by Jacqueline Stoughton
For the past two semesters, I’ve utilized my weekly columns here to discuss current events in politics. I still intend to continue that theme throughout this next semester – but since these are my last 13 weeks writing for this paper, I wanted to branch out to some other topics of importance to me during slow political news weeks. Mostly, I didn’t want to waste a column talking about Donald Trump.
The beginning of my last semester has caused me to do a lot of reflection over my past three and a half years at Central Connecticut. All the things I’ve experienced, learned and the people I’ve met along the way have made an impact in getting me to where I am today.
For new freshman just starting this semester, transfer students and those returning freshman who didn’t quite get into the groove of college-life right away (like myself), here’s the best advice I can give you that took me three years to learn – basically everything I wish someone told me when I was an incoming freshman.
Get involved: I know a lot of people say this to new college students, and if you’re anything like me you probably just think to yourself, “don’t tell me what to do.” Seriously, get involved. Take advantage of the club fair and find something you’re interested in. Find a club related to your major, that’ll only benefit you more when it comes time to search for jobs and internships. My freshman year, I applied to be an orientation leader. Even though that was never something I desired to do again (I’m not a fan of “ice breakers”), I made a lot of friends and faculty connections that stayed without, throughout the rest of college.
Cool it on the partying: I understand that’s probably the most exciting part of college, but three years later you’ll regret the weekend long party binges. I was that freshman who always had a Solo cup in her hand, so I get it. Freshman have a tendency to make embarrassing mistakes at parties, not because they’re freshman, but because they’re still young with lower tolerances. In no way do I condone underage drinking, but it’d be irresponsible if we didn’t recognize this as something that is going to happen at colleges, regardless of how illegal it is. My advice, don’t try and keep up with your friends. How you feel the following morning is sure to teach you the “pace yourself” lesson pretty well. Keep a water bottle in your bag. Alternating between an alcoholic drink and water will prevent a hangover and getting sick the following morning. Alcohol also makes you incredibly dehydrated, which leads to that nauseous feeling. Finally, just always be safe and use your common sense. Never drive or get in a car with someone who’s been drinking. Even if you think you’re okay to drive, you’re probably not. Getting home quicker is never worth risking your own life and the life of others.
A side note, the “freshman 15” is real and probably results from heavy alcohol consumption more than anything. Yes, beer, vodka and all that other good stuff will make you fat. So don’t feel like you need to go out every weekend. You’re wallet and health will thank you. Believe it or not, there is more to college than just parties.
You basically have a free gym membership, use it: This is something I never understood, why students still spend their money on a gym membership, when there’s four gyms on campus they can go to with all the same equipment available, without having to sacrifice more of the limited funds most college students have. Also, take advantage of the fitness classes CCSU offers. You can do anything from cycling, yoga and zumba all free for students! This is something I definitely wish I did more often, it was usually on the bottom of my very long to-do list, unfortunately.
Perfect the balancing act: This is probably the most important thing I can say to any new college student and a skill I’m glad I was able to develop since it’ll be something I’ll utilize for the rest of my life. Balance all your responsibilities well, while still making time for yourself. Learn how to keep class a priority since that’s what you’re at school for, yet be sure to schedule time to be involved with clubs and other on-campus events. Never neglect being healthful and try to fit in a social life. If you’re able to balance everything successfully, you’ll be having the college experience you hoped for. Never bite off more than you can chew, wanting to do it all can get very overwhelming, very quickly.
Finally and most importantly, always enjoy every second of your years in college, never take anything for granted and experience as much as possible. These four years go by a lot quicker than you think they will.