Freshman, Take A Breath: A Bit of Advice for Incoming Frosh

The excitement is starting to build in households with an incoming college freshman. The dorm supplies and new books are bought. Items are packed in boxes and clothes are folded in suitcases. If you’re a Davis freshman, your friends from back home have probably already started and you’re rearing to go.

All this excitement is probably making your heart pump, especially since there’s most likely a twinge of worry and apprehension to go along with it. Well, I’m writing this little article to tell you: Take a breath. Everything will be all right.

I will try to give some advice, having just survived my own freshman year, and try not to sound too much like the Orientation Leaders.

First and most importantly, communication is key. You are a young adult but an adult. You should be able to talk to your roommate(s) about things that are bothering you. Obviously there will be exceptions, but do try, as your dorm room is a very small place and not good for trying to avoid someone (especially when they sleep five feet away).

Next, don’t procrastinate. Yes, your parents have been telling you this since time began, but it’s all the more true now. You not only have homework, you now have aid, loans, and classes to approve. Putting things off can be disastrous to your grades, schedule, and even health. No one looks good with bald spots after tearing hair out

Third, ask for help when you need it. Sometimes it is very hard to ask for help, but if you need it, ASK!—and do it before you are beyond help. Whether you’re lost on campus or on a problem, ask! Now, I’m not saying you have to run to the tutoring center every time you’re stuck on homework. If you’re not big on a tutor, ask your roommate(s), your floor mates, your classmates—everyone is brilliant at something and there will be someone able to help you. If you need more help, then seek it out; you aren’t paying exorbitant UC tuition fees to become the Titanic.

Have a balance. If you’re more of a bookworm, live a little. Go out exploring, hang out with new people, stay up late! If you’re more of a free spirit, then maybe it’s time to hit the books a little harder. Good study habits are the greatest thing you can develop for your academic life. Find a balance that’s right for you, taking care not to swing too far in one direction.

And last and most important (I’m going to blow your mind with this one)…take out the trash! Seriously, don’t let your room become disgusting. Nobody likes a disgusting room.

I hope some of this is slightly new information and that it may give you a little peace of mind before the big move-in day. My best piece of advice for move-in day is to take a breath, let it sink in. You’re going to be all right.