College Freshman Year – Hindsight Advice

Introduction / Context

Speaker reflects on changes they would make if they could redo freshman year of college.
Perspective: now a senior, looking back with hindsight.
Tone: conversational, cautionary, based on personal anecdotes and peer-observations.

"You literally cannot trust any men the first week of school."
- Emphasis on heightened risk during initial days on campus.
- Stories on Yik Yak of misconduct highlight a pattern of predatory behavior.
- Practical implication: maintain strong personal boundaries, use buddy systems, stay in well-lit/public spaces, and avoid isolated situations with new male acquaintances.
- Ethical dimension: underscores ongoing issue of campus sexual safety and gender dynamics.

Recommendation to stay "literally all day" at the sorority house.
- Easier environment for forming meaningful connections with sisters.
- Passive presence (simply hanging around common areas) accelerates bonding and increases chances of spontaneous interaction.
- Contrasts with trying to meet people randomly across campus.

Probability statement: \frac{9}{10} people you meet Week 1 you will never see again.
- Encourages not over-investing emotionally in every new acquaintance.
- Normalizes the rapid churn of early-semester social circles.
- Practical tip: focus on quality, not quantity, of early friendships.

Strong advice to maximize use of prepaid campus dining dollars.
- Financial angle: "You can save so much more money doing that."
- Personal confession: even by senior year the speaker still underuses the benefit.
- Suggestion: map dining venues, set daily/weekly swipe goals, treat unused swipes as wasted cash.

"Do not skip a football game" — skipping labeled "the lamest thing" one can do.
- Games provide communal bonding, school pride, networking opportunities.
- Opportunity cost: missing shared experiences that often become nostalgic touchstones.

Blanket guidance: "Do not get a boyfriend freshman year—social suicide."
- Caveat: unless it is undeniably a once-in-a-lifetime match willing to "move to a European country" together.
- Recognizes rare exceptions (e.g., speaker’s sister met a great partner).
- Social rationale: an early exclusive relationship may isolate you from broader peer group formation and exploration.

Past attire: oversized 2014 tank tops + oversized orange Nike running shorts.
- Resulted in negative social feedback and ongoing friendly teasing.
- Recommendation: aim for at least "decent" or "normal" clothing to class.
- Implicit message: first impressions and self-presentation can influence peer perceptions and confidence.

Confession: still struggled finding buildings even in sophomore year.
- Actionable tip: proactively explore campus early—walk schedules, locate key facilities, practice class routes.
- Benefits: reduces anxiety, saves time, fosters sense of belonging.

Trust odds: "literally cannot trust a single man" ⇒ perceived probability of safe interaction ≈ 0 in Week 1.
Friendship retention: \frac{9}{10} initial acquaintances disappear from future social circle.
Certainty of staying at sorority house: "100\% stay on campus all day".

Prioritize personal safety and situational awareness, especially during early campus life.
Intentionally cultivate friendships in structured environments (sororities, dorms, organizations) vs. random encounters.
Optimize financial resources already paid for (meal plans).
Engage in hallmark campus traditions (football) to strengthen community ties.
Delay serious romantic commitments to allow broad social development.
Present yourself with care; attire can affect respect and inclusion.
Become geographically literate on campus early to reduce logistical stress.