Confessions- 6 Things To Tell My Freshman Self
When I think back to my freshman year of college I just get a strong urge to laugh because of how clueless I was to everything. But of course, that is normal for a freshman! It would not be right if someone came in to college 100% dialed in. However, here are six things that I wish I knew when I was a freshman to help me get through the daily obstacles a little bit more gracefully.
1. Take the professor, not the class.
Ever heard of Rate My Professor ? I hadn't until halfway through my first semester. Although a class may sound stimulating and interesting, chances are if the professor is boring the class will be boring too. It is actually amazing to me how much a good professor can make a mediocre subject so interesting! I am in a class right now that does not particularly interest me subject wise, but the professor who is a highly established literary scholar in his field, is so knowledgable and passionate about the class, that I find myself practically clinging to every word in class; and really, it can't get better than that. It will make homework, exams, and papers a hundred times easier to get through. Trust me, take the professor, not the class.
2. Your new best friend- H20.
Seems a bit random, but I never realized how little water I was consuming in college until it starting impacting my daily activities big time. Carry a water bottle with you to class because it will not only save you from dehydration, it is definitely a good item to keep in your hands if you have the urge to start tapping your pen. Also, prepare a water bottle before you go out at night. There is absolutely nothing worse than coming back to your room at 2 AM and waking up at 5:30 AM with that pounding headache- signs of a good night. Get water ready before you go out so when you come back you can drink the whole bottle and feel good as new in the morning! Learned that one the hard way when I first came to college.
3. Look for everything FREE.
Although as my dad says, nothing is every actually free. As a college student though, you may beg to differ. Since it seems to be inevitable that every college student has a lack of dollars in their wallets, it becomes a mission to find every free opportunity that presents itself. I now have the largest collection of random things in my room that I pick up from every booth or festival that occurs and it is a bit baffling how often I actually use them. For example, the last time I bought pens was actually my freshman year of college. All my sleep shirts are the shirts that are given out for free at every school event. Get on that free stuff hype, it's worth it.
4. Dining hall steals
There was a big debate in my philosophy class if borrowing/stealing fruit, cups, plates, snacks from the dining hall was moral or not. In my opinion go for it. As a innocent freshman I actually went and bought silverware and plates from target. Don't do it. If you have a backpack it is easy to swipe whatever you need and just keep it in your room for the semester or year then give it back at the end! I don't see it as wrong if you give it back at the end. Also, most freshman don't have access to cars to go to the market all the time. Definitely grab some fruit or cereal to go for those late night munchies in the library. It's not wrong, just go for it.
5. Don't stay on campus every weekend.
Although it can be difficult to get to places without a car, find a way! If you go to school away from your hometown, make the extra effort to find cool concerts, festivals, shows, events, that are off campus. Not only is nice to get a break from campus, it is super fun and a great way to get to know the city you go to school at. There is usually a way to get anywhere you want so make it happen! It also makes your Instagram more interesting and you can document your adventures on Facebook or Twitter, then everyone can see how much fun you are having!
6. Social Media YES
Some people may disagree, but I am an avid social media user and I think it is the best possible thing for every college student to get on board with. Not only is it super fun and a good way to connect, more and more companies are using social media as a way to promote their business so it looks really good if you know what you are doing. It helps foster connections, get answers quickly, and keeps you updated on the latest news and trends.
Those are the first things that popped into my head for things I wish I knew as a freshman. A bit random, but hey that's college right?
xo,
Alexandra S.
1. Take the professor, not the class.
Ever heard of Rate My Professor ? I hadn't until halfway through my first semester. Although a class may sound stimulating and interesting, chances are if the professor is boring the class will be boring too. It is actually amazing to me how much a good professor can make a mediocre subject so interesting! I am in a class right now that does not particularly interest me subject wise, but the professor who is a highly established literary scholar in his field, is so knowledgable and passionate about the class, that I find myself practically clinging to every word in class; and really, it can't get better than that. It will make homework, exams, and papers a hundred times easier to get through. Trust me, take the professor, not the class.
2. Your new best friend- H20.
Seems a bit random, but I never realized how little water I was consuming in college until it starting impacting my daily activities big time. Carry a water bottle with you to class because it will not only save you from dehydration, it is definitely a good item to keep in your hands if you have the urge to start tapping your pen. Also, prepare a water bottle before you go out at night. There is absolutely nothing worse than coming back to your room at 2 AM and waking up at 5:30 AM with that pounding headache- signs of a good night. Get water ready before you go out so when you come back you can drink the whole bottle and feel good as new in the morning! Learned that one the hard way when I first came to college.
3. Look for everything FREE.
Although as my dad says, nothing is every actually free. As a college student though, you may beg to differ. Since it seems to be inevitable that every college student has a lack of dollars in their wallets, it becomes a mission to find every free opportunity that presents itself. I now have the largest collection of random things in my room that I pick up from every booth or festival that occurs and it is a bit baffling how often I actually use them. For example, the last time I bought pens was actually my freshman year of college. All my sleep shirts are the shirts that are given out for free at every school event. Get on that free stuff hype, it's worth it.
4. Dining hall steals
There was a big debate in my philosophy class if borrowing/stealing fruit, cups, plates, snacks from the dining hall was moral or not. In my opinion go for it. As a innocent freshman I actually went and bought silverware and plates from target. Don't do it. If you have a backpack it is easy to swipe whatever you need and just keep it in your room for the semester or year then give it back at the end! I don't see it as wrong if you give it back at the end. Also, most freshman don't have access to cars to go to the market all the time. Definitely grab some fruit or cereal to go for those late night munchies in the library. It's not wrong, just go for it.
5. Don't stay on campus every weekend.
Although it can be difficult to get to places without a car, find a way! If you go to school away from your hometown, make the extra effort to find cool concerts, festivals, shows, events, that are off campus. Not only is nice to get a break from campus, it is super fun and a great way to get to know the city you go to school at. There is usually a way to get anywhere you want so make it happen! It also makes your Instagram more interesting and you can document your adventures on Facebook or Twitter, then everyone can see how much fun you are having!
6. Social Media YES
Some people may disagree, but I am an avid social media user and I think it is the best possible thing for every college student to get on board with. Not only is it super fun and a good way to connect, more and more companies are using social media as a way to promote their business so it looks really good if you know what you are doing. It helps foster connections, get answers quickly, and keeps you updated on the latest news and trends.
Those are the first things that popped into my head for things I wish I knew as a freshman. A bit random, but hey that's college right?
xo,
Alexandra S.
Confessions- My First Time Riding A Bike
Okay, so it's not actually about the first time I ever rode a bike.
More along the lines of, the first time I rode my bike in the biking capital of the world.
I thought I would take you all along the little journey inside my head while I attempted to ride through the streets of Copenhagen, Denmark.
1. Yes! Today I get to be a real Dane and ride this bike!
2. Wow, this bike looks semi-intimidating..
3. It's okay Alex, you totally got this.
4. I'm on the bike, let's go!
5. Crap, I just turned left instead of right. It's okay though, just loop around.
6. Okay, now we are looking good. I'm off!
7. Wait, where do I have to go again?
8. This riding thing is totally easy, I got this in the bag.
9. I can even multi-task and look at the pretty birds flying around!
10. Oh, there is the sign that says where I need to go!
11. Wait, it's in Danish.
12. Oh my god, what do I do?
13. Umm, don't panic and go off of instinct!
14. So, braking in the middle of the pathway may not be the best instinct..
15. I'm gonna go left, I'm pretty sure thats correct.
16. That's definitely correct.
17. Wait is it? I don't actually know.
18. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming swimming swimming swimming
19. Shoot, someone is trying to pass me
20. PLEASE DON'T HIT ME
21. Phew! He made it by and I didn't crash!
22. Hey look! I'm in the city.
23. Oh my god. So many cars, so many buses, so many bikers.
24. Stay calm Alex, just get in the heard of bikers but stay in the back so you don't die.
25. This isn't so bad!
26. BUS PULLING INTO BIKE LANE. BUS PULLING INTO BIKE LANE.
27. This is it, I'm saying my goodbyes now.
28. Wait, did I just survive that?
29. I really am a rockstar
30. Mental self high-five
31. Okay wait, where am I going again?
32. Oh yeah, the queen's palace.
33. I wonder how I am doing on time?
34. Literally thank you Copenhagen for being a flat city.
35. Time to turn left in the city, you got this.
36. What's the hand signal for that again?
37. I'm just going to copy that person in front of me.
38. No wait, she's putting up her right hand so never mind.
39. She just turned left!
40. WHY IS THE RULE TO PUT UP YOUR RIGHT HAND WHEN YOU WANT TO TURN LEFT?
41. I don't understand biking.
42. Now that I missed my left turn, I should try again probably.
43. My right hand is raised, soo I'm just gonna go ahead and turn left now.
44. Wait why is that car headed straight at me?
45. I definitely just went not at my turn.
46. Stop laughing to yourself Alex, you look like an idiot.
47. I definitely think I'm on the right path now
48. Yah you got this!
49. This old woman in front of me needs to hurry up because I'm too scared to pass her.
50. I'm going to pass her
51. I'm doing it...this is is giving me an adrenaline rush.
51. Don't forget to check before moving into a different part of the lane..
52. Okay, bikers coming; I'll wait until they pass by.
53. Okay hurry up now
54. Oh my god why are there SO many of you
55. Finally a break! My time to shine
56. Makin' moves passing old ladies, Ohhhh yeahhhh
57. DID IT!
58. I see cobblestone, this can't be good.
59. This is the worst thing ever invented.
60. My head is bouncing up and down and my feet are slipping from the pedals.
61. Dear Europe, please invent new forms of road that are not cobblestone.
62. Why is there even cobblestone for a bike path?
63. Wait, what is this dude yelling at me for?
64. OHH THIS ISN'T A BIKE PATH ANYMORE
65. How the hell did I manage to ride onto cobblestone?
66. Am I ever going to get to this palace?
67. I need a mental health break
68. Wait, what is this building in front of me it's so pretty!
69. It's the palace.
70. I MADE IT!!!
71. This biking thing isn't so bad!
72. Now, I just need to get off the cool way the Danes do it.
73. Sliding my leg over and carefully coasting, got it.
74. Anndd my boot is stuck.
75. Oh god, going down.
76. Brush it off, no one saw that. Right?
77. Actually, I don't care if anyone saw.
78. That cute boy just saw..
79. Greeeaaattttttttt
80. Just gonna walk my bike now and call it day.
More along the lines of, the first time I rode my bike in the biking capital of the world.
I thought I would take you all along the little journey inside my head while I attempted to ride through the streets of Copenhagen, Denmark.
1. Yes! Today I get to be a real Dane and ride this bike!
2. Wow, this bike looks semi-intimidating..
3. It's okay Alex, you totally got this.
4. I'm on the bike, let's go!
5. Crap, I just turned left instead of right. It's okay though, just loop around.
6. Okay, now we are looking good. I'm off!
7. Wait, where do I have to go again?
8. This riding thing is totally easy, I got this in the bag.
9. I can even multi-task and look at the pretty birds flying around!
10. Oh, there is the sign that says where I need to go!
11. Wait, it's in Danish.
12. Oh my god, what do I do?
13. Umm, don't panic and go off of instinct!
14. So, braking in the middle of the pathway may not be the best instinct..
15. I'm gonna go left, I'm pretty sure thats correct.
16. That's definitely correct.
17. Wait is it? I don't actually know.
18. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, swimming swimming swimming swimming
19. Shoot, someone is trying to pass me
20. PLEASE DON'T HIT ME
21. Phew! He made it by and I didn't crash!
22. Hey look! I'm in the city.
23. Oh my god. So many cars, so many buses, so many bikers.
24. Stay calm Alex, just get in the heard of bikers but stay in the back so you don't die.
25. This isn't so bad!
26. BUS PULLING INTO BIKE LANE. BUS PULLING INTO BIKE LANE.
27. This is it, I'm saying my goodbyes now.
28. Wait, did I just survive that?
29. I really am a rockstar
30. Mental self high-five
31. Okay wait, where am I going again?
32. Oh yeah, the queen's palace.
33. I wonder how I am doing on time?
34. Literally thank you Copenhagen for being a flat city.
35. Time to turn left in the city, you got this.
36. What's the hand signal for that again?
37. I'm just going to copy that person in front of me.
38. No wait, she's putting up her right hand so never mind.
39. She just turned left!
40. WHY IS THE RULE TO PUT UP YOUR RIGHT HAND WHEN YOU WANT TO TURN LEFT?
41. I don't understand biking.
42. Now that I missed my left turn, I should try again probably.
43. My right hand is raised, soo I'm just gonna go ahead and turn left now.
44. Wait why is that car headed straight at me?
45. I definitely just went not at my turn.
46. Stop laughing to yourself Alex, you look like an idiot.
47. I definitely think I'm on the right path now
48. Yah you got this!
49. This old woman in front of me needs to hurry up because I'm too scared to pass her.
50. I'm going to pass her
51. I'm doing it...this is is giving me an adrenaline rush.
51. Don't forget to check before moving into a different part of the lane..
52. Okay, bikers coming; I'll wait until they pass by.
53. Okay hurry up now
54. Oh my god why are there SO many of you
55. Finally a break! My time to shine
56. Makin' moves passing old ladies, Ohhhh yeahhhh
57. DID IT!
58. I see cobblestone, this can't be good.
59. This is the worst thing ever invented.
60. My head is bouncing up and down and my feet are slipping from the pedals.
61. Dear Europe, please invent new forms of road that are not cobblestone.
62. Why is there even cobblestone for a bike path?
63. Wait, what is this dude yelling at me for?
64. OHH THIS ISN'T A BIKE PATH ANYMORE
65. How the hell did I manage to ride onto cobblestone?
66. Am I ever going to get to this palace?
67. I need a mental health break
68. Wait, what is this building in front of me it's so pretty!
69. It's the palace.
70. I MADE IT!!!
71. This biking thing isn't so bad!
72. Now, I just need to get off the cool way the Danes do it.
73. Sliding my leg over and carefully coasting, got it.
74. Anndd my boot is stuck.
75. Oh god, going down.
76. Brush it off, no one saw that. Right?
77. Actually, I don't care if anyone saw.
78. That cute boy just saw..
79. Greeeaaattttttttt
80. Just gonna walk my bike now and call it day.
Sincerely,
Alexandra S.
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