Freshman to Senior Real Quick: (Or as Drake Likes to Call it, 0 to 100)

Now that multiple students have returned to their second home, also known as their college town, they’ve officially completed their first month back at school. The time has come to reassert what a new year entails. We’ve had to make the painful transition from “alarm off” to “alarm on,” calculated the quickest routes of getting to new classes roughly on time, and have unfortunately been reacquainted with papers, tests, and that one annoying kid that always  has way too much to say every class.

There is no doubt a new air present about being back on your college grounds. Whether you’ve returned for the first time since your freshman orientation, or are a fifth year senior (no shame), you’re excited. New friends, memories, and experiences are waiting for you right around the corner.

Students walking to and from class on FSU’s Landis Green.

So how to prepare from starting off as a freshman to finishing as a senior? Below is a list of what you may expect as the years press further.

1.Going to class only gets harder. It’s no secret that class tends to be extremely boring, and waking up in the morning to go to an 8 a.m. doesn’t get any easier.  Some benefits in going include professors that give attendance points, ones that wink and subtly mention that specific material will be on the exam you had no idea was next week, and more importantly, if paying for the class, might as well attend it. Mom will be proud.

2. Underclassmen look more like babies every year. We all know how freshman can be annoying. We also know that we were all there at one point in our college career. Attempt to understand, and if not, enjoy yelling “freshman” for any little thing they do. Like actually going to class.

3. The higher your intoxication level, the lower the GPA. Unless you’re Einstein level. Yes, partying is great. But so is still receiving scholarships, financial aid, and that annual check from grandpa and grandma if you’re ever so lucky. Party hard, but remember to study just as hard. Or maybe just remember to study.

4. Learning the value of “Balance.” Balance is a good thing. You can have a balanced diet, a balanced budget, and if really having a good day, a balanced life. Finding time to study, work and have fun can be difficult, but turns out to be very vital for a college student.

Balance is key for any college student.

5. Building connections along the way. We’ve all heard the saying “It all depends on who you know,” and it’s sort of very true. As you meet people in class, at a bar, or even while grocery shopping at Publix, try to pay special attention to those that might boost you up the corporate ladder in the near future. Or maybe just someone that could potentially offer you a job straight out of graduation.

It’s well known that when starting anything for the first time again, it can be scary, overwhelming, but nothing short of boring. As the year of which you classify yourself changes, so do you. Take it from a fellow college student, whether freshman, junior, and not forgetting about you fifth years either, do your best in class, attempt not to stress 24/7, and make sure you take full advantage of game days.