Dear Freshman,
Summer is usually a time to "relax and renew" as Sharpay Evans once sang. And although I'm sure starting in the summer was not necessarily your decision, it is important. Speaking from experience, it would have been so much more enjoyable to spend one last summer at home with all of your friends before everyone goes off to college and begin in the fall like the majority of freshmen. However, summer is honestly not as bad as it seems.
This summer will be my second summer semester and honestly, I'm really excited. First of all, as someone that cannot stand slow walkers, summer is a blessing. Most of my friends are going home for the summer and being alone isn't as terrifying as it seems. This may have been a reason that's only truly exciting to me but it's really nice to not be overwhelmed by our large student population.
Secondly, if you're worried about not having friends, you are 100% not alone in that. I joined two UCF Class of 2020 pages and made two friends over the summer. Although initially, I made over ten or so friends through the pages, I am still in contact with two of them (and I love them extremely). Moreover, being alone does not always have to be a terrible thing. Since this is the first time many people are going to be away from their families, this is the perfect time for growth. It allowed me the chance to really become independent and get myself used to disciplining myself into my own routine. While many may use this time to party, my advice is to use this summer term to ensure your GPA has substantial potential for the upcoming semesters.
Third of all, beginning in the summer means being able to get accustomed to the new area and the campus before most of your friends begin in the Fall. My friends asked me to help them find their classes for the following semester and for a little it was nice that they asked me to help them around despite both being freshmen.
Starting in the summer isn't as terrible as it may seem because it's very likely that you aren't immediately going into your major-related classes. My very first class wasn't a 9 AM nor was it as crazy as I thought it would be. Starting in the summer gives you just a snapshot of what the rest of college will be like which is extremely comforting especially for my fellow anxious pals.
I promise that summer classes aren't as terrible as opposed as people are to them--that sounds funny--but summer is great I promise! Plus, if you ever want a friend that talks way too much, I'll be around!