Six Tips for Freshmen Women in Their First Year of College

College days, how they swiftly pass.
Literally some of the BEST days of my life. If I close my eyes long enough, I can easily be transported back to my first day as a college freshman back in 2009. I was SO nervous, but at the same time I was super excited for this new chapter in my life. When we pulled up at the University of Tennessee Knoxville at South Carrick Hall, I was literally a BALL of excitement, nervousness, anxiousness, and everything!I felt so small at this HUGE university, but I also felt so adult and so ready to conquer any and everything. No one could tell me anything! I quickly learned that although college was fun and I was making some lifetime memories and friends, I did not have everything figured out and I had a LOT to learn.

I thought this post was important to write because I was once a college freshman, I have a little cousin who's a freshman in college now, and I know that many women could use some advice as they start this whirlwind of an amazing journey. So hey, beautiful girls! By now, college should be somewhat in full swing, so I wanted to pop into your freshman year and give you some words of advice from a girl who's been in your shoes. First things first, I want you to know that it is OKAY to be nervous and unsure of what your life will become. College is what you make it, so study hard, make new friends, take a deep breath and enjoy the ride.

Six Tips for Freshmen Women in Their First Year of College
1. Don't Let Yourself Fall Behind
So I wanted to start this list off with this important tip. It is SO EASY to want to hit every single party and social gathering that is happening on campus. Then SLEEP and miss that class that you'll be "fine to just catch up on notes and reading", but don't do it. Yes, go out and party, but after you have a hold on your priorities. You'll be glad when you're not cramming for that major exam.

2. Learn It's Okay to Say NO
This kind of goes with the first one. Peer pressure may have been difficult in high school, but it can be ten times more challenging in college. Choose your own path. If something is tugging at you and you're not feeling it, say no. It may feel like the "lame" thing to do at the time, but in the long run it won't matter. There will be PLENTY opportunities to say yes, so be strong and say no sometimes.

3. FORGIVE.. For You
If someone does something that upsets you, learn to forgive them... now before you're older and a little more stuck in your ways. Forgiveness is never for the other person, but it is always for you and your own peace of mind. You don't have to forgive and forget, but forgive and then move forward with your much happier life!

4. Don't Let Being Homesick Consume You
I remember being homesick quite often my first year of college and it is SO EASY to want to go home on the weekends. Especially if you live close enough that couple hours will get you home, it'll be so tempting to hit the highway every weekend. Don't do it. Most great memories are made on the weekends. Instead, have regular face-times, phone calls, and Facebook chatting with friends and family back home. Then, get out on campus and interact with new friends.

5. Be Patient With Yourself
If you have no idea what you want to major in or find yourself not making new friends right away, IT IS OKAY. Be patient with yourself and know that each college experience is unique. Take your time to figure out what truly interests you and take your time to find true friendships. Know you're not alone and everything will be okay!

6. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
When it comes to being safe, be aware. Gone are the days that you're out walking with your parents and staring into your phone without looking up to cross the street. Pay attention where ever you are to your surroundings.

Let's keep it going! What's some advice or tips you received going into college? Leave them in the comments below.

Thank you so much for reading! xo

11 comments

  1. These are great tips for freshmen! College day were the best. Another tip that I found helpful was being organized!

    www.rdsobsessions.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Loving this post girl!! Wish I could've had a post like this when I was a freshman!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous9/16/2019

    This is such an informative post, thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  4. These are amazing tips! Wish I'd had something like this when I was a freshman. I went halfway across the country from NYC to Colorado, and I didn't realize how many of the students were in-state and already had friendship circles until school had started. It made my first semester ROUGH, so much so that I almost transferred back East. But I'm glad I stuck it out, because with time I did find my circles of people (joining a sorority helped me so much!) and now I look back on college as one of the best periods of my life. ♡ ♡

    ReplyDelete
  5. These are all such great tips. We didn't have blogs back then because life would have been so much easier if people shared this with freshmen.

    ❥ tanvii.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. These are such great tips! Especially number 6!!

    XOXO
    Cathy

    ReplyDelete
  7. These are really great tips! Definitely helpful for a gal going through that first year!

    xo Laura Leigh
    www.louellareese.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I wish I had this list when I was in college!! I feel like these are great tips that anyone at any age can implement into their lives!

    ReplyDelete
  9. These are great tips! I remember being a freshman and how scary it can be. I wish I had taken more risks!

    ReplyDelete
  10. These are such great tips! I could have used this list so much!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow I wish I had this post when I was in college! Great tips!

    ReplyDelete

Any comments you share with me are very much appreciated and I do my best to respond to each of you. I love feedback in all forms. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and love with me. xo

Through Jam's Eyes