I know I've been M.I.A. for the whole summer - I'm sorry! School gets the best of ya sometimes, and I've been working my butt off!! That's kind of what this post is about. I don't have a set plan for this post, haha so bear with me!
For all of the followers who are incoming college freshman, please read this! This blog is all fun and games, but that's all it is! Freshman year is SO important, and balance/moderation is the key to having a successful first year. I went wild, and of course it backfired. I went into college top of my class (literally - I was valedictorian), and thus the top of my class at SMU. I was in several programs, and I totally blew it all because I thought that I could go out, not study, and just goof around. I didn't study in high school and I stupidly thought I was "smart enough" to get away with the same behavior (or lack thereof) in college. Now, I'm not saying you're prone to making my mistakes, I'm just hoping at least ONE of you reads this and it helps!
When you get assigned work, do it that day!
If the homework is "optional".... do it.
Go to office hours at least once in the first two weeks - if you don't have a question, make one up! Seriously, if the professor knows your name it can do wonders for your grade.
If you have a TA, befriend him/her! I was nice to my Chem TA, and oh my gosh. Best move of my life. He would help me study all the time. Also, they really know how to explain the material in a different way than the professor, which is awesome if he/she can be confusing.
If you're shy, (like me! I swear I have social anxiety), write down your questions as you think of them. If they are not asked my someone else, and you simply cannot fathom how to answer them, ask the TA (if you know them), or go to office hours. I cannot stress this enough. I didn't go when I was confused and damn, that really screwed me over.
If there is a party on during the week, and you KNOW you have an early morning class, or you ABSOLUTELY have to study or finish up some work, DON'T GO. Don't let people tell you that "You can study after!" It's bullshit. You won't study after and you know it.
Furthermore, make it a habit to not go out and party during the week at all, if you aren't 150% sure that you can. Seriously, first semester there are parties every single day - go out on the weekends. NO ONE WILL KNOW IF YOU DIDN'T GO TO X/Y/Z PARTY DURING THEY WEEK - THEY WON'T REMEMBER IT ANYWAYS. If it really bothers you, say you went, and saw "so and so" there! Act shocked when they say they don't remember you, and laugh about how drunk they must have been... Sadly, this method works all too often.
If you ARE out at a party/pregame/boulevard, and you don't want to drink/smoke/whatever, just be chill about it. People will respect you for sticking to your guns. Don't shove it in their faces. This should be obvious, but so many times I've seen someone turn down a hit, and then lecture the kid about the downsides of weed. Not cool.. you probably won't be invited back.
If you really don't want to seem "weird" or anything, get yourself a solo cup and fill it with soda/water whatever you want. It will look like you've got a drink, but you are totally sober. It's nice because people can be annoying and badger you to go get another drink.
Know your limits. If you KNOW you can't drink tequila, for the love of god, don't go to Tequila Tuesday and take 10 shots. (tequila will do terrible things to people... I know :/ lol )
Don't be intimidated by other people. You're all new to the school, and you are ALL NERVOUS as hell. If they say they aren't, they're either lying, or stupid.
DO NOT HIT ON SOMEONE'S (an upperclassmen's) GIRLFRIEND OR BOYFRIEND. Worst mistake ever - you will get eaten alive. Flirting with a cute frat boy? Then a pretty girl comes over and says she just "looooves your shoes" and "omg do you want to take shots?" 9 times outta 10 it's his girlfriend, and she wants to get you shitfaced drunk and have you embarrass yourself. This is the passive aggressive method. Other times you'll just be kicked out of the venue/house, and good luck getting home. Girls are mean creatures. We are... it sucks but it's true. Just play it safe for the first few weeks and stick to guys in your own grade. Once you're here for a while, you'll know who is dating who. Then it's fair game all around ;)
Do talk to us though, we don't like it when freshman come into a party, and act super above it all. We're people too - we like to talk! We want you to have the best experience possible, so DO ask us for advice!
We were in your shoes, we know what it's like. Don't be scared to ask for directions, or ask what you should wear. I want all of you to have an awesome first year, and if I can help in any way, at all, I will! I'm sure the rest of the kids in my school feel the same way :D
I'm sure I forgot a ton of stuff, so I'm sorry! If y'all think of anything, just shoot me a message :)
Also, of any current students have any advice, please send it to me and I'll post it!! (with or without your name, whichever you prefer).
