There is a surplus of cliche material about the college experience readily available in countless movies and TV shows. A common theme within these stories is that they rarely show students actually going to class or doing school work, and instead choose to focus solely on the social aspects.
While this is important in its own right, it can also feed into party culture and normalize making poor, if not dangerous, decisions. My main piece of advice for any incoming freshman is to throw away any notions you have of college and discover it for yourself.
When entering college for the first time, it can feel like there is a tremendous amount of pressure to fit in with your peers. It’s crucial to understand you should never compromise your values to do so. The truth is, the kind of people you should let in are those who will unequivocally support you in becoming the best version of yourself.
As someone who went into university knowing I didn’t want to drink or party, I feared I would feel incredibly isolated, or as if I were some extreme outlier. Luckily for me, I was able to find like-minded individuals who shared my interests and values.
It might not always feel like it, but the right people are out there. Everyone around you is experiencing college for the first time, so find people you can lean on — whether that be from classes or clubs — and your time spent in school will be drastically better.
None of this is to put down those who want to party, either. However, I feel compelled to argue that drinking in excess and partying most, if not every weekend, will eventually wreak havoc on your mind and body. Not to mention, it distracts you from what you are paying a great deal of money for — a degree.
The overconsumption of alcohol and its correlation to the freshman experience is an incredibly dangerous societal norm that never seems to be fought against. It seems like almost an expectation from others that going to college equates to underage drinking and attending fraternity parties.
But, there is a significant difference between embracing your independence and nearly giving yourself alcohol poisoning. It may not appear like it, but building a healthy network of friends, treating your body well and nourishing your mental health will make you so much happier in the long run than excessive partying ever will.
All in all, it’s healthy to want to experiment a little when moving to a new place and entering an exciting phase of your life. To use words no one wants to hear, moderation is key. While college is a brief time in your life, it is also a way for you to test making a life for yourself on your terms. It’s a period when you can form different habits and try out new experiences with the comfort of an entire community surrounding you.
Lastly, go to class. I know academics may not be the center focus for everyone who enrolls in a university, but it still deserves your honest attention and devotion. You will not learn anything if you rely on shortcuts and derivative work to get you through school. As a student, it’s possible to have a fun time and get good grades simultaneously. Once you adjust to college, you learn that creating a balance and knowing how to weigh your priorities is an essential part of adulthood.
And remember, if you are ever struggling, there are people in your circle at App State who are ready and willing to help you. This time in your life is a massive transition so it’s perfectly healthy to rely on others, whether that be your family or mental health professionals.
