Lessons We Learned Freshman Year

During this first year at college we have learned both in and out of class. We don't want to bore you with things we learned in class, however, we have compiled a list of life lessons we have learned this year to share with you. Some of them are for life in general, some of them are for college students and some of them are specifically for William Woods students. So in no specific order.......

1. It doesn't matter how hard you try, you will step on goose poop at least once while you are here. Accept it and move on.
2. Sororities (and Fraternities) are not for everyone, try recruitment just to see but if you don't feel comfortable DON'T JOIN!! But if you do go for it!!
3. This one has been said.....but your dorm room is small! Don't make it feel smaller by trying to pack everything you own in there.
4. Some of the people you consider friends at the beginning of the year might be people you don't talk to by the end of the year.
   
   
5. And vice versa....people you think are strange or weird when you first meet them might become some of your best friends by the end of the year
6. Do your laundry when the basket gets full, otherwise it will be the day you are wearing your last pair of clean underwear and EVERYONE will be doing laundry.
7. Join clubs, you meet so many people and come out with great contacts.
8. Dress up for class ever so often, if you wear something you don't normally wear you are more likely to focus.
   
9. Call your mother, she misses you but doesn't want to cut into your busy schedule so take an hour during your weekend of *cough*Netflix*cough* I mean studying and call her.
10. There is always something at Tucker (our dining hall) for you to eat, even if it is a grilled cheese and a salad.
11. It doesn't matter how much people rave about chicken finger Friday you WILL get tired of it and want something else to eat, but after missing it for a week or two you will want it again.
12. Take any offer for free anything, food, t-shirts, food, life improvement skills, did I mention food?
13. Don't wait until after Easter or Thanksgiving to start all of your end of the year papers.
14. Take your trash out regularly otherwise it will start to smell.
15. Invest in some sort of air freshener or wax warmer (if your school allows it) so your room doesn't start smelling like sweat and dust.
16. Stay in contact with friends back home but don't live in the past, you also have new friends now.
17. Your dorm room will be your home for the next 7-8 months, decorate it!
18. If you don't have something (like cleaning supplies or something) ask around, more than likely there is someone who is willing to lend you theirs.
19. You will need something for your sweet tooth now and then (ladies you know what we mean) so pack some when you move in, but pack something healthy too, the freshman 15 is a real thing.
    
20. Try to do something new every once and a while. You never know if you will really enjoy something if you stay in your comfort zone!
21. Clean your sheets. Enough said.
22. Get to know your teachers and other faculty. They are there to help you and most them are pretty cool people.
23. On top of that, get to know your adviser. They are more then willing to help you and answer all of the questions you have. When it's time to find internships, they will be the ones to help you find the good ones. 
24. Most people will not be like you expected them to be. Be open and try hard not to judge people before you know them.
25. If you really want to get something done, wake up an hour earlier or go to the library where there are less distractions.
    
    
26. Save everything in multiple spots! Your computer, the school computer, on a USB or email it to yourself so you can access it everywhere. There is nothing more heartbreaking than a lost paper.
27. Get off campus every so often and have some fun! It works wonders for your mental state.
28. It's ok to go home once in a while.
29. Equestrian students: DON'T wait until the last week to do your free rides and tech lessons! 
30. Don't forget to renew your driver's license when you turn 18. It's a real hassle if you are out of state.
31. Try to form a group of really close friends, but always try to make new friends too.
32. It will become perfectly normal to sleep in a hotel bed with someone you just met that morning.
    
33. Don't let other people affect how you perform in class, do your best and don't worry about hurting their feelings.
34. Collaborate with your roommate about big items. Then double check who is bringing what, and triple check the day before you move in. Otherwise you will end up with two TV's and no lamp.
35. Don't be the person who thinks you know it all, people will teach you new things everyday. 
36. If you party, don't go out every weekend and then have none of your homework done by Monday. 
37. Be patient. Teachers don't always have time to answer your emails or put in your grades. It will be okay and they will get back to you and get the grades in when you need them. 
38. Don't try and hide in your room all weekend, your friends will come and get you to leave for the dining hall or for fun.
39. Your life doesn't have to evolve around getting your homework done and getting ahead in the class. Have fun and enjoy yourself while you can. 
40. Take chances and risks. I (Megan) took a risk with paying $2000 and completing 123 hours of volunteer work in less then 5 months. The risks will pay off (most of the time). 
41. Talk to your suite mates and set up who needs to clean what and if you're a morning or a night shower-er. 
42. College is not about finding your future boyfriend or girlfriend. The time will come when you find that person. 
    
43. Talk to your professors before your class starts and see if you need the book and if it needs to be new. Not every class needs a new book even if it is listed as need new. In most classes it is perfectly fine to find used books.
44. Be happy with yourself. Don't change or pretend to be somebody you are not. It can lead to problems. 
45. If you have a problem with your roommate, tell them what is going on. It's better to tell them, then let it ruin you inside. 
46. Find scholarships throughout the year for the next semester or school year. It will benefit you in the long run, financially.  
47. Get away from technology for a little while and hangout with your friends, go for a nature walk or read a book. It is better for your eyes and for your mind. 
48. Don't dye your hair at school. The tiles in the bathroom can be light and the dye can be dark and permanent. 
49. Exercise when you can. The freshman 15 is a real thing and it will slowly grow on you and before you know it, the weight will be there. 
50. Set goals for yourself at the beginning of the school year and what you have in mind for a GPA every semester. Know what you want to accomplish and set forth to achieve it.