Surviving Freshman Year: How Not to End Up Like Many Freshmen Like Alyssa Varesio Describes in Her 'College Freshman Mistakes to Avoid' Video
- caleb3ethan
- Jan 28
- 4 min read
Ah, freshman year! It's a blend of excitement and uncertainty, like stepping into a theme park where the rides are all new and thrilling. If only someone had given us more tips during that whirlwind of a year. Reflecting back, I can't help but ask: why did I think eating instant ramen for every meal was a viable plan?
In her YouTube video, College Freshman Mistakes to Avoid, Alyssa Varesio perfectly captures the mix of laughter and lessons learned during that pivotal first year. If you haven't seen it yet, hitting pause on this article might be a good idea. Spoiler alert: you’ll want to avoid her major flops!
The Hilarious Reality of Being a College Freshman
Being a freshman is an emotional rollercoaster where the highs are electrifying—meeting new friends and reveling in newfound freedom. It can quickly spiral into cringe-worthy moments too (like thinking cramming the night before an exam is a winning strategy). Walking onto campus can feel empowering, but you might end up feeling lost, like the character in a cliché teen film trying to find where they belong.
What’s the most relatable mishap? Asking a fellow freshman: “If skipping your 8 a.m. class was an Olympic sport, would you leave with gold or just a consolation prize?” They’ll nod in agreement, perhaps groaning at the shared guilt.
Learning from Mistakes—Alyssa's Approach
In her video, Alyssa brings attention to some classic missteps many freshmen stumble upon. She discusses how easily one can get caught up in the “I’ll do it later” trap or lose hours binge-watching a new series instead of tackling homework. It’s a universal theme—almost all freshmen can see a little of themselves in her anecdotes.
Her advice? Ditch procrastination and embrace organization through a planner. While it sounds simple, how impactful could it be? For instance, studies show that students who use planners are 30% more likely to turn in assignments on time. It’s about finding that sweet spot between joining social events and managing your responsibilities.
Balancing Coursework, Studying, and Finals
The challenging part is juggling coursework, studying, and finals without crashing and burning. Freshman year can feel like trying to keep several frantic balls in the air at once. Let’s explore some practical strategies to help you manage your busy schedule effectively.
Establish a Clear Time Management Plan
Creating a clear routine can be a lifesaver. This may not sound exciting, but it’s true! Map out classes, study sessions, and even downtime—then leave space for spontaneous hangouts. Picture this as your semester’s treasure map; rather than hunting for gold, you’re navigating the sea of knowledge.
Reach Out for Help When Needed
Do not let the “newbie” jitters stop you from asking questions. Professors and teaching assistants are often more approachable than you think. They can provide valuable insights and resources. Joining study groups is a fantastic idea too, especially when you find that one student who actually understands the coursework. Pro tip: that person is often not you—yet!
Make Self-Care a Priority
The college routine can lead to stress, sleepless nights, and questionable food choices. Prioritize self-care: make time for a quick walk, a workout, or just an evening binge of your favorite series. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup—especially when ramen seems like a meal option!
Utilize Breaks Wisely
Ever found yourself staring blankly at a page after hours of reading? Breaks are not just a luxury; they are essential. Adopting the Pomodoro Technique can be effective: study for 25 minutes, then step away for a 5-minute break. Making study sessions more effective means enjoying a slice of life—or cake—after.
Mix Fun with Learning
Why not spice up your study routine? Pairing music with study sessions can enhance focus. Try studying in fun spots, such as the campus café, or create quirky mnemonics to remember tough materials. An engaged brain is a happy brain!
Share Your Freshman Experience
Now that we’ve discussed some of the amusing trials of freshman year, let’s hear from you! What were the biggest blunders you made in college? Did ramen still invade your diet too? Feel free to share your experiences or questions in the comments. Every misstep contributes to our unique college stories.
Final Thoughts on Freshman Year
Freshman year is all about navigating transitions and surviving the chaos while maintaining your sanity (and GPA). With a bit of humor and insight from Alyssa Varesio, you can turn potential pitfalls into valuable learning experiences. I set reminders in my calendar to ensure I did not mess important due dates. I also had to get use to using all the resources available to me like tutors.
Whether it’s avoiding fashion faux pas or finding balance in student life, remember you’re not alone in this journey. Embrace the unexpected, laugh at your mistakes, and enjoy every moment of your unpredictable freshman year!
So, grab that planner, manage your time smartly, and please—eat something other than ramen occasionally!
College was not easy for me because I was not use to being away from home. I was lucky because I was there on an athletic scholarship. It was important for me to ge acclimated. I needed to get organized, manage my time, then practice, and have a social life. It took me a week and I started to come into my own.