Brand new bed, common bathrooms, strangers living together in a shoe box, and being completely alone in a new place. There's a lot to be nervous about when moving into your freshmen dorm. College is scary, and if you don't think so too then you're lying to yourself. It's okay to be secretly nervous and anxious while also telling everyone that you're "super excited and can't wait"! The thing is, our society has created the concept of college to be this way.
My entire life has been centered around college. What college will I attend? What will my major be? These questions have been asked of me since 7th grade. And you might be thinking, this girl is just really obsessed with the idea of college (and maybe you're a little right). Beginning in freshmen year, I was told that my high school would be preparing me for college and the "real world".
Year after year, I chose classes that would challenge me and also look good on my high school transcript. I joined any club that interested me and slowly made my way to become president of each one. I spent my weekends and holiday breaks volunteering.
Did I enjoy myself while preparing for my college applications? Yes of course. Did I do all of this just for my college applications? Maybe.
After taking the ACT three times and one round of SAT subject tests, I began the truly awful application process. I applied to 15 schools (some of you are in shock, yes I know that is a lot) and slowly began to hear back. Months later, I found my home at Villanova University and never looked back.
Graduation rolls around and the excitement to leave and make new adventures begin. But first, you have to wait an entire summer to get there. However what most college freshmen don't realize is that we have been waiting our entire lives for one day. Move-in.
The anticipation for that hot August day has been building up since you began your academic career. As if living with one (or two in my case) strangers and surrounded by people who don't know your name isn't scary enough, the build up doesn't help either.
Once you finally move in and make those awkward introductions to your roommates and floor mates, the anxiety will start to ease.
So I guess my point is, is that if you're nervous beyond belief for your college move in day, you should be. Schooling systems across the world have built up the idea of college and it's important. And yes college is very important, but don't let the build up get to you.
You got this.
xoxo a newly moved-in freshman