Starting college is probably one of the most exciting — and scariest — events in most people’s lives. Freshmen probably have several pre-conceived notions about what life will be like inside the Vanderbubble, and these ideas could potentially lead them to one of two extremes: Standing on the sidelines and missing out on great experiences or diving into the “deep end” of college life without knowing how to swim.
There are lots of things I wish I had known going into freshman year, and here are a couple of them:
1. Freshman year actually matters. I personally didn’t take my first semester very seriously because I just assumed college was a parent-free, slightly more difficult version of high school. I was wrong; you have to actually study (sadly). What you do your freshman year affects the course of your college career and your life in general. Yes, it’s possible to recover from a bad semester, but it’s obviously easier just to start out ahead in the first place.
2. On a related note, go to professors’ office hours. They possess a wealth of information, and striking up a relationship with them could help you in the future when you need advice or a teacher recommendation.
3. Ratemyprofessor.com — use it! While some people may see it as an unfair portrayal of a teacher or a class, it has never steered me wrong. It can be particularly helpful when choosing what section of a class to take.
4. Actively participate in VUcept. VUcept may be boring and pointless to some, but it’s a good way to meet people. After two years, I am still very close to some of the people from my VUcept group.
5. Not having a car doesn’t mean you are stuck on campus. Buses are free for students, and cabs can be a little expensive but very convenient. Campus life is great, but Nashville has a lot to offer: Concerts, historical sites, parks and a great nightlife, to name a few. Don’t limit yourself!
6. Don’t assume your new friends and old friends will get along. Though it’s nice to have visits from people from home, sometimes, the home world and the school world are best left apart.
7. Get involved. Participating in dorm events and joining student organizations can help you meet fellow freshmen and forge relationships with upperclassmen. Also, getting involved can help distinguish yourself from the other nameless faces in the crowd (which could be helpful if you hope to enter politics one day).
8. Reinvent yourself. No one knows what stereotype applied to you when you were in high school, so now is the perfect time to become who you’ve always wanted to be.
9. Use your meal plan wisely. I’m proud to say I’ve become a master of getting the most out of the meal plan. Always get the maximum amount of food you can get, and save some for later so you won’t have to waste meal money. Also, don’t forget about the five guest meals; they disappear if you don’t use them.
10. Respect your roommate while simultaneously making sure he or she gives you the respect you deserve. Not addressing issues will probably lead to a blow out at the exact moment when you are trying to deal with some other catastrophe.
Following these suggestions won’t guarantee success, but they can definitely help you avoid difficult situations.
—Aimee Sobhani is a junior in the College of Arts and Science. She can be reached at aimee.f.sobhani@vanderbilt.edu.
