Ahhh, freshman year.

My own first year in college was filled with plenty of firsts, lasts, and sketchy in-betweens. I was involved in everything, learned the most about life, learned the least about college-related subjects, and finally figured out what I actually enjoy as a ‘young adult.’

It’s not always the best time for some, but many admit that their introduction to college usually knocks the other undergrad years out of the park for many reasons (good and bad).

Let’s dig deeper into those reasons, shall we?

your firsts

Your ‘firsts’ consist of new ‘young adult’ experiences and luxuries (sometimes unwanted responsibilities) that plop into your lap on day one. Get ready, my friends, because these ‘firsts’ can range from “FINALLY” to “SMH” or “SEND HELP" at any given moment...

— You now have control over your day. No ‘passing periods’ between classes and teachers yelling at you for hanging around a hallway after the bell. If you’re unlucky, you’ll be running to a class across campus during your ‘free’ time or, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to visit some friends for lunch or coffee before your next lecture.

— You now have free-range professors. Remember those high school teachers that used to watch your every move and comment on (literally) everything you did that was wrong? Or, on the flip side, remember those teachers that would always check in and pull you aside to help with work and life? Sadly, your professors aren’t anywhere near your high school teachers. They rely on YOU to make the first move and only worry about those that make themselves heard or seen. (Kiss butt, my friends. Kiss butt).

— You now have social freedom. From parties, to ‘kickbacks,’ organization events, and academic activities, your first-year social life will be nothing short of overwhelming. Instead of asking for permission to go to your friend's house or go ‘out’ with the girls, your days/nights can be filled with whatever YOU choose. (So #ChooseWisely).

— You now have your health in YOUR hands. Whether you’re 30 minutes from home or 300 miles away, your family and guardians won’t see you enough to check in on your physical and mental state. Your health is now 100% your responsibility and should be taken seriously from day one.

— You now have your OWN relationships. Although I know it's nice to introduce our new friends and significant others to the family back in the day, college relationships are ten times more random and 'hush.' Most of my friends and confidants have never spoken to my family, and certain ‘situationships’ I was in never left campus. This, again, can be both good and bad deepening on who you’re spending time with. (Always get a close friends opinion on someone you’re newly friends with or dating to make sure they aren’t a bad influence).

your lasts

Your ‘lasts’ are things, people, and experiences that you unintentionally or willingly leave behind. Both beneficial and harmful—these 'lasts' can make or break your first year depending on how you handle each situation.

— No more ‘full ride’ financial days. Depending on the family and lifestyle you grew up with, most days were what many students call ‘full ride’ days where, financially, everything was taken care of. Lunch at a restaurant? Handled. Entry to some amusement park? Handled. Sadly, unless your family still helps with small things like groceries, lunch, and entertainment fees, those ‘full ride’ days are over. (*weeps quietly*)

— No more tolerance for flaky people. College, although filled with plenty of lazy days, is not the time to become or deal with a flaky person. Be it an old friend, study partner, or significant other—inconsistent behavior becomes easier to spot and harder to put up with once your resources and time start to disappear.

— No more room for bad study habits. I’m sure high school was difficult for many of us (depending on the class), but the one universal habit we are all guilty of is confidently slacking on homework. For one, ‘homework’ in college no longer exists. There is just a rolling amount of work that needs to be completed in order to prepare for tests. You can kiss easy worksheets goodbye and welcome in discussion boards, group assignments, and LOTS of studying.

— No more 'old you.' It’s a known fact that we evolve as people during difficult and exciting times in our life. College is no different and known to do a number on one’s ego from day one. So, what parts of yourself do you think will change the most or disappear altogether? Will you become more selfish or selfless? Will your extrovert turn into an introvert? Will your hopeless romantic status turn into a ‘single auntie/uncle forever’ status? Who knows…

— No more 'waiting' to grow up. From making doctors appointments to going grocery shopping and tending for yourself when you’re sick…’Young adult life’ hits you hard during freshman year. With all of the new responsibilities in your hands (that usually arrive unannounced and uninvited), WANTING to mature will become imperative. If you can’t want more for yourself, how will the transition from college student to full-blown adult go? (Trust me, it’s HARD).

I pray your first year is filled with incredible memories and easy lessons that can lead you, softly, into this new lifestyle. With plenty of rock-solid moments that hit a bit too hard, there’s always a reason to appreciate the chance to be in college.

Not only is your education a major privilege, but the sheer freedom is a momentous change from high school life that should be both celebrated and handled carefully.

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Do your best to be your best in college. Everything else will fall into place. Share on X