You are about to embark on a journey that is full of unknowns, but oh so sweet! There are many things that you will have to learn on your own for the lesson to sink in, but as I was preparing for college there are things I wish I would have been told about the social side so I didn’t waste the time trying to figure it out.
I asked my family & friends for their college advice and we came up with a list of 10 things you should know before your journey begins!
Before you check the 10 things out, know that this advice is not supposed to take place of any experiences or even professional help when discussing life in college or what situations you face. If you are having a hard time finding the balance, check out these self-care tips that will help change your perspective.
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Go to school social events, especially in the beginning!
You may feel weird going by yourself at first, but by going to these events you will meet so many new and interesting people that care about being involved and will encourage you to branch out as well!
There is almost always FREE food + school swag at these events, which comes in handy more than you think. There will be a TON scheduled the first few weeks, so make sure to fit them in.
The student clubs/organizations have a schedule of events that they host, so make sure you grab the schedule and take note!
Join clubs, extracurricular activities, and/or rec teams.
Whether you want to be a part of greek life or join a club that will give you a hobby, do it! You need a community, and you need to be surrounded by people that have the same interests. It will also give you a chance to do something other than school/study.
Do this from the start so you can get a schedule down before classes get too intense.
Go to as many athletic events as you can!
Your tuition package may include tickets, or you may have to purchase a package, either way just go!
You won’t look back and say “wow, I wish I didn’t go to that game”, its more likely that you will experience regret of not going and no one wants that.
Don’t feel pressured to party. Period.
Going into mom-mode real quick.
We’ve all seen the movies where it shows what college parties are like, and although it may look fun, it’s not all its cracked up to be.
If you party, be smart. DON’T drink + drive, always have a DD or that mom/dad friend that looks out for your friend group, don’t go out alone, and make sure that you aren’t caught in compromising positions.
A party is not worth your morals, your safety, your self-esteem, your record or status at school, and its not worth your life. Take it seriously, and don’t risk this opportunity for a good time that won’t last long.
If you do want to go out, find what environment is suited for you. Not everyone likes a rager, and not everyone is suited for a kick-back. Personally, nights spent with friends is better than being surrounded by strangers. Find what you like, just be smart.
Freshman 15 is REAL.
Freshman 15 is real and it hits HARD. Utilize the rec center and the free workout facility/classes, walk to your classes instead of driving + make smart choices when you eat at the SUB (student union building) or other caf’s around campus.
Whatever is quick+easy to grab is not always the best option, and even the free food can cost your waistline. Invest time in what you put in your body- it fuels you and what you put in it is what you get out of it.
Tip: Keep healthy snacks around so you can grab those instead of falling for a craving.
While on this topic, make sure you are staying hydrated and drinking lots of water! If you don’t have one already, invest in a reusable water bottle/cup that will keep you on track and save you some $$$.
My favs are Hydroflask and Simple Modern.
Stay in contact with your high school friends, but don’t be afraid to make new ones.
Take every opportunity to get to know people that are around you and that are going through what you are. Your high school friends are good to stay in contact with, but you need a support system where you are, too.
Don’t be afraid to make new connections with people. Just be careful with who you let in your life and make sure you feel safe with them!
Find a local coffee shop.
This will be your safe-haven and go-to place when trying to escape life on campus and your dorm.
Starbucks is good, but the locals need your support and are always 10x better. Whether you drink coffee or not, you can always grab a snack and camp out in a booth or on a couch and get your homework done!
A lot of local places will have events that they host, too, so it’s like a built in environment for you to experience new things and meet new people!
Try all the local hotspots.
Be a tourist for a day/week/however long it takes you to immerse yourself in the town’s culture.
This will help make it your home and will encourage the pride I am sure you already feel.
Find a hole-in-the-wall restaurant and try everything on the menu, go to the local entertainment places with your friends, see local concerts and support the talent- this town, the people, all the places you will see make up the life you are living now…invest in it.
Find a Church/Community.
Find a church or community that makes you feel safe. This will be your family away from home, and trust me, you will need it.
When I was sick/ in the ER/ after my surgery, my community stepped up and took care of me. From offering to just sit with me so I wasn’t alone to feeding me when I couldn’t go out and get food for myself, they were there, and I wouldn’t have survived without them.
It’s imperative to your mental health and wellness to have people around you that you invest in, and that will take the time to invest in you.
School + Social Life has to be balanced!
Honestly, this will be the hardest part of your transition.
You will need to buckle down and make sure you are taking care of business in your classes, that’s why you’re there after all, while also balancing a social life that will make sure you don’t go crazy or get too stressed out.
When preparing for classes, make a schedule or to-do list, keep a calendar, print your syllabi, but also have a self-care night, watch a movie, or take time to read… the key is to find balance.
Life shouldn’t be all about work or all about fun, find a little of both and sprinkle in the rest and you will be fine.
You are going to rock the college life! Make sure you take time to branch out, but also give yourself grace in this new part of your life.
Do you have questions about what college will be like? Or is there a college topic that you want to see on madiwoodhouse.com? Leave a comment- can’t wait to chat!
