7 Priceless Tips for Freshmen - From Seniors

By Isabella Dale

The saying “it gets better with age” truly defines the stress coping mechanisms of a college undergrad. Having to be involved in the hustle and bustle of rude alarm awakenings, gruelling class assignments, and the constant maintenance of a growing social status, those with less experience in the art of surviving college tend to often fall short of the “sane” days before their long awaited graduation. Some pull through with minor bumps and bruises. But those that had to fight tooth and nail to get to the other end, have truly lived to tell the tale. Their constant perseverance, admirable trial and error, and gained expertise in the matter may be just what inexperienced freshmen need on their way to becoming a happy and successful college student. Here are 7 priceless tips for freshmen entering college:

Photo credits: porterhousedesigns.com

1. “Always make your bed in the morning,” claims Erin Hart, a senior at University of the Cumberlands. Sometimes being organised is the best remedy to a hard day, and Erin suggests doing so, as accomplishing small tasks at the beginning of your day enables you to complete other, more strenuous tasks later on. And if by any chance you still have a terrible day, you shall come back to a ready made bed. 

Photo credits: honors.utah.edu

2. “Have a Visual Schedule,” says Victoria Sissom, a senior and tennis player at UC. By constantly being able to see your schedule, you will be able to prioritise assignments by due date, eliminating stressful “last minute” situations. Having confidence in your memorisation skills is one thing, but Victoria claims that being a full-time college student is pre-designed for you to forget eventually. Having a schedule that you can see, feel, smell, and taste will jump start you to get organised and ahead of the game.

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3. “Keep in touch with your family,” says Daryl MacLeish, a UC senior majoring in Business Administration. It can be easy to lose yourself in a new college atmosphere, where you are instantaneously given the rights to choose your own bed time, dinner plate content, and late night homework hours. Daryl advises freshmen to frequently keep family members updated on classes, friends, and various issues that may occur, as they have your best interest at heart, and can be the ones who give the best advice. “Even when you don’t want to hear it, they tell you what you need to hear,” says Daryl. 

Photo credits: ithaca.edu

4. “Fill up your alone time with Laundry,” says Kyle Marsh, a senior and freestyle swimmer at UC. He claims that his definition of “alone time” isn’t when homework is being done, or when friends are around chatting in your ear, but rather the rare hours spent after everything is completed or when no one is present. Instead of laying on a sofa hopelessly indulging in Netflix and doughnuts, Kyle encourages freshmen to get up and do the opposite. Spending time completing chores instead of wasting away watching a film trains your personality to become efficient and responsible, two factors greatly needed if hoping to survive college. “Leave the Netflix and Twinkie binging to when you’re with the girlfriend during open house,” laughs Kyle. 

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5. “Have two activities bizarre to your personality,” suggests Danijela Svircic, a senior and star Basketball player at UC. College schedules can become repetitive. The same faces show up every single day without fail, and it is tough not to suffocate from the built-up day to day claustrophobia. You tend to feel as though on a constant treadmill, without any visual or physical evidence of change, therefore Danijela suggests taking up two activities contrary to your very own personality. “These activities are things you can do for every mood you’re in,” she claims, “It’s long-boarding and knitting for me, I longboard on boring days and pick up the knitting when I need to chill out.” Staying creative and fresh with your recreational activities can help keep the spice in the sometimes bland college day. 

Photo credits: admissions.cn

6. “Have at least one good foreign friend” says Kristen Moran, a UC senior and Softball player. The world is a massive ocean with multiple cultures and societies, and the closest thing a small fish can get to experiencing a bit of everything is by the friends he makes along his path of exploration. Kristen suggests holding dear to your heart at least one friend who has different beliefs, morals, and an understanding of life as you. By doing this, you are opening up your mind and learning about ethics and compassion for others, as well as making a friend for life. “So 10 years down the road when I am married with four kids, I will always have a place to stay on our next overseas family vacation.” giggles Kristen. 

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7. “Never quit,” demands Tyler Smith, a senior and Chemistry major at UC, who recently got accepted into graduate school at the University of Kentucky. He hopes to become a doctor after completing his masters in UK, as his sole passion is to one day save lives. Every college student, no matter the class, will have down days where nothing goes their way. Tyler says that the simplicity of quitting can truly overwhelm you at times. The trick is not to dwell on what you do not have in the present, but rather hold on to what you are working towards, and the reasons it makes you happy. 

A common complaint from seniors is that undergraduate college goes by too quickly. Before they know it, they are seniors expected to graduate within a matter of months, and shortly after that, they are employees working in businesses and corporations nationwide. By capitalising on these 7 priceless tips, freshmen can be sure to rest in peace knowing that, with this knowledge, their four years in college will be able to go by without any regrets.