Happy first day of school! For many of you this may be another tedious year spent drooling in class in order to finish your degree. But for many others this week marks the beginning of something new; a new chapter in life. Many people say that their college/university years were some of the best of their lives and they wish they could go back and do it all over again. I certainly wish I could redo my 4 years, but not so much because they were the best years ever, more so because I wish I knew then what I know now. It would have made the world of difference and maybe I would have enjoyed my time there.

This is what I wish I had known:

Frosh Week: Okay, so almost everything I’m going to say is pretty common sense. And I’m sure someone probably told me all of these things back then. I more so just wish I had believed them and actually followed through. I was a pretty nervous frosher and I’m not really that outgoing. I kinda stick to myself waiting for someone else to make the first move but than once you get to know me I’m outgoing as all hell. The hardest part of frosh week is going out to the events by yourself. I didn’t go to University with friends, so I had to go make them. I wish I had actually gone out to the parties and had some fun.

Dorm Room: #1. Your roommate does not need to be your friend….don’t force it. #2. You must leave your room to make friends. I was in a bit of an odd situation when it came to roommates. I got put in a 6 person apartment style dorm (not something I wanted), so I had 5 other girls that I shared an apartment with; complete with a mini kitchen and bathroom. So of course, the 6 of us thought we were going to be BFFL. We didn’t get along so well…but it took me two years and another rented house to figure that one out. Also, having a kitchen and bathroom in the dorm made leaving unnecessary except for class. That’s not the way to spend your first year of university and I wish more than anything that I hadn’t done that.

Clubs/Activities/Sports: No, you’re not a nerd if you are a part of a club or academic team. Get involved, no matter what. Not only is it another group of people that you’re meeting, but the benefits of that dynamic are huge when you are finally in the workforce. I joined a service organization in my 4th and final year of Uni and I wish more than anything that I had joined earlier. Don’t be intimidated, they love the fresh, young perspective of 1st year students.

More important than anything is to have fun and be yourself. It will take a few weeks, maybe even a month, to get comfortable and into the swing of things. Remember…it’s the first year for everyone. They may be acting like they’ve been doing it all along and they’re real cool, but I’m sure they’ve had all the same doubts and fears as you. Chin up, smile on, and make this the best 4 years possible. (I’m here for moral support)!

Stay tuned for two more “Back to School” posts coming at you this week!

xoxo

Ps. The picture was taken at my alma mater McMaster University…pretty eh?