Freshman year is coming to an end, and it has been one hell of a ride. A lot of highs, and a few lows, but all in all a very successful year. Over the course of my first two semesters of college, I learned quite a bit about life as well as school. It was through some failures that I learned a lot of these lessons, but that’s how most things are.
Image Credit: jgrad09
Anyway, here is a compilation of things I learned from my Freshmen year of college.
- Balance is key
- No class before 10am
- Use the library a bunch
- A laptop is pretty much necessary
- Always check email before class
- Remember to set an alarm
- Have a backup alarm
- Lay off the snooze button
- The salad bar is actually good
- Exercise at least three times a week
- A bike is great transportation
- Show up for class (even when there’s no attendance policy)
- Cramming doesn’t work as well as people claim
- Late night study sessions should be avoided
- Most productive time is during the day
- College is still awesome sans alcohol
- Watching TV is the most unproductive thing ever
- Don’t buy textbooks; Rent them instead
- Never lose a syllabus
- Keep a schedule/ calendar
- Don’t take too many hours
- Always eat breakfast
- Watching The Universe doesn’t count as studying for Astronomy 101
- Always check RateMyProfessor.com before registering for classes
- Leave time in schedule for a lunch break
- Stay on campus between breaks to be productive
- Always fully charge laptop
- Don’t rely on Adderall to do well in school
- Don’t get a textbook until you’re 100% sure it’s needed
- Develop a morning routine
- Always carry an umbrella/ raincoat
- Remember test dates
- When buying beer, go with cheap beer
- Get contact info from classmates
- Always carry both a pencil & pen
- Save the parties for the weekend
- Don’t ever lose a bike key
- Save every dollar you can, you’ll need it
- Learn to budget
- Avoid fast food as much as possible
- Smaller classes are more efficient
- The meal hall isn’t so bad
- Don’t slack off
- Meet lots of people
- The Pomodoro Technique is a great way to study
- Understand how much college really costs
- Develop new hobbies
- Always prioritize tasks
- Eliminate things that don’t matter
- Clean sheets + a well made bed = amazing sleep
- Weed does not make you lazy or unproductive, unless you let it
- Drinking is super unhealthy
Thats the list. 52 of the most important things I learned from Freshmen year. Like everyone though, I’m still learning, and I’m always hungry for more knowledge.
Having said that, what are some of the most important things you have learned while in college?
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Thomas
Great list! I disagree with #2 (I get up at 5:00 every morning and it's great for gaining extra time), but otherwise this is really helpful.
College Freshman
Get involved in campus culture. If you're at a big sports college, go to the games and tailgate before they start. If you're school has an amazing theater dept, check out the plays. Embrace the things that make your campus unique.
Aslan
We denifietly need more smart people like you around.
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Brandon
Love that you included #51. This is so true, and such a huge misconception.
Dan Northern
It really is a big misconception. Damn stereotypes haha. I often find myself being much more productive.
Arohan
Great to see #45. Time management is a great skill to learn in college, something that will be useful for the rest of the life
Dan Northern
Very true. Using the Pomodoro Technique has helped me a ton with not only school, but many other aspects of my life as well.
Danika
#12 – show up for class is probably the hardest one at first. There are just so many other things you could be doing. Its all about learning balance between what’s important and what’s fun * Danika
Jill
“Using the Pomodoro Technique”? did I miss a class or something? Time management has always been a problem for me and I usually freak out at number 99. I’ll check it out. - Jill Copper
Justin
This is a great list that you have compiled here. I reckon they could make a comedy movie from the list above, with a bit of Hollywood drama of course. It’s a major part of your life and major changes take place during this time. Life long friends are created and the memories last forever.
Peter Thompson
This list is so true. You think you know exactly what you are doing when you start your freshmen year of college but in reality you know no clue about what you are going into.
harry P
Great list!!
Dean Waller
Great list and this is useful for on line students too! If your choice is to undertake distant education, this does not eliminate good practice routines and also social connections become more important and necessary for a balanced view on many topics including non educational.