How To Survive Freshman Year: College Edition

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If you’re like I was when I first entered college, you are so excited to move out and become your own person. Everyone tells you that the transition will be hard, but you dismiss them because college is going to be your ticket to freedom, right?

 But, as you sit in your dorm room staring into the face of a roommate you hardly know, you suddenly realize that all those people were right. You are completely alone. Despair starts to fill your veins and the fear of starting over becomes the forefront thought in your mind.

 I’m here to tell you that yes, you will feel all these things. But no, it won’t last forever and I’m going to give you some tips on how to speed of the process of building your new life!

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1. Get to know your neighbors 

My first night in the dorm freshman year is a night I will always remember. I lived in a co-ed dorm with four floors and each hallway was either male or female. That first day we had a full schedule of Orientation activities with the people who lived in our hall (C300 WHOOP!) and had become decently acquainted with everyone in that time. That evening, once we finished the scheduled activities, we had absolutely nothing to do. So what else do you do than organized a game night?! We told everyone in our hall, and left the invitation open so they could invite any other friends they may have made. We ended up with a room packed with people from all different floors and had a great time. Because of that night we started building a great community and I met some of my best friends. It pays off to meet your neighbors!

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2. Be Active In Your Dorm Community

 Most dorms will offer programs and activities to help you better adapt to living in a new place. Some people scoff at this, but I’m here to tell you, do not discount these. They are specifically tailored for you to meet new people in a fun, lighthearted setting.They basically do the all the work for you! You just have to show up!

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3. Get Involved On Campus

 Sometimes dorms will have associations or internships that you can apply for to help put on events.But if you don’t want to do that, there are hundreds of organizations that you can join on your campus. If you can think of it, chances are they’ve got it. And if they don’t, it is very easy to start one of your own!

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 4. Get A Job On Campus

 My freshman year I applied for a position at the Rec Center and was offered the job. Little did I know that the decision to accept the offer would turn into one of the most positive experiences I’ve ever had. As I began my employment, I started to meet tons of people. I opened Monday, Wednesday, and Friday all semester and I began to become familiar with the regulars and them with me. There wasn't a week that passed when I wouldn’t get a “Hey, don’t you work at the Rec Center?” I made so many great connections and friends through my on-campus job. I felt so accepted and completely at home.

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5. Leave Your Room and Put Netflix Away

 Okay. So I completely understand that when we get sad, we want to just go hide away in our rooms and watch Netflix to drown our sorrows. I’m guilty of this very thing! BUT, drowning is self pity and using Netflix to stay afloat does not help the situation in any way. The only way to get you out of your friendless lonely shlump is to get out of your room. Put yourself in places where there are people. For me, I sat in the lobby or at the front desk of my dorm and talked to the RAs and quickly became familiar with almost everyone who lived in the dorm. This would not have happened if I was taking my self prescribed medicine called Netflix.

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6. Leave High-school Behind

 I have seen so many people find a great group of people to spend their time with, but within a few weeks it all comes crashing down because they handle themselves as though they are still in high-school. You are in college now, it is time to leave the petty nonsense behind! It only causes hurt and makes good things come to an end. At this point in your life you should be able to recognize when your own behavior starts to turn back to the ways of high-school. Use your head. Make wise decisions when handling conflict. Cherish the new friendships you make and put effort into keeping them positive!


I hope that this list will help those currently struggling in college, or for those incoming fishies who have no idea what they’re getting themselves into.

The transition can be hard, but the struggle is well worth what comes next.

 xxx Jamie

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