Five takeaways from freshman year

1. Independence isn’t everything.

Despite everything your parents, high school teachers, guidance counselors, and friends already in college have said, college isn’t just about being independent. Sure, it’s a big part of learning to live on your own, but during your first year away, there is a lot of support available for you. Chat up your RA, or go to office hours for your favorite professor. A seemingly forced relationship in your dorm or in class could blossom into a lovely friendship.

2. Dining hall food is what you make of it.

After spending a semester and a half complaining to everyone around me about our dining hall food, I made two significant changes in my life. One was my use of dining dollars. Man, those are a gift from heaven. Using them, I can now order the same thing from Lemonade every day. Probably the more obvious change I made, though, was simply going to another dining hall, which had different food and different people. Not sure why I didn’t think of that one sooner.

3. Take advantage of everything USC has to offer (food trucks included).

I would bet money that there is always some kind of event going on at USC. Sometimes I look out my dorm room window to see a bunch of people holding donuts and dancing to Pitbull on the lawn. Come join the party! If you ever feel bored at college, you’re doing it wrong. That is, unless you are waiting in line for the sushi burrito food truck like I did last week. When food trucks come to McCarthy quad, the lines are often long. Keep your head up. You’ll get to the front eventually.

4. Grades aren’t everything.

It’s not high school anymore, folks. Unless you fall under a few specific majors or career tracks (sorry, pre-meds), a few grade mishaps here and there don’t spell out the end of the world for you. Of course, you are paying an obscene amount of money for your education now, so perhaps it is best to take it seriously. But be reasonable with your expectations: there is no cruising along in college and you will inevitably run into some roadblocks. Take it in stride. Your GPA is, after all, just a number.

5. You’ll never be a freshman again.

Relish in the freedoms of freshman year, because once it’s over, you’ll never be one again. We are granted (some) immunity to have fun, make mistakes, and procrastinate to the fullest. Enjoy your year, and don’t take yourself too seriously. There’s always next year to worry over.