Does it seem like it was only yesterday when you were getting ready for prom? And tomorrow, you will be walking across the stage to receive your “diploma” in front of your family and the friends that you’ve spent four years with. Then, you’ll try to spend every waking moment with them before you have to leave for college. And when the time comes, it’s going to hit you hard. Freshman is coming.
This is what no one tells you in advance. Be prepared to have lots and lots of tissue with you at all times. When the waterworks come, there’s no stopping it. Whether it’s at orientation or in your dorm, thoughts of your family and friends back home will find their way into your head. That scene of your parents dropping you off at your dorm will be on repeat. Calls may abruptly end in an effort to avoid another crying episode. This, my friend, is the definition of homesick.
Dorming also means there won’t be any home cooked food . Midnight deliveries and fast-food runs will seem so tempting but fight against your urges. Freshman 15 is not a myth. It can happen to anyone, including you. If you have a fixed meal plan, meaning it’s an all-you-can-eat style that you’ve already paid for in advance, don’t make the same mistake as I did. It is not a green light for you to eat as much as you can until you barf. Eat moderately and keep in mind that it is not healthy to have an ice cream cone every day.
As freshman 15 is not a myth, the “red zone” isn’t either. It is the period that freshmen are the most vulnerable to sexual assaults. Partying and drinking can be a new and exciting concept to many freshmen but it’s important to know your limit. Be aware of your state of mind and body while consuming alcohol. Make sure you don’t put yourself in a situation where others can take advantage of you. Always go with a friend to ensure each other’s safety. Don’t drink from the same cup after you’ve taken your eye off of it. All these precautions may sound repetitive and mother-like but just keep in mind that you can be the next rape victim. This goes for males and females alike. Also, if you think there’s a chance that you might be accused of sexual harassment or assault, take yourself out of that risky situation.
Another thing to keep in mind is only you can decide what goes on with your body. That means you are allowed to say “no” under any circumstances when your body is involved. Whether it’s sexual intercourse or showering, you have the final say. Although no one can force you to shower, just remember that you have to suffer the consequences. Every choice you make in college, big or small, will have an effect on you.
Entering college means learning to take care of your own needs and your own self. Make sure you set aside time to do the laundry or else you’ll be forced to rewear your dirty clothes to class. Remember not to miss any classes as it is the easiest thing to do when your parents’ hawk eyes are not around. Do whatever you need to do to ensure your presence in class, whether it’s setting multiple alarms or allowing your roommate to throw water on you. Your roommate will gladly do so despite whatever relationship you have with him or her.
Lastly, don’t go into college expecting to love your roommate. No matter how close of friends you guys were previously or how fast you guys hit it off from the get-go, problems will arise. Fights arise among family members who live with each other, so expect the same with your roommate. You may not like how unhygienic he or she is and your roommate may not like how loud you blast your music. There will be conflicts between you two, big or small, but the most important thing is to be honest and talk it out. When that doesn’t work, you just have to make the best out of a situation or ask to switch rooms. With this in mind, don’t spend too much time worrying about this milestone and just enjoy it.
