people of all sorts will want to share some helpful tips and words of wisdom. Being someone who just completed their freshman year this year, here is the advice I would have given to myself:
Go in with a completely open mind. Your first year of college is a year of many firsts and it is important to give it all you got and step out of your comfort zone a bit. Freshman year is a year that allows you to leave things in the past and look completely forward at a new beginning. Many people discover who they are, who they want to be, and what they want to do with their life in these special four years. Be open to taking classes you normally would not have considered. Put yourself out there and make some new friends. Join a club or sports group. Give your first year all you got.
Stay on top of your work. It can be exciting to have so many social opportunities going on including parties, football games, and bar nights, but make sure that you are not slacking on your work. Many people fall behind, miss due dates, and miss class when there is a lot going on, but it is important to know that you are at college to learn, not to party.
Never take an 8 am class. This was the best advice given to me before I made my schedule freshman year. If you are not that much of a morning person, these early classes can be exhausting and make you want to skip class. If you can avoid the super early classes, I would recommend you do so.
Rush. Whether you know you want to be in a sorority or fraternity 100% or you have no idea anything about Greek life, give it a chance. Many people have preconceived notions that Greek life is only partying and fun, but it is so much more. Philanthropy is one of my favorite aspects of Greek life, and they make it so much fun to raise money for great causes. The best part is that the people that are in your chapter will become your closest friends and will always have your back.
Do not be afraid to ask for help. Many people struggle freshman year with the new lifestyle of college and classes. There are so many resources on campus that will help you succeed including office hours, free tutors, study groups, and more.
Keep in touch with your family. Your family will miss you so much while you’re away and Facetiming and calling them will make their day, along with yours. Calling your family makes you feel at home and is a great way to deal with that occasional homesick feeling.
Learn from your mistakes. You will make several mistakes in your first year of college; the only important part is that you learn from them and try not to make the same mistake again. Have the time of your life! Freshman year flies by and before you know it, it will be over, so make your time at UMD memorable.
Arianna Powell, UMD Intern
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