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We Asked—"What is one thing you wish you knew as a freshman entering college?"

July 28th, 2015 at 2:00am

Sure, they know a lot about fashion and trends, but the truth is our CollegeFashionista Style Gurus are knowledgeable about a whole lot of things outside the color of the season and the difference between joggers and sweatpants. They are smart, experienced and wise beyond their fashion choices.

As we gear up for back-to-school, we asked our Style Gurus—“What is one thing you wish you knew as a freshman entering college?”

Whether you are a freshman yourself or a rising senior, read on to hear their advice on how to make the most of your collegiate experience!

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Don’t be afraid to get involved in one or two organizations, but don’t overextend yourself!”—Jessica Long, Elon University

That I didn’t need to hang out with my new friends ALL the time. I should have had a fair balance between work and play!”—Nakia Moore, The University of Alabama

Bring more shoes!”—Julia DePalma, Kent State University

“Late nights and early mornings are NEVER a good idea and having a boyfriend/girlfriend isn’t the most important thing in life like it once seemed to be.”—Rebecca Folsom, Georgia Southern University

Entering college I wish I knew that all it takes is a smile on your face and an approachable attitude, people are drawn to you and it’s much easier to make friends. More often than not, you aren’t the only one feeling lonely and looking for friends!”—Natalie Hoelzel, Youngstown State University

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College will make you miss home and home will make you miss college—and that’s perfectly normal.”—Devin Ostermann, Clemson University

I wish I knew that you don’t have to have it all figured out right away. I was always stressed to figure out my life and my future that I missed out on enjoying parts of college!”—Mary Hamula, American University

As a freshman, I wish I knew how quickly college would fly by. At the time, everything feels like such a huge deal and all your emotions are magnified since everything is so new. I would say to cherish it rather than stress out about everything. It will go by way faster than you think!”—Samantha Ockerlund, University of Missouri

I wish I knew that as a freshman everyone is just as nervous about making friends as you are.”—Ami CornellMercyhurst University

I wish I had known that everyone wasn’t going to judge me. I wish I had known that there were plenty of people who could use a friend like me.“—Chelsea WhiteUniversity of Massachusetts

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One thing I wish I knew as a freshman was things will work out the way they are supposed to, even if they aren’t the things you planned.”—Victoria De Leon, University of Texas-Pan American

Do you like coffee? It doesn’t matter…you will start drinking it.“—Christy Connors, Columbia College Chicago

Everyone doesn’t have to have the same college experience. If dorm life and sororities aren’t your thing, don’t feel like you have to conform!”—Alexia MortonUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell

It’s okay if you decide to take on a completely different path or interest from where you initially started. Don’t dread it, embrace it.“—Ashan-wa Aliogo, Duke University

“When your work load begins to pile up (and believe me it will), stay motivated by reminding yourself of all you have accomplished so far. Just like previous to-do lists, this too will get done in time!”—Christian WaitesLa Salle University

Apply for anything and everything that catches your eye, even if you think you have zero chance of getting the job, internship or opportunity. You never know what sending that one application may lead to!”—Courtney Pelot, University of Wisconsin

“That freshmen 15 are not just a myth.”—Alexandra Diaz-DuranNortheastern University

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“I wish I knew that it is okay to say “no.” There is a huge pressure place on freshman to take every opportunity available to them, both social and academic.”—Rebecca KlarBinghamton University

Wait a week or two before buying textbooks. Some classes don’t really need them.“—Laura Patino, University of Florida

There will be plenty of times you just want to stay home on a Saturday and Netflix the night away. Sometimes it is worth fighting that urge and going out with your friends though; those memories are priceless.”—Gabrielle ThibaultUniversity of Rhode Island

The college you start at may not be the one you stay at and that is okay! You are not a failure if your transfer and you are far from being alone.“—Rachael MayroseNortheastern University

Your life doesn’t have to be totally preplanned when you go to college. It may seem like everyone else has it all together already, they don’t.”—Sharvelle BullockIllinois State University

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One thing I known as a freshman would be less is more when it comes to packing and fitting everything in a dorm room. You really don’t need that sweater you haven’t worn since tenth grade.“—Audrey ArnsWilliam Jewell College

Read the syllabus and write down every due date in your planner for the entire semester. This will keep you from missing any deadlines!“—Ashley StyersUniversity of South Carolina

“It’s OK not to like your freshman year roommate; it can actually be for the better to live with someone who doesn’t know about unrequited loves numbers one-five.”—Joanna ColemanLoyola University Chicago

As an incoming freshman, I wish I knew that taking an 8 a.m. class isn’t exactly the best idea as a college student.“—Lamia Chowdhury, University of Florida

Being afraid to stand out with your wardrobe is only limiting to yourself. You’re only as fashion forward as your next outfit!“—Hayden Flanders, Kent State University

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I wish I knew that freshman year was basically a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Dorm life, cafeteria food, futon sleepovers- all of it is weird and confusing and amazing at the same time, and you need to cherish that year of your life.“—Jenna Tipple, University of Wisconsin

Don’t let your friends’ social media posts make you feel like they’re having a better college experience than you are. Social media makes everything appear 10 times more glamorous than real life.“—Bethany Stokoski, DePaul University

Grades are important, but networking and gaining leadership skills and experience in your field are far more useful and helpful in picking a career path.“—Louise Puma, SUNY New Paltz

Skipping class in high school isn’t the same as skipping class in college. In college, you’ll miss like a month’s worth of information by skipping one class.”—Michala WhiteMichigan State University

I wish I knew the wonder that is late night dining hall waffles before it was too late.”—Taylor PalmbyUniversity of Wisconsin

Life can change a LOT in four years. Be prepared to roll with the punches and know that it’s okay if not everything goes as planned; in fact, sometimes it’s better if it doesn’t.“—Anna Coke, University of Kentucky

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Let us know what you wish you knew as a freshman on social media using the hashtag #collegefashionista!

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