Now that I have finished my freshman year of college at UNI, I would like to pass some tips on to incoming freshman (going to any school) that I have learned/experienced in my first year of being at my home-away-from-home. Some are serious, some are silly, and some are odd. But either way, they're all practical somehow.
1. You can open a can of Swanson Chicken with a screwdriver. Just stab the side of it multiple times and be patient.
2. It is very much possible to survive your entire freshman year without going to a party, the bars, or in the case of Cedar Falls, The Hill. I never went to any of those three places the entire year, and I survived. I got invited to go to The Hill a few times, but I politely declined. I'm not into that sort of thing.
3. Naps and Netflix will most likely become a problem. And that's okay most of the time. Just don't let them become a reason you decide to skip class.
4. Some on-campus jobs are really cool, and you might not even know they exist! I got hired by UNI Public Safety back in March and let me tell you, I love it. I've met some awesome people too!
5. Be prepared for constant wind (Cedar Falls), rain, and any other natural weather conditions. The weather is unpredictable.
6. Buy a scooter. Trust me.
7. Don't use "I'm in a city with so many restaurant choices!" as a excuse to blow all your money and not use your meal plan. It's hard not to do it, but in the long run, it's worth not going out to eat.
8. You can make a long distance relationship work.
9. Be prepared for your roommate to tell you they need you to leave the room because they want to have sex. It does happen.
10. If you're planning on having sex, buy condoms and get on the pill. There are way too many pregnancy scares in college. Social media proves it.
11. Respect other people: clean up after yourself and use your inside voice.
12. Your neighbors WILL play their music so loud your floor rattles. Feel free to play yours back louder.
13. Buy Cards Against Humanity. People will love you.
14. Do not pack your entire bedroom. You will run out of space, have excessive junk you don't need, and then have to take three carloads home in May.
15. Study more than you think you need to. Your professors will not tell you all the information that is on the test.
16. It is 100% okay to sleep with stuffed animals.
17. Wean yourself off of traveling home on the weekends. After a while, you'll be well adjusted to college life.
18. Befriend the people who live around you. I was really anti-social towards the people on my floor 1st Semester, but then I lightened up, started talking, and now I'm pretty chill with Melissa, so who's winning at life?
19. Do not put photos of the campanile (if you have one) on Instagram. Everyone does.
20. Accept every appropriate opportunity to get out of your dorm room. You'll regret not going.
21. 3:00 a.m. fire alarms are real.
22. DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT SWITCH SEATS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SEMESTER! People will kill you for sitting in their seat, even though they aren't assigned.
23. Take a workout class if you want to get fit but aren't motivated enough!
24. Get to know where you live. Cruise around town and find places that interest you (i.e. a lake, park, restaurant, etc.)
25. Don't make skipping class a habit. I understand if you have a doctors appointment, family death, or just need a day to relax and get yourself together. If you think you're going to make it to graduate school with a 2.3 GPA, you're sadly mistaken. Attending class benefits you AND your professors AND your peers. Go Go Go!!!!
26. Have fun at college and live your life how you want it to be!
I hope my tips seemed at least a little useful. If anyone reading this is scared about attending college this year, or even the year after, feel free to message me and we can talk about it :)
