With the new year commencing, sophomores and upperclassmen are being newly introduced to the latest freshman class, one bigger than most.
Although there are many, it’s easy to identify a freshman — not in a mean way — but in a shared experience way.
We’ve all been the token freshman in a class who strolls in two minutes late, the freshman who underestimated a lower-core class or the freshman who has so much anxiety because of the horror stories they’ve heard about college.
While these are embarrassing, yet universal events, you survive them and learn your way through college.
After surviving a full year of being a freshman, I can proudly state that you will be okay and you will make it through.
As nerve-racking as the first year is, especially the first semester, your classmates and professors are what will get you through the “hell year.”
Most professors are very aware that first-year students have been told for the last four years of high school that college professors will not hold their hand, therefore indoctrinating the fear of college.
College is not something to be fearful of; it isn’t this horrible thing that you can’t get through. You will survive.
It’s new to every student, and it is something that everyone will help you through.
One of my biggest tips to any freshman is to make an honest effort in any class, regardless of whether or not you think it is a blow-off class.
When professors see you making an effort and taking the time to work hard at a subject that you may or may not ever need, they will be 10 times more inclined to help you.
Ask the questions, go to office hours, and go to that 8 a.m. — even when you don’t want to.
Professors are employed to teach you. It is their job to make sure you understand the material, but if they can’t help you, turn to your peers.
Another huge part of college is making connections with your peers, even when it’s awkward.
You don’t have to sit next to someone, but try your best to make at least one friend in every class.
This is so important, and some professors will tell you this is crucial to excel in their class.
A friend can help you when you miss a class and need notes, when you need a study partner, or when you just want to have a casual conversation with someone.
Going through the hardest four years of your life alone is the most miserable way to do college, so making friends is key to success in your education and feeds into your social needs.
My last and final piece of advice is to get active in what you love.
Join that study group, go to that interest meeting and find those who love what you love.
This is one of the major ways I survived freshman year and found what I truly loved.
I was a pre-nursing student who hated her major and was actively seeking something that made me feel like college was worth it.
Almost a year later, I’m sitting in front of my desktop, producing a newspaper I’m proud to be a part of, surrounded by people who love what we do.
There are so many ways you have to adapt to make it through freshmen year, but one thing I can say is that everyone around you has lived through it or is currently living it.
We get it, and one day you’ll look back and laugh — maybe even wish you could do it again.
Relish in your freshman year and relish in what you can make of it — the outcome will shock you.