We’ve struggled to climb up the hill (or possibly many on Cal Poly’s campus), tripping over rocks and catching ourselves in the process. We’ve stood on top of the peak, feeling accomplished and proud of ourselves that we made it all this way toward our goal. But now begins our descent from the hill, quicker than our climb because we know how to work with the obstacles we encountered previously.
Like our journey up and down the hill, freshman year is winding down and the days are going by more quickly than before as we make our way toward June.
With first quarter going by at an incredibly fast pace, my vision — like many others — was blurred with the goals of having the time of my life, not realizing that there are actually things I’ve missed.
And as I come to terms with the fact that the first lovely year of college will actually end at some point, I catch myself thinking about just that: what I wish I had known before I came to college, or at least within the first few weeks.
So here are some things we, as freshmen, wish we could’ve known sooner, or maybe have yet to discover. And for you prospective freshmen reading this, here are some things to keep in mind to ensure you have a great freshman year.
Find your study spot and find it as soon as possible.
Try out different places on campus (or off campus) and find where you’re least distracted and most productive. I just found my secluded study spot last week, and I really wish I had found it first quarter because I’m actually less distracted here, and I get a beautiful view of the hills while I bask in the warm sun.
Step out of your comfort zone.
Even now, almost two quarters into college, this can be difficult to do but it’s important.
Find something you’re interested in, and join a club. Or find something that seems totally out of your league and get involved in that. You’ll meet new people and potentially find a new interest. Rush a sorority or fraternity, even if you don’t think it’d be the place for you. It’s worth trying. I rushed a sorority and decided to not join greek life this year, but I don’t regret the process. You’ll meet people who might just end up being your good friends and learn more about yourself. Isn’t that what college is all about, anyway?
Explore activities with an open mind, find something you love or are interested in and dive into it.
Sororities and fraternities aren’t the only way to make friends.
Yes, you do gain “sisters” and “brothers” that can last a lifetime, but don’t feel like you have to join because it’s the only way you’ll meet more people. Joining a sorority or fraternity to make friends consists of the same effort you’d expend if you were to not join the greek community and make friends yourself.
You’ll only wear half the clothes you bring.
Okay, this one’s relative to the individual person because I complain about not having enough clothes, but that might be because I’m somewhat of a shopaholic. Either way, definitely think about closet space and what you really wear. Don’t do any of that “Would I wear this? Yeah, a time would come around when I’d wear this.” Not a good idea, trust me, because you probably won’t end up wearing it if you have to wonder if you would.
You don’t need to be friends with everyone.
My roommate brought this up with me, and looking back at first quarter, and even now, it’s so true. Everyone you meet and exchange numbers with is not going to keep in touch with you. People are finding their niche within the first quarter, so expect some people to stop talking to you; don’t feel offended by it.
On the other hand, friendships can happen overnight.
I met three girls while hanging out one night, and the next day, we were having dinner together. Now, they’re my housemates for next year. It’s surprising how quickly these things can progress, but with the overwhelming speed of college, what else is expected? When you click with someone, you really do click.
I could write a list of 100 things we all wish we could’ve known within the first quarter instead of realizing it all now, but that would take away from part of the college experience. You make your own mistakes, and you realize some things a little too late, but you have three more years (maybe four) to have an absolutely amazing time. That’s all that matters.