Dear Incoming Freshmen,
If you’re anything like I was, you’re extremely excited and nervous, all at the same time, about your freshmen move-in day and beginning this new chapter of your life as a college student. I thought that I wouldn’t be homesick after I moved away and that I would love college right from the start, but I was wrong.
That first week was rough, and I even questioned if I had made the right decision by coming to college. All I wanted to do was go home and go back to my old life. No matter how much you think you’re ready to leave, anyone that had a good home life will miss their parents and being in their own home.
I think the scariest thing about that week was how lonely I felt. Everyone seemed to be having so much fun while I was so miserable. If you end up feeling the same way, you’re not alone. That first week, I actually left my dorm room and met other people at different mandatory orientation meetings that were going through the same thing. Don’t feel like anything is wrong with you because you’re not alone.
I’m here to tell you that it gets better. Being away at college will get easier with time. You’ll feel like a small fish in a big ocean for a while, but you’ll eventually find your place on campus. Coming from a school where I had a graduating class of 15 students and going to a university with thousands of students, I felt pretty miniscule and insignificant. Once you start going to classes and meeting new people, you’ll find different ways to get involved and you’ll find a group to be part of.
As for move-in day, don’t try to be independent and push your parents right out the door. This is a hard day for them. No matter how many smiles they have on their faces for your sake, they’re still upset about you leaving. You’re their baby and they’ve raised you and prepared you so that you could take care of yourself. If they seem eager to help you, let them. They’re handling this day and this change in their lives the best way that they know how. Enjoy it. At some point, step back from the chaos of that day and take a moment to appreciate everything that your parents have done and continue to do for you. After all, they’re your biggest cheerleaders and biggest support system.
At the end of the day, going to college is a big transition for you and all of the people that love you. It isn’t anything like high school. There won’t be someone there to hold your hand every single day and remind you to do your work. You have to be responsible, accountable and focused.
Remember to cherish the time that you get to spend with your family and friends as well. They’ll miss you if you move off to college, and the time that you get to spend with them is a blessing.
Most of all, remember that you’re right where God wants you to be when you’re in those college classes. God led you to that spot for a reason and has given you a chance to grow as a person through this new journey. Take this leap of faith and trust in Him as well as His timing. His plan is perfect. Have a great year!
Sincerely,
Someone that has been in your shoes
P.S.—When you’re miserable during the first few weeks of college and you beg your parents to let you come home, don’t hate them when they tell you “no.” They’re doing this for your sake, not theirs.
