We’ve all been there. From scheduling classes on a Friday to being afraid of meeting new people, there are things we wish we’d done differently as a first-year student.
For all you future freshmen, review these mistakes so you can do BETTER:
Leaving ALL the Studying or Essay Work for the Night Before
Sometimes we have too much due and we can only fit in studying the night before an exam. Try to prep your exam schedule early enough and block chunks of time for studying ahead of time. It will make your life a million times easier.
Skipping Class/Too Hungover
You’re paying to be there. So, do what you set out to do and learn! Even if that means tossing on a pair of sunglasses and chugging back a bottle of water to get through it.
Packing Everything You Own
You don’t need all of it, okay? It may seem like your entire closet needs to accompany your tiny dorm space, but you’re sharing with someone, so don’t lug everything. Maintain SELF-CONTROL while you pack.
Posting the Wrong Photos
Things live on the internet forever. Something you post in first-year could come back and bite you when you’re applying for jobs. So, be mindful of your online presence!
Forgetting to Make Real Friends
Sometimes it’s easy to get lost in a budding first-year romance. Don’t get me wrong, they are nice! But don’t lose sight of who you are and who you want to spend time with. If you base your entire first-year experience around that relationship and then break up, you may feel like you missed out on making friends and meeting new people.
Not Taking Advantage of Fitness Facilities
It’s already included in your tuition, so you might as well use it. Run on the treadmill, lift some weights, or try a new workout. Maintain a fitness routine to stay healthy. This helps reduce stress, which goes hand-in-hand with the student lifestyle.
Paying Full Price for Textbooks
Chumps pay full price for textbooks! Check out the used textbooks at the bookstore first and DON’T BUY THEM ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS. Sometimes professors include books on the syllabus that they don’t actually assign readings for—yes, it’s silly. Search for the books you need online. In most cases, graduated students are anxious to be rid of them for a lot cheaper.
Ignoring Your School Email
Profs do email, you know! You can miss assignment changes, important due dates, and class cancellations. Who wants to show up for class only to find out that the prof emailed everyone to say the class was canceled? Plus, your school may send out campus-wide notices, event alerts, and other things you want to take part in.
Partying Instead of Studying
A party might sound better than your academic reason for attending school, however, there will always be another party. You might not get another chance to make up for that grade.
Studying Instead of Partying
Of course, there needs to be a balance. Your entire student life shouldn’t be focused solely on academics. You should be social, make friends, and release some stress by having a little fun!
Not Attending Office Hours
Your professors are people too. If you have any questions, or want to build more of a connection with the person who is teaching you important skills, GO VISIT THEM DURING OFFICE HOURS. Simply introducing yourself and chatting for a few minutes can make a huge difference.
Forcing Friendships
Nowhere in the student handbook does it say that your roommate has to be your best friend. Amicable living partners work just as well!
Spending $$ Just Because You Have It
Just don’t. If you learn how to save then when you need money, it’s there. You don’t need to scour the couch cushions and floor for loose change. If you need more guidance, check out Budgeting Tips for Beginners in Their Twenties.
Ignoring On-Campus Student Events
Schools tend to offer some really cool outings! Anything from cheap movies and guest speakers to concerts. You never know what you’ll find!
For more unnecessary mistakes we all make in university, click here.
