Freshman year I was foolish, naïve, and so enthusiastic about the mere premise of collegiate life that I made many mistakes. Many mistakes. Most mistakes were miniscule and will certainly have no rippling effect upon my future life prospects. Honestly, I doubt my freshman year naïveté will ruin my life in any way. However, now that I am a sophomore I can’t excuse my stupidity for youthful ignorance. I have been reflecting on my freshman year and have compiled a list of Sophomore Year Resolutions (much like New Year’s Resolutions). If I fall off the wagon, that’s fine as long and I try to hop back on.

Don’t Wait To Figure Out Your Summer Storage Last Minute

Last year, I had absolutely no plans for storage. I assumed it would all work itself out. Moving out by myself was crazy and difficult and due to poor planning I also managed to lose my fridge, microwave, mattress topper and favorite pillow in the process. I would advise college to students to plan out how and where they are storing their stuff for the summer at least a month in advance.

Don’t Save Those Last Readings For the Morning Of

There is something about living in college dormitories which manipulates you into thinking that although you are only here for a short time, you are ultimately here for a good time. Many a night I spent roaming the halls looking for someone or something to satisfy my curiosity until 3am, saving my homework for tomorrow morning. I would never get to the homework in the mornings because I would just barely make it to class in my sleep-deprived state.

Don’t Spike Your Latte With 5 Shots Of Espresso For The All-Nighter You Are About To Pull

College is all about the all-nighter. I would often go to get coffee at 12am and ask the barista for 5 shots of espresso. They would try to warn me but I would not listen. Next thing I know, it is 5 am, I have a class at 9 am and I am trying to sleep but the caffeine pulsing through my system will not let me. Here is one fun fact they never tell you—you don’t really have to pull all- nighters. All you have to do is space out your work and manage your time.

Don’t Be Afraid To Stay In

I had serious FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) my freshman year. As such I went to almost every party I would hear about—even when I was sick and going out was only going to make this latest strain that much worse. Sometimes you just need to lay and bed and relax and reflect. It may not be the most exciting Friday night but it might be just what you need.

Try To Avoid A See-Food Diet

Every incoming freshman is warned by almost every university-alum to watch out for that Freshman 15. I think the people who struggle the most are the kids who have never had to feed themselves before because their mom packed their lunch everyday with a sentimental note of affection a la carte. But I did fall into unhealthy eating patterns while at school. I would fluctuate between eating everything and nothing on a monthly basis. Neither was healthy nor good for me.

Try To Get To Know Your Professors Really Well

Even if you do not know yet what you want to do, check in with your professors regularly (particularly the ones that you like) so that not only do they know your name, but also when an opportunity comes across their desk they think to themselves, you know this would be great for so-so. Also you are going to need professors to write you recommendation letters and the better they know you, the better the recommendation letter.

Don’t Wait To The Last Minute To Apply For Summer Internships

There are so many incredibly cool internships out there. But there is also a lot of competition for these internships, which means that you might not get the one you have been day-fantasizing about. They key is to start researching and applying to internships super early so that you can apply to a ton of them. Because when you get a ton of condolence letters in return and one acceptance, you will be glad that you at least got something to put on your resume.

Don’t Settle—Socialize

Freshman year is weird. Everyone pairs off early into impenetrable cliques that have been superficially constructed. Just because you hung out with a group of people last year does not mean those are the people who you have to spend the rest of your collegiate time with. Do not be afraid to branch out and meet new people because if you did not find your people last year that does not mean you will not find them this year.

Don’t Wait To The Last Minute To Figure Out Your Plans For Studying Abroad

I have been dreaming of studying abroad for years. I think it is something absolutely everyone should do because when else will you have the funded opportunity to live anywhere in the world? But if I know anything about myself at all, it is that I sure do know how to procrastinate. As such,  I am hereby declaring my sophomore year resolution to not miss out on this amazing experience because of my own personal sloth. This year I will research and apply to the program I want to attend early.

Don’t Put Partying Before Your Studies

If you are going to play hard, at least work hard first. You came to college to get that degree, don’t get too sidetracked. Do not put partying before your studies because at the end of your four years (and yes, please try and graduate in four years; it’s cheaper), what will you have to show for it? Getting a job is already hard enough for any college graduate. Graduating with honors might be that extra edge you needed to get the job.

Find A Fun Collegiate Way To Stay In Shape

College is the perfect place to experiment with activities you only dreamed of. Try out a sport you know nothing about, like I did. I started playing rugby and it has seriously changed my life. Join a ski team or fencing. Stay healthy and in shape in a way that is fun, feels natural to you, and pushes you out of your comfort zone.

Don’t Limit Yourself

Do not discourage yourself. There were a lot of things I wanted to try out, but was either too lazy or too scared to do. There are so many opportunities and experiences available to the average college student. I want to try out all the things I skimmed and thought to myself, ‘that seems interesting.’ Do not limit yourself; now is the time to expand yourself.

Don’t Ignore Your Health—Listen To Your Body

Freshman year I got sick at least three times; me—who had not gotten so much as a cold in the entirety of my high school years. I would call my mom complaining that the lumps in my armpits had returned again after two months (I am pretty sure they were swollen lymph nodes). Remember to eat and sleep. Obvious in idea, not so much in practice. But eating and sleeping makes a huge difference in your health. Trust me—being sick is not fun.

Don’t Forget About Hygiene

Finals and midterms were always rough times for me. I would not be until I turned in my final paper that I would look in the mirror at the mangled mess of hair I had not washed in a least a week and a half and question whether I had eaten, drunken something other than coffee or showered in the last two days. I cannot express the difference a shower makes in your attitude and overall confidence. Also germs are gross and college kids carry all kinds of contagions.

Freshman year is really a learning experience. You learn about yourself—what you are good at and where you need to improve. Take some advice from a girl who definitely had her share of tough learning. I pray that I take my own advice and that next year is much better than the last.