Surviving and thriving freshman year: tips from current seniors

BY LINDSEY HUGHES

Art Director

As daunting as it is living in a new place, with new people and new experiences waiting to be had, freshman year doesn’t have to be as stressful as it often is. There are many ways to make the first year of college a seamless, fun transition.

Get involved 

Whether it be an organization, club, job or another type of extracurricular, getting involved is important in college. As a freshman, you are coming in with a large group of other people who are also trying to find friends and community. This is exactly what involvement and job fairs are for. Tarleton hosts several involvement fairs every year, all of which serve as a wonderful way to scope out a bunch of different campus and city life organizations and groups that are available to join. 

Maddie Sanders is an Elementary education major and a senior, whose biggest tip to new freshmen is to get involved in any way you can.

“Go to everything, even if it might be out of your comfort zone,” Sanders said. 

The more events you go to, the more chances you have to find what truly speaks to you. College is the time for discovery, finding yourself and learning what makes you, you. Sure, there might be some trial and error. Not everything you get involved in will end up working, but you just might find the thing that speaks to you unlike anything else.

Eating and sleeping matter

Eating and sleeping are two major things that, as college students, are easy to let slide. Food and rest are quite literally fuel for our bodies, so neglecting them is a quick way to get burnout in college. Late night study sessions, all-nighters and excessive energy drink consumption can and will catch up to you. Making sure your body is getting the food and fuel it needs to get you through all of the studying, stressing, testing and socializing that college presents, is of utmost importance.

Take advantage of the fresh start

College might have its difficult moments, but one amazing aspect of moving away and starting your college career is that it is a completely fresh start. Not knowing anyone and being unfamiliar with your surroundings can be scary, but it can also be a blessing in disguise. 

Tarleton State University student Marian Barrett said it best: “College is a fresh start. You can be a better friend, have healthier habits and pursue the things you truly enjoy.”

There's no time like the present to start bettering yourself and your life, and college is the perfect time to start. Whether it's finally sticking to those forgotten New Year’s resolutions or simply taking steps to better your friendships, no step is too small to take.

Don’t be afraid to say yes

Saying yes in college is something that some people go the entire four years without doing. 

Being afraid to go out and try new things is understandable, especially when you are surrounded by new people and places, but sometimes the best thing you can do is say yes. 

Tarleton senior Clara Sims’ biggest tip for incoming freshmen, is to say yes as often as you can.

“Don’t be afraid to say yes,” Sims said. “You are capable of more than you think. When you feel like you’re being stretched, you’re actually just growing.”

All in all, embrace new experiences, connect with others and make sure to fuel your body so you can fully enjoy everything college has to offer.