The first day of college can be a daunting day for everyone. Whether it be move-in day or the first day of classes, not knowing anyone and not knowing what to expect is sure to be scary. But don't worry, the students around you very well could be thinking the same things too. If you're not starting college this year, maybe this list can bring back some fond memories of your first day.
1. Do I look like a freshman?
Walking around campus for the first time, map in hand might raise some internal concerns of looking too much like a newbie. Are they judging me? Can they sense that I'm new? Do I look like I belong? Do I feel like I belong? Am I going to have to transfer?!
2. Making friends: Name. Major. Where you're from. Dorm community.
It's the same routine every time. After a few super-awkward seconds of both of you deciding who's gonna break the ice first, you've said these facts about yourself to every new face you've met. It's become automatic at this point. You think to yourself, aren't there better things to talk about? There are billions of intellectual conversations we could be having, but no, we have to repeat this stupid introduction every time we meet someone new.
3. What are all these acronyms?!
There's RA, RD, C4, SOM, OCC, ITC and all other ones specific to colleges and universities everywhere. We've all had to Google the a-little-too-embarrassing question about what something stands for.
4. Look at all this food...the dining hall is the place to BE.
Or at least you think so, until one week from now when you're already sick of the options your school has to offer. Next time, you'll probably just go to Chipotle and blow an extra few dollars in hopes for something different.
5. Textbooks are HOW much money?!
$65 rental? That's like...65 slices of pizza you could be eating at the dining hall.
6. ...where in the world are my classes?
You thought you had the entire campus memorized, didn't you? Until day 1 of classes, and you realized that you didn't know this place as well as you thought. All that training has not prepared you for the jungle that is this campus.
And you totally thought that you could leave your campus map at the dorm.
7. I can dig all this free school stuff, though.
Your college seems to give out every branded item they could think of at events to lure students to attend them. You've gotten free shirts, cups, bottles, food, bracelets, frisbees, backpacks, you name it. All decorated in full school colors and logos. At least you'll have some new pajamas now.
8. How does a laundry machine work?
Living alone is wild. You didn't realize how many tons of garbage you'd have to take out, how many mugs you'd have to wash, how many rolls of paper towels you'd have to go out and buy, and all other basic things living in a dorm would entail. You used to have someone doing this for you, and now it's up to you to make your life go on, and in a sanitary way.
Or maybe the laundry can wait for another day.
No worries, though - these thoughts are only for now. Soon enough, you'll have everything all figured out and you'll be able to make the most out of your education here. But enjoy these first few days as much as you can: Enjoy the fresh feeling of a new campus, revel in the confusion of the first few days of classes, and live for the presently decent food in the dining hall. Because soon it might get monotonous, and the thing keeping you going will be the fun you had starting out at this new school.
Soon, you'll be the one giving the small freshman directions to their next class.
