Freshman year is a journey that everyone experiences in different ways. Some will begin college with the same people they left high school with, and others will begin anew with a clean slate ahead of them.
No matter how you start your first year, there are certain things to consider before the first day of the semester. Here is the ultimate guide to your freshman year.
Don’t pack light — pack wisely
YouTube tutorials are helpful, but no one can cover everything you’ll need to live comfortably in a dorm. Pay close attention to your daily routine and the products you use, as these will be the hidden gems that make life easier. An electric tea kettle is handy for morning caffeine or boiling pasta, and a hanging closet cubby rack can double as a pantry or extra storage.
Perfect your shower caddy by including products that make you feel your best. After walking to classes on the Hill, a refreshing shower can go a long way. Staple products like shampoo and conditioner are a given, include products that elevate your hygiene — it’s time to toss the three-in-one body wash.
Remember, it’s not the end of the world if you forget something. There are supermarkets nearby, but there are a few necessities that make move-in day a lot smoother. Paper towels, trash bags, a screwdriver, batteries, extension cords and lightbulbs are helpful to have at the ready as you settle into your dorm.
Invest in your roommate
Your roommate is the person that you will spend the most time with at the start of the year. Roommate dynamics differ depending on the people — you may be best friends for two weeks or 20 years, but only time will tell.
Reach out to your roommate before you move in. Ask important questions, like what temperature they keep their room, their sleep schedule and if they like to have people over. Yes, a dorm is your space, but it’s a shared space.
During your first week on Rocky Top, you’ll complete a series of welcome events that are created to get you acclimated to campus life. Use this time to buddy up with your roommate and attend the events together.
It can be awkward to ask for alone time or to hang out with someone 24/7, so communicate with one another about how you are feeling. This will create a welcoming environment that makes it worth living in what feels like a 4×4.
Stay connected to home
Independence is great in small doses and awful after weeks of pretending to be an adult. As an 18-year-old you are somewhere between a responsible human and a kid asking for help. Find a day that works for you and call home each evening.
Nights at home rambling to your parents is something you may miss, and a FaceTime can easily cure the homesickness. During the breaks between classes, call a family friend or a relative and ask about their day. Hearing the mundane events in someone else’s life can distract from any anxiety you feel in your newfound home.
Long-distance best friends are the glue to staying in touch with home. Your high school friend group will shift by the time Thanksgiving break rolls around, but the people closest to you will remain the same.
Call your long-distance friends at least once a month. You’ll see the people they talk about on their Instagram and create fictitious scenarios in your head about your friends’ lives, but a piece of you will still be connected to them — if you’re lucky, when you visit them at their university, you’ll fit right in.
Prioritize your mental health
This sounds cliche, but the success of your first year depends on your well-being. Change can be overwhelming, so remember to take time for yourself.
Establish a list of things that allow you to rest. Go for a walk by the Tennessee River, journal while listening to your favorite album, get a sweet treat or simply watch an episode of your comfort show before bed.
If you need to talk to an unbiased source, the Counseling Center grants students 10 free sessions with a certified counselor to provide a safe space.
Give yourself time. There’s no right answer on how to ace freshman year, but with this guide, you’ll be on the right track.
