5 Things I Learned from College:

1. Don't Room with Your Friends: If you do, you may be sorry. When you room with someone, you learn about their quirks, and strange habits. It is best to live with someone you either somewhat know or barely know, so you won't ruin any of your current friendships.

2. Join Groups- I know being a freshman is awkward, but once you join organizations on campus it won't be as strange. You will meet new people and gain some great experiences and memories. It's also great, when you are in the organization more, to join your organization's executive board (e-board for short). It teaches you more about the group you are in.

3. Try New Things- I know this sounds cliché, but trust me, it's true. When you try new things, you learn things you may not have known. For example, when I joined Alpha Phi Omega, I didn't know what I was getting into, but I tried it and it has been one of the best decisions I ever made. Through joining this co-ed fraternity, I met so many people and learned so many new, great things. (like how to make letters, and what it means to be a big.) I also learned how great it feels to volunteer. 

4. Pick your classes wisely, you only have four years- Every class has a course number for a reason: they are there to tell you how difficult the class is. A 100 level class is better to take as a freshman than a 200 level class. Also a 100 level class that is not your major (history for example) is better than taking a higher level class (200 something for example). A 200 level class requires more work and is meant for students who have taken the 100 level class. These students know loosely what to expect since they have taken the lower level already. Also it's good to ask older students what classes they recommend, since they may have taken the class or had the professor. They are usually right with why they recommend the class.

(Side Note about Professors: Ask students what professors to take, if you can help it, since some majors only have a few professors teaching classes in that concentration. It would stink to take the hardest professor on campus and then learn that there was an easier professor you could have taken. Sometimes even good professors are not good for you. For example, if you are not good at taking tests, and are better at papers, like me, then try to take a professor that does mostly essays and almost no tests.)

5. Use your Resources- If you are struggling in a class and your college offers free tutoring, get one. They can help you with the class, they may even be able to explain certain topics better than the professor. They can also give you activities to help you in areas you are struggling with and help you study for exams. Don't be ashamed, many people have a tutor and it doesn't mean you are not as intelligent as your friends. Also, if you got certain accommodations in high school, continue them if you can, they can help you in the long run. The library's resource librarian (if your college has one) is another great resource. They can aid you in navigating the library or teach you how to research a topic for a research paper.