1. Relax.
I know graduating high school and thinking about going away to college can lead you to feel mixed emotions. So if you need to cry first, cry. If there are a bunch of things you want to do before you head off to college, do them. Write them down, make a bucket-list, do all you can this summer and make the most of the time you have. The sooner you realize this, the sooner you can just relax.
2. Get out of your comfort zone.
Try new things. Take adventures. Say “yes” when the new friends you make ask to hang out. Talk to anybody and everybody. Share your story. Raise your hand in class. The more you get out of your comfort zone, the more “alive” you will feel. You will learn and you will grow. Get out of your comfort zone.
3. Go on adventures and make your new location feel like a home away from home.
Try out new restaurants, find places where you can escape when you need to get away.
4. Go to the gym so you don’t cry about gaining the freshmen 15 at the end of your freshmen year because yes, it is a real thing.
5. Study and stay on top of your work.
Stay organized and use a planner because you will not remember due dates and assignments. Go to the library and take advantage of the office hours your professors will provide. There will be days where you feel like you can’t study anymore or your head will explode, but just push through and don’t give up. Education is so important and after all, you will be a college student. All college students feel overwhelmed at times but keep in mind that knowledge is the greatest gift so take advantage and get excited to learn as much as you can. You’re taking a step forward in creating your future.
6. The first people you meet will most likely not be your best friends for the year and that is completely OK.
Everyone starts off on the same boat and wants to latch on to anyone they meet. Once classes start and you find your way around, you will start to attract friends that will be your life-long friends.
7. Register for any courses you might find interesting.
Who knows, maybe you’ll end up really enjoying a course and start to think about going down a different career path.
8. With that being said, it is ok to be unsure of what you want to do with your life.
You are only 18/19. I promise you, you will find what you’re most passionate about pursuing sooner or later. It’s ok to be unsure. Keep your options and eyes open. Pay attention and do some soul searching. Everything will be alright.
9. There will be nights where you want to go out and party, and there will be nights where you just want to lay in bed and chill-out.
Keep your balance, but also keep in mind that you aren’t getting any younger.
10. Be the best friend you can be.
Let others know you are there for them. Build strong friendships.
11. Laugh, laugh, laugh.
Laughing is good for you. Be silly.
12. Call your family and friends from home.
Keep in touch with them and see how their days are going. They will miss you and you will miss them.
13. Be yourself and just please make the most of your time at college.
It will fly by. You think senior year came and left in the blink of an eye? Oh, just wait.
