1. Learn to study!!!!- NOW! Before it's too late. High school does not prepare you for the long hours you are bound to spend in the library. Find the perfect study technique as a freshman (Unlike me. I didn't find out my secret - studyblue.com - until my senior year! You can make online flashcards and the site will also generate practice quizzes for you. This was super convenient because I could study on my phone in bed or while walking to class. I could also utilize the site on my laptop in the library instead of carrying around tons of flashcards and notes.) If you learn how to study effectively, it will help you stress less and will help you boost your GPA! Part of learning how to study is also learning what environment suites you best. I have learned, after 4 years of college, that I just cannot study with my close friends. All we end up doing is giggling or talking and nothing will get done. However, if any of my friends are in a class with me, I found that it is very helpful me to review together and discuss the class topics. This has been very benefitial for me. I know that I study best in the morning/afternoon at a one person desk with my headphones playing quiet music. I also know that there is no way I can study in my room at home. I find too many distractions, and in all honesty, I always end up cleaning my room instead of studying. Everybody studies differently, so try a few different locations as well as group vs. individual studying during your first year. You are bound to find out what is going to keep your grades up!
2. Learn how to manage your schedule- college is so much busier than high school! It can be overwhelming, so sit back, take a deep breath, and grab yourself an agenda! My sorority basically forced me to become GREAT at time management (one of the many benefits of going Greek.) With all the meetings and events, you are unable to procrastinate on school work the way you might without being a member. I had to plan hours between events to spend in the library studying. Take your syllabus from each class and write down dates of exams, quizzes, papers, projects, and assignments. During my freshman year, I failed to do this, and I ended up missing so many assignments! It is just too much to handle in your head. You are going to have to write it all down somewhere. I would also write any events or holidays that will cause you to be busy or out of town. Don't forget important birthday's too! I like to ahve any potential nights out in my agenda so I can study extra the days before ;) If you have a break between classes, try spending it in the lib instead of running home to eat. Pack yourself a snack instead. Don't forget to have free time for yourself! With everything going on your first year at college, you don't want to get burnt out. Pencil in some 'You' time or time with the girls to do some shopping or get your nails done. Don't forget to leave time during the week to exercise! This will help you stay healthy and fit which will help you feel better during your busy schedule.
3. Tequila is not your friend- For any girls out there who had semi-strict parents and didn't do much drinking in high school, please pace yourself. You have 4 years to drink and have fun, so don't over-do it in one night. Always try to stick to one type of drink per night and avoid the sugary mixed drinks (this will help you from getting sick! For example, only drink beer - or wine - while going out. Also, try to drink water in between. I always bring a bottle of water in the car on the way out.) Try to avoid taking shots. You will regret it! You can have fun without taking shots, trust me. There's nothing worse than getting sick at a party and letting it ruin the night. Don't forget to drink a big glass of water before bed too! Don't wanna be hungover for the library in the AM :p
4. Make friends- College is where you will most likely find lifelong friendship. I had somewhat of a hard time making friends my freshman year at USF because I lived in an apartment style dorm, but I still had a great group that I hung out with. If you are in a similar situation as I was, try not to spend your time cooped up in your dorm watching netflix; there is so much out there for you to do on a college campus! Grab your roomie and head out to an on-campus event, I know there are tons each week at USF. I found it easiest to make friends in my smaller classes. Introduce yourself to a classmate (they won't bite) and ask for their number that way you can try to meet up at the dining hall. This way you both won't have to eat alone! Or you can join a sorority and have hundreds of sisters to spend your time with! If you do rush, don't forget to put forth effort to make friends outside of your organization. It is great to have friends in other organizations or in your classes so that you can study together or spend time together when you are not busy with sorority events. You may even be able to invite girls' you know from outside your sorority to different functions that way they can see how awesome your sisterhood is and they can feel more included in your life!
5. Spend your money wisely- College can get super expensive, so make sure to budget all of your expenses. Make sure to set enough aside per month for food, fun, and emergencies. A useful tip my mom taught me is to always put 10% of my paycheck into savings right when I get paid. This has saved my butt so many times, I can't even tell you! I have plenty of money in savings that I do not touch unless I absolutely have to. If you want, you can try putting a certain percentage aside for sorority expenses as well. You don't have to buy every T-shirt they offer, but chances are you will want to! So save yourself by saving a bit each month to splurge when something cute catches your eye. Try to get your friends to go out to eat when there is a good deal. In Tampa we have Taco Tuesday's and half-price apps at Applebee's. These are the best times to go out with friends' to eat. Otherwise, you are better off eating at the dining hall to save your money. Another useful tip is to create a Wishlist. I just have mine on a Word document and anytime I am lusting over anything at the mall or online, I add it to my list. This way I can wait until I've saved up or until there is a sale/coupon so that I get the best deal. Yes, I'll admit I am an impulse buyer, but I have been able to help my wallet by putting things on a list and being patient. You can also use this list as your wishlist for the Holiday's! Some things are worth the wait :)
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