I arrived at Ashland University as a transfer student on a Friday when every freshmen was moving in to and the other transfer students. Our orientation was not until the next day. I lived in a dorm where mostly upperclassman (no freshmen were allowed to live there) and the upperclassman weren't due to move in until that Sunday. I unpacked my stuff and started moving things around. I finally got bored and I went out to see if anyone was around. A girl who is one of my best friends now had her door open and we just talked since it was just us and our RA. That first night was quite boring since we were transfers, our roommates weren't there yet, and there were no freshmen in our dorm.

1. When the freshmen think you are an upperclassman and they ask where places are.

I am a transfer and I am still trying figure where everything is too. I bet if we put our heads together we could find where everything is or just ask someone else...

2. When the upperclassman think you are a freshmen because they have never seen you before

I got that a lot more than I would like to admit. I got asked how I like being a freshmen? I didn't know how to response so I would reply with it's going great. I still think some people might think I am 19 years old, I am not, I promise. Some knew my roommate who was a fifth year senior, and she helped me out by telling people about me. I made friends with some upperclassman like that. Thanks to my favorite roommate ever :) Big Shout out.

3. Having more apparel from your old college.

I only have one shirt and a water bottle supporting Ashland. The rest of my college gear is from my old school, I still wear the t-shirt, I got on move-in day in 2013 of my first year of being in college.

4. Getting advice from the older students since you are closer to their age

I should be a senior in college; however, I am sophomore now. I have three years left to go and I will be 25 years old when I graduate college. It nice having people close to your age even if they do graduate in a year.

5. Make friends with the people in your major.

I am an education major. It is nice since I had a lot of classes with freshmen education majors. I will be with a lot of them for my three years there. I made some of my best friends in those classes. I talked to them about my life. I felt they knew me well since we all could relate to our degree. We also could discuss the classes that made us laugh and what teachers you do not want to have.

6. Join clubs and activities.

I didn't have much of chance to join a lot of clubs when I began at Ashland. I know what I am going to join this next year. I am a peer tutor for students who are in middle and high school and I am in a sorority. I am Theta Phi Alpha, which I am so glad and proud to be a part of.

7. Talk to people everywhere.

It doesn't matter if it is in your dorm, library, going to class, and plus, your dining hall. I will come up to anyone and just talk to them. I am very outgoing. That's how I met some of my best friends. Say hey to people that you know while passing to go class or anywhere. Sit with people at the dining hall if you don't have any friends at the time there. Trust me, most people don't mind if you just sit with them and just talk to them. This picture might sum up some of the conversations I have had. I would know when not to talk anymore. Just my advice.

8. Learn people's names.

I called one of my friend the wrong name for a day. Finally, found out it wasn't really her name. I called her Margo. Finally another friend of mine looked at her and went that's not her name and I went I know what she said. The girl who I kept calling the wrong name, just shook her head and no, my name is Margaret. I just didn't have the heart to correct you. As you can see to avoid that awkwardness just learn and memorize name at the beginning. To not feel like an idiot. Learn people names the first time and if you are not sure of it, ask the person. A lot of people will correct you if you are saying their names wrong and if you go by a nickname, tell that person.

9. Don't change for others. Do you.

I know one of the most clique things to say on this kind of list. Be your real, geuinue, and your honest self! Show people who you really are. One of my all time favorite compliments I ever got from someone was at Ashland. They told me that I was pretty authentic and a lot of people aren't like that. I think my reply was I don't know how to not to be someone that I am not. Trust me, when you're honest self, you will find your real friends who will stick around when things might get rocky. You will love to have that support system while in school.

Being a transfer to a different college or any school is nerve-wracking at first since you don't anyone or know where anything is in town. However, being a transfer, you have an advantage over the freshmen since you know what to expect. You get to experience two colleges. You know, what classes are going to be like, what the food is going to be like, and living in a dorm. But, you will meet different people, different environment, and new teachers. I admit, that my first school didn't work out, but, I met some of the most amazing people there too. Also, if you transfer, don't forget about the friends you made at your old school. They will be there for you too. Going a state away for the first time I went to college made me realize that I need to have people to rely on, talk to, and realized who really will be there for you. So, a big shout out to my first college experience in Vincennes. Don't worry, I have not forgotten those memories I made there with some amazing people.