Dear College Freshman,

Starting college is an exciting and nerve-wrecking time in someone's life. For many, college means leaving home for the first time and being on your own, also for the first time. As someone who's freshman year is long gone, there are a few things I wish I had known ahead of time.

First of all, the people you're friends with now may be almost complete strangers by the end of your first semester of college.

This sounds scary and upsetting, but hear me out. College is a time for you to find who you are, find what you want to do in live, figure out your true values, and to find your people. These people may not be the ones you were close with in high school, and you may not meet them until you take your very first math class and you just happened to sit next to them on the very first day. People grow and change, meaning that they may grow out of friendships. Don't let the fear of losing someone you were once close with keep you from living your life and changing as a person.

Secondly, time management is an important skill to learn.

You're probably thinking, well duh. But really, people really underestimate the challenges college courses offer, and they don't realize how much they really need to study and focus on homework until it is too late. This realization hit me my first semester in college when I waited until the night before to write a speech and make a presentation for my speech class. I went to classes the next morning after four hours of sleep and a lot of tears. Don't be like me. Prioritize your time wisely, and make one of those top priorities school work and assignments.

Oh, and dorm rooms aren't supposed to be five-star resorts, but they are as "homey" as you make them.

I remember walking into my first dorm room, and thinking "how will I ever make this place feel like home?" The white tile floors and beige sheet rock walls were anything but warm and welcoming. After a lot of work, photos from home, wall decorations, half a dozen pillows, a cute rug, a fluffy comforter, and hand made canvases for my walls, my dorm room really did become a home away from home.

Lastly, don't let yourself have FOMO.

For anyone wondering, "FOMO" is the fear of missing out. Let yourself try new things and meet all the people you can. Your freshman year in college is when you'll meet some of your life long friends, so don't let those opportunities to get to know people pass you by. Find a fun organization, make friends with your roommates and suite-mates, join clubs that match your major, go Greek, the possibilities are really endless.

The most important thing I want you to remember is to live up this first year of college to the fullest. You only get to be a college freshman once, make the best of it.

Best Regards,

Your Friendly Rising Senior