I know what you are feeling right now. It's indescribable, but if you had to try, you would explain it as a mixture of nerves, excitement, fear, and readiness to start a new chapter of your life. You have probably found yourself lying in bed multiple nights this summer wondering what it will be like, fantasizing about the people you will meet and the things you will do, praying that it will be as exciting and amazing as your mind is making it out to be. Well, I have new for you. It's going to be better. It's going to be so much more than your mind can ever imagine. Yes, you will be nervous and there will be so may changes that you have to adapt to, but with these tips in mind, heading to college will be the time of your life more than a disaster waiting to happen!
1. Stop stressing about whether or not your roommate and you will get along.
There is a strong chance that they are just as intimidated as you are about moving in with someone they have never met. Instead offering that they may be your enemy, think of them as your lifeline for the first few months. They will probably be your first friend, your cafeteria buddy so neither of you ever have to eat alone, and the one who will help you expand your friend group.
2. Go to the involvement fair.
Everyone around you is going to pretend that it is so lame to go and sign up to join a cluster of clubs that look interesting on the hundreds of poster boards you see that day, but this is the best way to find your place, make friends, and start to make your mark at the university.
3. Sign up for everything under the sun.
Just because you sign up for it all, does not mean you are committing. You'll find that you signed up for some clubs that are so amazing, and others that really don't meet your standards. But, that's okay. This will help you meet people with similar interests and help to create bonds with people that may last a lifetime. This is one of the most vital aspects of a positive college experience.
4. Don't stress about declaring a major.
Some people know exactly what they want to do and they stick with it, but many others don't. It's okay to explore your options and it's more than okay to change your mind.
5. Don't stick to the crowd you know.
If you are going to college with multiple people from your hometown, stay away for awhile. It's okay to hangout with them and find them around campus to participate in activities together, but you won't ever make new friends and meet new people if you cling to what you know. Expand your group and expand your mind.
6. Stay optimistic.
It's going to be scary at times and you are going to be sad and homesick, there is no avoiding it. But you have to stay optimistic. Look at the upperclassmen around you and understand that they were in your shoes once and they made it through. Use them as motivation.
7. Do NOT skip class.
I promise there will be days that you are laying in bed before your 8:00 a.m class searching for any excuse in the book as to why you can not make it in that day, but you are paying thousands of dollars for this education and missing one day of class is like missing a whole week of high school. It is very very hard to catch up.
8. Embrace Welcome Week.
People around you will be complaining and crying and angry that they have all these mandatory activities to go to, but if you keep an open mind, these activities are some of the most exciting ones you'll experience in college. It's also a great way to meet people so don't be the first to shoot it down.
9. Upperclassmen are your friends.
Don't be afraid of the upperclassmen. They are your way of learning the ground. Although some may seem intimidating, most won't give you anything less than a smile and some direction when you approach them for help...I promise we aren't as scary as we look!
10. Enjoy the time you have there.
It seems silly now because you are just beginning, but college really does fly by. It's been the best and the worst time of my life, it's given me friends that will last forever, lessons that will get me through life, and memories that won't ever fade. Be thankful for the time that you have there! You don't want to have any regrets when it's over!
And so you see, college will not be so bad! Put a smile on your face and take this challenge positively. It's going to be so much more than I could ever tell you and I know you will experience every aspect that I have if you follow these tips. Find your crowd and find your passion and the rest will fall into place!
