20 Things No One Tells You About Freshman Year At California State University Long Beach
When I first started college, I didn’t know what to expect. You never really know until you show up for that first day, in all its glory, and see for yourself what college is all about. But if you’re looking for some tips and tricks of the trade, I hope my two cents into my first year of college life helps you have a great freshman year at California State University Long Beach. So when my roommate and I decided to sit down and think about this topic here’s what we came up with:
1. You will encounter a lot of fugazis.
And by this, we mean fake people so beware. There will be a lot of people who try to be your friend but will end up not being so friendly in the end. Make sure you become friends with people based on their character, not just by looks.
2. The frat parties are not what you expect them to be.
Only some of the houses are pretty decent. Others will make you question whether or not everything is completely sanitary. (In most cases it isn’t.) Go to the frats where the music is LIT and there is a ton of dancing. Because who doesn’t love dancing right??
3. You need to stay active.
Other wise the freshman 15 will be right around the corner. Make use of the gym because it’s probably state of the art and it’s covered in your tuition!
4. Vacuum your floors. (If you are dorming.)
It gets hairy. Very fast. It isn’t fun to walk around and feel hair everywhere you go. Gross!
5. The weather is bi-polar so be prepared for all weather conditions.
This is more for those of you that will be living on campus. But never the less, make sure that you know the weather and check every morning! It changes that fast!
6. You need to be okay with being alone and be comfortable with yourself before worrying about anyone else.
Be independent! Especially when it comes to having relationships. Don’t focus on them your first year. Just let things play out and see where it goes from there! For those of you already in a relationship, keep doing you!
7. Sickness spreads like wildfire. Come with a fully packed first aid kit.
First off make sure you wash your hands a ton. Make sure to fill your kit with a thermometer, lots of Tylenol, Advil, and whatever you need. Cough drops will also come in handy. And please don’t forget those Band Aids!
8. Don’t be unrealistic about how much money you have.
Remember you’re on a college budget! Things are expensive! Now the time has come where you have to be responsible with your money. This is something I still need to figure out myself!
9. Keurigs are a must in a dorm room.
If you are a coffee lover like me, you need a Keurig. If you love tea like me, you need a Keurig. Moral of the story, just get a Keurig!
10. Do not trust the laundry room. (Again, only if you dorm.)
It will fail you time and time again. It will also get very crowded and you will have to wait forever for other people to come get their stuff. The machines will also break down every week so be prepared!
11. Social media is not everything.
Being social is! Social media doesn’t define your life or how many friends you actually have. It’s cool to be apart of it, but just remind yourself that there is an actual world out there beyond the screen.
12. Find fun things to do and be open to making lots of friends.
Friends that when no one else will go and party with you, will be there to have a fun night. Friends that will wake up with you at 6am to go on a really cool hike. Friends that will make anything and everything fun!
13. Netflix nights are okay.
There isn’t a need to go out every weekend! Sometimes you just need to stay in and relax! Put on a movie, pop some popcorn, and save money by not paying for that Uber!
14. Starbucks is a want.
Not a need! This relates back to the Keurig. I am obsessed with Starbucks but I have learned to live without it for the most part… Instead, I buy the Keurig K cups that are the Starbucks brand! This way I am getting my Starbucks fill without spending tons of money!
15. Greek life isn’t all that is cracked up to be.
Unless you’re into that sort of thing. You can have so much fun without the hassle of being in a sorority or fraternity! Personally, I am not into being apart of a sorority and I have made tons of friends and have had so much fun without it! But if you are really into being apart of Greek life, it is something you should definitely explore!
16. You don’t have to join clubs.
There are so many other things you can do to occupy your time! Don’t get me wrong, clubs are so much fun and it gives you the chance to be apart of something great but it isn’t something that is necessary or required! Make the decision for yourself whether or not you want to join!
17. The dining hall will surprise you.
In both good and bad ways. Let’s just say, I didn’t know what Kielbasa was until I came here. And now I’m vegan!
18. If your school is as big as mine, you probably will never go into half of the buildings around campus.
There won’t be a reason for you to go into a good amount of the buildings that don’t have anything to do with your major. But, if you ever have some free time, I would recommend walking through them with some friends and making it an adventure! You never know what you are going to find! (In my case, it was where they keep the cadavers!)
19. Get a box fan for your dorm if you are living on campus.
You won’t know what real humidity is until its 105 degrees outside and you are sitting in your room with all the windows open and all you have is a tiny clip on fan that you got from Target for like $10. Invest in a box fan. Your life will be much easier and you will thank me for it!
20. When you are walking to and from class, there will be multiple vendors trying to hand you coupons and other business cards that you will never use.
Avoid them at all costs! If you engage in conversation, I can guarantee you will be late to class. It is not worth your time. Walk around them!! Even if you have headphones in, they will still approach you! Trust me, just stay away.
