It's that time of year again.
In just a few short weeks most of us will be returning to college.
Some of you will be arriving at college for the first time.
And it will be nerve wrecking.
Don't worry. It's normal.
Being a freshman is really weird. You're right out of high school, ready to spread your wings, be that "adult" you kept reminding your parents that you were during the past 12 months. You're in need of change, and you're about to get it.
On your first day, you're going to try to keep your cool but internally you'll be screaming.
The upperclassmen will stare at you, whether you like it or not.
And a million thoughts will be taking over your mind.
What if I'm late to classes? What if I end up in the wrong classroom? What if I trip in the dining hall in front of everyone? What if i lock my keys in my room? What if I walk into a lamppost on my way to class?
Don't worry, we've all been there.
Your first day is a blur, you barely know your roommate, your classes seem overwhelming, you're meeting new people who you've just forgotten the names of and everything around you seem so big. However, within the next month, things will change.
A groove will be set. Friendships will be made. These friendships may not be the same ones you'll graduate with, but they'll be people who are all in the same boat as you: nervous, wary and awkward.
Throughout the semester you'll begin to hear of people "around campus", of notorious professors who are are simply legendary, of theater students who make themselves known, of athletic moments that can't be forgotten. You'll begin to blend in. You'll meet people in your classes who are in your same major, you'll meet people who you begin to become very close with. You'll meet people from all walks of life. You'll get invited to parties, you'll find your first college boyfriend/girlfriend/scandalous hookup. Midnight trips to Walmart will happen.
I mean. it's a given.
Nevertheless, just remember that when you move in at the end of the month, that it's okay to cry when your parents drop you off. It's okay to let your dad be awkward and say hi to everyone. Just let your mother lecture you about eating healthily and wearing condoms. Let your siblings help you unpack, let your family get embarrassing matching college t-shirts, because this will never happen again. This is a beginning that'll never repeat itself.
Even though everything is new and exciting, remember to hit the breaks when something seems uneasy. Trust your gut. Don't go too crazy. Freedom is wonderful but failing your first year at college because you were able to party every night or procrastinate for socializing or Netflix isn't something to strive for. Learn how to be responsible, even if it's a learning process.
Study Do your homework. Literally if you simply do your homework you'll ace the majority of your classes. Attendance isn't mandatory, but you're paying thousands of dollars to go to school, so try to not miss too many classes. Sleep as much as you can, try to hit the gym. Meet as many professors as you can, create connections. Network. That's a very important word in college.You'll learn that soon enough.
Before you know it, you'll have mastered the art of waking up 10 minutes before your class begins, speed eating in the dining hall, throwing on the first thing you find off of the floor, doing homework at midnight when it's due in 8 hours, and lastly, becoming the worlds best customer at the dollar store.
College is an entirely new world, you'll get so caught up in it that you're going to temporarily forget about everything that happened prior to August. However, don't forget to call your parents every now and then (not just for when your bank account is low), and when you go home for breaks, don't feel obligated to catch up with everyone from high school. There's no need. You're all growing up. Your lives are just beginning. Though loans will be the death of you, college is completely worth it.
Go get em, freshy!
