Dear Freshman Year,

Where did you go?! It feels like just yesterday that I was anxiously awaiting your arrival. I was looking forward to you since I submitted all of my applications in the fall of my senior year of high school and the second I committed to UMD, I knew that I was ready. When move in day finally arrived, I was nervous and excited. Was I going to make friends? What if I didn’t do well in my classes? Am I going to get lost? As all of these questions bubbled in my mind, I knew one thing was certain: I was extremely happy to be at the University of Maryland. As my first year is coming to a close, here are a few things I learned from you:

1. Yes, you’re going to get lost on campus. A few times. And probably freak out over it. But it’s okay to ask for help. Because sometimes there will be someone who is so nice, that they will walk you to where you have to go.
2. Make friends in your classes. They don’t have to be the people you would even get lunch with but make sure to get at least one person’s number. It is nice to know you have someone to text when you’re confused. And you might just end up taking more classes together.
3. If you need help with work, get it. Go to office hours, guided study sessions, text people for help. It’s not going to be like high school where you’re reminded constantly that there are people to help you but there will be.
4. It’s okay to want to go home. And it is okay to actually go home. You won’t be missing much. Don’t push through till Thanksgiving and miss out on all of the holidays if you don’t want to.
5. Walking will be the most reliable mode of transportation, so get used to it.
6. If you have an issue with someone, talk about it. Don’t run from it.
7. If you see a friend struggling, talk about it. Be supportive. That’s the least you can do.
8. It’s okay to have your friends spread out in different places!! That doesn’t mean you’re not friends anymore! As long as everyone makes an effort, everything will be okay. And if people stop making an effort, maybe it’s not worth it. Friendship is about going out of your way to see those who are important to you and not just seeing those who are a convenience.
9. High school friends are still important when you go to college.
10. Balance is key. Sometimes commitments get overwhelming but college is a time to get involved in everything and figure out what you like.
11. You get out of everything what you put into it.
12. Always carry an umbrella, headphones, your computer charger, a granola bar and sunglasses in your backpack.
13. Find a place where you are comfortable doing work outside of your room.
14. Having friends to hang out with outside of your normal “crew” is extremely important and can end up leading to some really fun times.
15. Having stupid costume accessories will really come in handy.
16. It’s okay not to go out sometimes. But it is also okay to treat yourself to going out even if you know you have a test the next day. Because you’ve been studying all week and one night isn’t going to change anything.
17. Say yes to meeting new people.
18. Keep a lot of water bottles in your room.
19. Having one or two really solid guy friends is super important.
20. It’s okay not to know everything you want in life when you’re a freshman.

Everyone always told me that freshman year went fast and I never believed them. Now I have 2 weeks left until summer and I can’t thank everyone enough for making this experience one I will always remember. Until I see you again, College Park.

XOXO,

Me