Dear First Year,
The school year is approaching so I can only imagine the kind of nerves and excitement you’re dealing with right now. Your summer is ending and the pile on the side of your room is growing quickly with the things that you’re taking to college. You’re beginning to realize that your days with your family are numbered and the time spent with your dog is coming to an end. It’s scary, it’s nerve-wracking, it’s exciting but above all, you should know you’re getting ready for the best time of your life. When the day comes to move into your dorm or your brand new apartment, stop for a moment and take it all in. Look around before you start taking things out of boxes and calling this new place home.
Adjusting to college isn’t going to be easy, but it’s not going to be as hard as you thought either. You know the best way YOU learn, so choose to do it that way. Always do your homework, and when you realize that the professor in the morning class you really really hate doesn’t take attendance, get up and go anyway and save the skip for a day you really need it. Get to know your campus and find the best place to study and do homework right away. The library is your friend, and so are the 100 people that are at the lab until 5 a.m., just like you.
Attend all of the events! There are so many events on your campus, at your dorm or even in your apartment complex that you probably won’t even know about! When you hear about one if it really interests you, give it a go! It’s a great opportunity to make new friends and score some free food because they always have free food. I can’t tell you how many events I missed out on and had serious FOMO (then again there are so many events I’m glad I attended. Go to as many sporting events as you can also!! There is nothing like the feeling of college game day, and seeing 90,000 people who love your school as much as you do.
You will be sad when your parents leave, or even after you’ve been moved in for five months. This is totally okay! Don’t be ashamed of loving your family and missing them. Take some time by yourself, cry a little, watch a movie, make yourself feel better. It will hurt for a while but the pain will go away when you hang out with your friends and they make you forget why you were sad in the first place. Facetime with your family, ask for pictures of your dog! Breaks are the perfect opportunity to go home and see what you’ve been missing.
First year, it’s about time you began saying goodbyes and seeing your extended family for the last time before you go. But please, don’t be sad! There are so many opportunities where you are going and you picked this school for a reason. They are more excited to watch you shine and hear about your stories than focusing on how sad they are to watch you go. This time for you is incredible and so much more fun than you could ever imagine. The last advice I can give you is to make new friends, try new things, dance a lot, study hard, and love your school with all of your heart. A positive and eager attitude is the best thing you can take with you to college. I believe in you!
P.S. We made those skirts!
Sincerely yours,
No Longer A 'First Year'
