<p>Hi, I'm going to be a freshman and I am going up to my college later this month. After everything that went on during high school, I don't want to look back at my freshman year in college and say, "I should have done this and that instead of the other". I'd like to know what you think I should be focused on at the moment, how you think I should go about internships and part-time jobs, safety tips, social stuff, or whatever you think would be helpful in general.</p>
<p>Get into clubs and go to parties. Meet LOTS of people–introduce yourself to people in every class, meet everyone in your dorm area, etc. Maximize your friend count.
Get a job if you need it. I worked 15 hours a week freshman year and it didn’t negatively affect anything else. I also now have an internship going into my sophomore year–the earlier you start the better.</p>
<p>Edit: Oh, and don’t over drink like I did. I’m basically an alcoholic now after drinking 2-4 nights a week and destroying my stomach lining.</p>
<p>It’s really easy to get caught up in the wrong crowd or culture. Don’t let anyone make you do something you don’t want to do. Don’t lose sight of the reason why you are in college in the first place. Make sure you start school strong and finish it strong so your GPA doesn’t suffer.</p>
<p>Go to every single class and recitation and lab and everything else. Office hours too if you don’t understand something. Easiest way to improve your understanding is to be in class/ talking with a TA or professor. No excuses.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Go to class. All of them. And if you are struggling, swallow your pride and ask for help immediately. </p></li>
<li><p>Your company will either lift you up, hold you back, or break you down. Choose wisely.</p></li>
<li><p>If you’re not a partier/drinker, don’t think you have to become one in college. Find good friends who like to have fun the way you like to have fun and there won’t even be the desire or pressure to party. </p></li>
<li><p>Don’t overload on clubs. 3 is pretty good, and you can afford to be a casual member of one of them.</p></li>
<li><p>If you are in a highly structured major with every class having and being a prerequisite (Math, Physics, Bio, Econ, you get the idea) don’t be afraid to retake the Intro classes even if you have the AP credit. Relearn it in a college environment and get that A.</p></li>
<li><p>If you can self learn and self motivate (i.e. the textbook is well written, interesting, and you will commit to reading it cover to cover), take the easy professor.</p></li>
<li><p>Find friends that fit you, but show yourself friendly to everyone. </p></li>
<li><p>If you qualify for work study, find out what the easiest jobs are on campus. If you’re lucky you’ll have free time to study (imagine that, getting paid to study lol). </p></li>
<li><p>If it’s weeknight, and you’re done with all your work, go to bed. I know for a fact you won’t follow this because no one ever does as a freshman. You’ll finish work at 11:30 and stay up until 3AM chatting with friends for no reason whatsoever. It’s not all bad, though. The people on my floor became great friends last year by staying up getting to know each other and talking about random nonsense. You can sleep in your sophomore year.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>If you think it’s necessary you can find an internship that interests you, but don’t make it your priority and don’t be disheartened if you don’t get it. You’re only a freshman, you have plenty of time and it’s perfectly understandable that employers may think you don’t have the acquired skills.</p>
<p>Also, don’t be discouraged if your first semester grades are lower than you expected as long as you know you’ve truly tried your best. Many people will be getting accustomed to the work-load and atmosphere just like you. I consider freshman year the year of free mistakes; don’t get used to it and don’t you dare take advantage of it, but relish it while you can.</p>