Dear Soon-to-be Freshman,
I’m sure you’re more than excited to start this journey called college. You get to leave home for the first time and finally be an adult. No more curfews or getting grounded. You’re on your own. I remember leaving home was one of the most exciting things I was able to do. Then, when you’re all settled in your new place, reality hits. You’re hours from home and your parents just left you at this strange new place with new people. Adjusting from home-cooked meals to the cafeteria food, and from someone constantly reminding you what to do to having no one tell you anything, is hard. The experience you get by being on your own is worth it.
College is one of the most exciting times in your life, or so everyone says. Being a freshman in college is surprisingly hard. Just a few of the struggles are being surrounded by unfamiliar faces, stepping out of your comfort zone to meet new friends, missing home, and taking challenging classes. You have the opportunity to make the struggles easier. The first week, find the people who you want to hang out with. Keep your room door open. This is a major part of how you meet the other people on your floor, you never know who will walk by. Become involved on campus. The more involved you become, the more people you’ll meet. This seems obvious but sometimes it’s easy to stay bundled up in bed. Join clubs or participate in rush week for a sorority, do something! College is all about what you make it.
College is all about time management. The schoolwork can be more challenging than high school, but you’re mostly taking introductory classes. The infamous saying is “your options are social life, good grades, and sleep. Pick two.” This can be true but it also is doable to fit in all three. Remember, C’s don’t always get degrees. During your freshman and sophomore years, work hard in your classes. It usually takes more than a 2.0 to get into the program you’re looking at. Another thing that’s different about college than in high school is tutoring. Go to a tutor, it won’t hurt. Nobody is judging you for needing or wanting help, and everyone uses tutoring services.
College is so different than high school. No one is watching you to make sure you go to classes every day. Your professors will not check up to ask why you weren’t in class a certain day. It’s all up to you and how much effort you put in. If you don’t want to see someone, you can easily avoid him or her. In college, you don’t have to stay up to date with “who is dating who” and such. This drama stays back in high school. As you can tell, college is a brand new lifestyle.
Yes, you will be homesick. I never wanted to believe this when I left home. I had gone on trips in the past and never missed home once. It may hit you right away, a week into the semester, or at any time. You’ll miss the feeling and atmosphere of a family. Don’t be afraid to go home for a weekend but know that you belong right where you are. Find people who are going through the same thing you are. It happens to everyone, despite if a person will admit it or not. Although it’s a rough time, being homesick does pass. Don’t make an irrational decision just because of how you are feeling.
College will be the best time of your life. It’s the time where you really discover who you are and who you want to be. You have the choice to become whatever you want and be surrounded by whomever you want. What I’m saying is don’t let your freshman year go to waste. Make the best memories yet. Go out, have fun, meet people, but also be studious. You’ll thank yourself later.
Sincerely,
Once a freshman
