5 Things To Do in Your Freshman Year of College

I find myself drawn back to the memories of my freshman year. Maybe its the time of year. Maybe its that I won't be in school this year. Maybe I'm just getting old. Either way, I wanted to encourage those who are starting college soon with some advice people once gave me, advice that was actually helpful. Maybe one day I'll write down all the advice you do not need to follow (truly, you don't need to buy your own printer), but today I'll stick to this.

Here are some things to do and remember your freshman year of college:

1. Wear jeans to dinner.

Many have heard of (and feared) the Freshman 15—those pesky pounds that come from nowhere, suddenly, in the night. For starters, do not ever fear gaining weight. It can always be lost or lived with—no problem. But if you want to avoid unhealthy portions and maintain a balanced diet, try wearing jeans to dinner. Sweatpants create a false barrier of trust, a comforting illusion that no matter how many ice cream cones you eat after dinner, there will always be room for more. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Jeans give you a realistic nod that you are getting full, and won't let you eat past an unhealthy point. Plus, you'll look slightly more pulled together even at the end of a long day.

That said, I have to comment that stress, a new environment, and academic pressure can all effect someone's weight. For me, stress often meant that I couldn't stomach food—meaning I could lose weight unexpectedly. So don't add even more stress to your life if you do gain or lose 15 pounds over the course of 3 months. But know that to if you are mindful and eat well (even as tempting as late-night burgers and fries sounds) you can beat the Freshman 15.

2. Talk to your roommates before you get to know them.

Before you've curled up together to chat about the new boys at school, establish a clear understanding with your roommates about who will clean what, whose stuff is whose, and who falls asleep earlier. Doing this early on prevents the awkward readdressing of the rules later when feelings can be more easily hurt. Pushing the awkward out of the way sooner rather than later leaves room for a real relationship (free of tension) to be formed.

3. Remember that relationships are marathons, not sprints.

For many people, coming out of high school friendships, established carefully over four years, can make building friendships in college daunting and discouraging. At times, friendships can feel immediate and closer than anything you've previously experienced. Other times, you can feel isolated and alone. Remember these are both phases and neither stand as the determiner of your social life for the long haul. Looking back on the friendships maintained in the past and being patience with the ones developing for the future will make these times pass more smoothly.

4. Know that not everyone who is dating is happy.

Sometimes, as a single woman, I would look around me at the girls in relationships and assume they had it better. But, as Eleanor Roosevelt famously said, "Comparison is the thief of joy." Many relationships will form and dissolve in the first year of college. Its normal. Be there for the friends who jump into relationships head on only to have them end a few months later. That can be pretty devastating, especially if everyone else has spent those months grabbing late night burritos without you. Have compassion for those who are in over their heads rather than being jealous for the things you don't have.

5. Make friends with the staff.

One of the coolest things about going to college (especially a small one) is the interaction you can have with full-time staff. People who work in a college environment have a special interest in college students and want to see them thrive, at times giving a tremendous amount to see that happen. So interact with your RAs, RDs, and other student life staff. Chances are they actually care about you. Also, they make great role models for the professional world and can help you get connected post-college.

How do you get to know them? Volunteer for orientation and events, be available to help with odd jobs, and talk to people. Its not complicated. As a former RA, I can tell you that the people who showed up ready to help are the ones I remember the most. If you expect to be served and give nothing back, you will get nothing back.

All that to say, the best advice you can take with you into the new school year is that you are going to be okay and you can get through anything. So enjoy it for what it is and have fun.

These are just some of the things I found helpful and useful while I was in college. If you have more ideas, tips, or life-saving advice, please share.