Fresh Advice from a Fresh Perspective
I’ve recently discovered my phone is holding a whopping 44,993 photos. Honestly, it’s a mystery how I haven’t been bombarded with “storage full” notifications yet. As I’ve been scrolling through my phone, trying to declutter years’ worth of memories, I stopped in my tracks when I reached the beginning of my freshman year of college. Photos of little Izzy eating her first meal at The Rock Café, attending her first college party, and going through sorority recruitment flood my camera roll as it brings a wave of sadness to my now matured junior year self. Each photo felt like a portal to the past. I would give anything to relive these memories, but at least I have proof they exist.
Find your Second Home
The summer going into my senior year of high school was a stressful time, weighing my college options. Prior to touring any college campus, my mom would ask me the question, “Do you see yourself calling this place home for the next four years?” After every campus visit, I responded with “no” until I toured Ferris State University. Everything seemed like it fell into place, and I felt right at home. Pick a college based on your intuition. Avoid choosing a college solely because your friends are going there or because it allows you to go home every weekend. College is a time to explore, build relationships, and create your own path, so choose a place that will excite and challenge you.
Avoid 8 a.m. Classes… Unless you’re Superhuman
It’s easy to think, “Oh, I managed early classes in high school, I’ll be fine!” But college is different. Late-night study sessions, impromptu hangouts, and campus events mean your schedule is unpredictable. That 8 a.m. alarm will come faster than you think, and dragging yourself to class half-awake in your pajamas is not fun. I made that mistake my freshman year when I thought taking an 8 a.m. class would be easy. Now you don’t see me in class unless it’s past 9:30 a.m. Trust me, don’t make the same mistake I did. Your future, well-rested self will thank you.
Unlimited Meal Plans are a Lifesaver
Ah, the “freshmen 15” stereotype - it’s that infamous saying that your first year of college, you inevitably gain weight, whether that’s from stress eating, late-night snacks, or dining hall indulgence. Whether this may or may not be the case, the unlimited meal plan is totally worth it. I took advantage of this big time. Some of my favorite memories include my family driving 45 minutes to come use my free guest passes and eat at The Quad with me for Thursday night wing night. There would be a plethora of plates amongst all of us as we sat there devouring the delicious wings. Purchasing the unlimited meal plan is like a dream. Buffets for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks whenever you want. Not much more you could ask for.
Get Involved!
Join anything and everything. This may seem scary at first, but stepping out of your comfort zone and getting involved with a club, sport, organization, or RSO will significantly impact your college experience. It’s a chance to meet new people, discover things you’d never thought you’d enjoy, make lifelong memories and relationships, and even boost your resume. During my college years, I’ve actively been a member in Alpha Xi Delta, the Panhellenic Council, and PRSSA. The leadership roles I’ve embraced, the personal growth I’ve experienced, and the unforgettable memories I’ve created through these clubs have truly been unparalleled. Getting involved on campus has been one of the best decisions I’ve made throughout my college years. The connections you make and the skills you gain will not only enhance your time on campus but also prepare you for life beyond graduation.
Final Thoughts
Time truly does fly by. As cliché as it sounds, I think the best advice I would give anyone would be to live in the moment. I feel like just yesterday I was deciding on where I want to go to college, and now, I’m about to decide on my plans post-graduation. Embrace everything college has to offer, appreciate the people around you, and trust that every step, whether planned or unexpected, is leading you exactly where you need to be. You’re only in college once, so make the most of it because next thing you know, college will be behind you and all you’ll have left are the photos.