34 Things I Learned in My First Semester of College
So in order to put my list in perspective, a little background on me:
I've lived in Michigan almost all my life, and I currently attend the University of Michigan (main campus).
So here's a list of things that I learned in my first semester:
The week before you start school (called welcome week at my school) is the best. You have no academics going on, and everything is chill. And you meet some awesome people.
During the first couple weeks, keep your door open literally at all times when you're in your room. And during these few weeks, it's not weird to walk into people's rooms and introduce yourself and for others to do the same to you.
No matter how good your dining hall/cafeteria food is, you will get sick of it at some point.
At a big university like mine, there is such a range of interests within the different people you will meet, and you'll definitely meet people with similar interests as you.
Do not stay locked up in your dorm room, especially if you have a single.
With that being said, if you have a double, try to get alone with your roommate, and if you're lucky, you'll have a great year living with them and possibly becoming friends with them.
You can skip class as often as you'd like, as most classes don't require attendance but it's probably in your best interest not to.
Your sleep schedule will probably shift back a couple hours, so getting up at 6 am probably isn't possible anymore, unless you're an athlete or something and have morning practice.
With that being said, sleep is very important. You need sleep.
If you go to a school that has football has a huge thing in the states, tailgating will probably be a huge thing. You should definitely check it out at least once. Or every time it happens.
At a big school like mine, there will always be someone better than you in something. And it sucks, but hey, that's life.
Most schools will have a good amount of partying. Be safe. And always make sure you know how to get home, or have someone who will take you. Again, be safe.
With huge lectures, be prepared to run into your professor and have them not have even the tiniest bit of recognition when they see you.
But because making relationships with professors is important, go to office hours.
Definitely study. There's no way around it.
But definitely have fun, or else college will not be that memorable other than the hours you spend with your books.
At my school and probably a lot of other schools, parties at the beginning of the year are the easiest to find, so go to them if you have the energy and time. And if you don't, make time and gain energy.
If you're a girl, you can get into pretty much any party.
If you're a guy, it depends on the party and yes, the "who do you know here" thing is real, but not as common as you would think.
If you go to a party, you will see gross things, so just know that you've been warned.
But you probably will be asked to drink or tempted at some point. Do whatever you please.
No one cares what you do in terms of drinking, so just do whatever you want.
Don't get into the habit of eating out a lot, because it will cost you.
Also, go to the gym frequently if you don't want to gain a lot of weight and you aren't used to consuming a lot of alcohol and/or eating greasy, unhealthy dining hall food.
It's impossible to sleep early because a) your body probably isn't used to it and b) the dorms are hella loud.
If you go to school in the north, it's cold. You probably aren't used to walking everywhere in the cold, so be prepared.
Don't take all 8am classes because you will regret that. On the other hand, ending at 5pm everyday sucks almost as much. You just aren't as tired.
If you meet someone interesting, get their number or something. If you go to a huge school, you never know if you'll see them again.
You will take a class at some point that makes you want to hurt someone.
And you will take a class that you absolutely love. And hopefully many, many of these.
Most of your class is probably at least a tad bit unsure about what they want to do with their life, so it's okay if you have no idea.
And lastly, no matter what happens, make sure you make the most of your college experience, and do whatever makes you happy, because you can.
Note: This is all from my perspective, so if you don't agree, that's fine. Also, my perspective may be different from many because I have been born and raised in this country, and I don't go to school THAT far away from home.
I hope you all have a great holiday season!!
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