It is hard to believe that freshman year actually happened, let alone that it's over. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was ripping my hair out over college applications. Freshman year was everything I could have ever dreamed of and more. As I move into the last few weeks of summer before I embark on my sophomore year, I can't help but look back on what made freshman year exactly what it was. The good, the bad, the moments that had me doubled over from laughing so hard, and the moments that had me wondering how I'd make it out alive. The things that truly made it the best.
1. Move-in day.
As frightening as it may have been at the time, move-in day was one of my favorite days of the year. It's the first day of your life that you're actually on your own. You feel a sense of independence that is brand-new in your life. The world is your oyster.
2. Meeting new people.
There is so much pressure over the first weeks of school to find people to latch onto, but if you look back on it, it is one of the best experiences there is in college. There is nothing I love more than meeting new people and getting to really know them. You see different sides of different people and can surround yourself with the best.
3. Going out for the first time.
You'll always remember your first night out in college. Or not. I can't decide which is better.
4. Finally clicking with who you now consider to be your best friends.
When you know, you know. Trying to become comfortable with brand new people is hard, but when you click — it's like magic. Then there really is no going back.
5. Halloweekend.
Dressing in costumes (most likely coordinated with your friends) every day and partying like you've never done before in your life. There is truly no better weekend than this.
6. Second semester syllabus week.
You finally know your way around and know where to go and what to do. You don't even want to know how much money you spent, and you probably made some rough decisions along the way, but it was all so worth it.
7. Developing a crush on someone.
I'm probably the least sappy girl in the world, but there really is something about finding someone who can make your heart race. It makes going out and doing trivial things that much more fun, whether it ended good or bad.
8. The nights that you stay in with your friends.
These are the nights when you really get to know each other. You have your heart-to-hearts over Chinese food and an episode (or six) of "America's Next Top Model." There may or may not be a bottle of wine involved, but we won't go there.
9. Finishing your last final of the semester.
There is no better feeling. That is all that needs to be said.
10. The moment when you realize that this is where you are meant to be.
There's nothing quite like finally feeling like you belong. I remember walking through campus, looking around at everything and thinking, Wow, I actually did it. I'm happy and I'm here.
