10 Things I Wish I Could Tell My Freshman Self
By: Torrance Nonnemacher
Dear younger self,
If I remember correctly, you’re at a point in time where you’re realizing the transition from high school to college is a lot harder than you thought; but, fear not, I have some advice for you! I have some advice that I wish someone would have told me before I started college. So, you can thank me later, but for now it is critical that you pay close attention.
DO NOT GO HOME SO MUCH! I know you’re feeling home sick even though you thought you wouldn’t, but it is important that you refrain from going home at least for a couple months. Doing this will help you get more adjusted to college life and will allow Ohio State to truly start feeling like your new home.
It is time to learn how to study, and I mean really learn how to study. I know you’re aware college will be more challenging than high school was, but what I also know is that in the back of your mind you’re still confident that you will be able to do the bare minimum and get by. That’s not the case anymore! Staying on top of your work and actively studying is going to be the key to your academic success.
Get the full season football ticket package, and if you’re lucky enough, choose your seat to be in Block O South! Sure, you may not attend every game, but you can sell your tickets for the games you don’t want to go to and make some extra money! Also, if you’re wondering what Block O South is, it is the seating area reserved for the student section. Just trust me and get a ticket in that section if you can.
Absolutely NO hibernating in your dorm. Go out, join clubs, make friends, eat at the dining halls, go study at the library, do everything you possibly can! Cherish every day and get as much of the “college experience” as you can, because you never know when you won’t be allowed to do these simple things anymore (by the way, a pandemic is going to hit and you literally are not going to be allowed to do these things, SO THIS ADVICE IS IMPORTANT!).
Don’t sleep on Courtside Cafe. As far as on campus dining options go, no one talks about how delicious the food at Courtside Cafe is, so I'm here to let you know now!
Bring some ice packs for your mini fridge in your dorm, and some pain relieving medication. Your legs and ankles are about to be SORE from learning to navigate this humongous campus. You’re going to be walking miles a day, get used to it :)
Keep an umbrella in your backpack at. all. times. There is nothing worse than being out and about when it starts raining and you have to trek from one end of campus to the other in the rain.
Visit where your classes will be prior to the actual first day of class. There’s nothing wrong with a little help from Google Maps, but you will definitely feel more confident and prepared if you check out where your classes will be before the first day!
Invest in your dorm room. Do not be embarrassed to show up to move-in day with a ton of stuff. Bring all things necessary to make your room feel like a home. You want to feel comfortable and happy in that space. Extra points if you coordinate decorations with your roommate.
Call your family! Call them more than you think you should. Starting college is not only hard on you as a student, but it is hard on your family as well. They miss you. Call them. It is always a good idea.
So, there ya go. Some simple advice I wish someone would have told me before I started college. Although none of this information is groundbreaking, I do think it's useful. However, no amount of tips can truly prepare you for college, you just have to experience it. So goodluck, I know you’re going to have an amazing time!
Sincerely,
Your Future Self
