Dear Incoming Freshman,
Welcome to college. I’m sure that this is both an extremely exciting, and highly anxious time for you. For many of you, you’re traveling out of your city, out of your state, maybe even out of your country. Even if you’re not, it’s the first time you’ve been tossed out on your own.
The reality is that college can be intimidating; and it’s completely okay to be nervous and anxious about it.
Everything is going to change, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. College is your opportunity to recreate yourself; to throw away old expectations and obligations and turn yourself in to what you’ve always wanted to become. Your future is now. Years and years of childhood and academics have all lead up to the next four years, so embrace it and make it your own. After all, college is what you make of it.
As you watch your parents drive away, waving through their rear window, you may feel like you’ve just been tossed in to deep water. But you are not alone. In fact chances are, every single person around you feels exactly the same, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
During the first few weeks of school, it’s so important that you go out of your comfort zone. It’s about time that you left high school in the past, and if you go in to college not meeting any more new friends, you’ll regret it.
Walk down the dorm hall and introduce yourself. All those cheesy beginning of the year events? (WOLFPACK WELCOME WEEK) Go to them; invite your newly introduced floormates/suitemates/roommate! Everyone around you is trying to find their place in this new atmosphere, and they’ll welcome the company just as much as you will.
“Ask the people on your hall if they want to order pizza one night. You'll make some new friends and, honestly, who can say no to pizza?!” – AF, NCSU Junior
"Everyone is thirsty for friends so don't feel awk about talking to people." – RU, CWR Sophomore
On the topic of creating your new identity: delve in to new things and expose yourself to new ideas. In high school, identities and stereotypes have pretty much already been made for us; but this is your time to find your passion, and maybe for the first time in your life: follow it. It's college, it's the perfect time to be anything you want to be, to do anything you want to do. So why not do it?
New ideas also mean a broader perspective, and on a campus of more than thirty thousand students, there are plenty of different perspectives. It’s important to be respectful and possibly even understanding in relation to someone else’s opinions. You have the chance to meet people of all different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs, it’s an amazing opportunity to learn about the world outside your window in so many capacities.
“Treat college as a brand new experience and not an extension of high school. Be outgoing and never be afraid to be who you are because there's always someone out there like you.” – KP, NCSU Junior
"Try lots of new things and find something that you are really passionate about." – CW, Duke University Sophomore
Veering back to academics for a moment, don’t ever forget why you’re here. You’ve been blessed with the funds and the opportunity to learn from some of the best professors in the nation, at an accredited, highly respected university. Don’t think lightly of your opportunity, and make the most of it. Go to your classes, study hard, and pursue your passions.
Don’t forget to utilize the resources you have here on campus, your adviser and your peers are great tools to help you through your academic career. Befriend classmates and study together, go to your advisers and your teachers’ office hours for help. The libraries are also great resources of information and technology so don’t be afraid to explore them! Don’t underestimate college either, it’s a lot different from high school, so be prepared and face the exhilarating challenge head on. We’re all in this together.
“Actually get a tutor for chemistry 101” – SG, NCSU Junior
“You actually do have to study, you can't just absorb like you did in high school.” – KS, NCSU Sophomore
"Try
to study with other people in your classes. Being able to bounce ideas
and information off of other people will help you understand what you're
supposed to be learning." – MF, NCSU Alumni
Finishing off with one more important safety tip: know your limits. As academic as college is, it is also a social environment. In retrospect, don’t be afraid to go to parties, or hang out with new friends. Don’t be afraid to talk or flirt or dance, but don’t take unnecessary risks either.
I’m not trying to talk you out of drinking or engaging in other activities; I’m not your mother. College, after all, is your opportunity to be free; boys, booze, sex… it’s all within your grasp in your new life. But no one, and I mean no one has the right to make you do anything that will put your life in danger, or push you out of your comfort zone.
"Have fun and party it up (or whatever tickles your fancy) but remember to be safe. don't walk alone at night, don't go home with strangers, etc.etc." – CH, NCSU Sophomore
"Go
to every home game during football season and basketball too. Avoid the PJ, and learn how the buses work cause it's too hot
to walk all the time." – AH, NCSU Senior
Don’t try and live up to anyone’s expectations but your own, and don’t take the media’s depiction of college for granted. It is after all, your opportunity to become whoever you want to become. With that being said, welcome to college! It's going to be the best four (or so) years of your life, I guarantee it.
