In the weeks leading up to the start of the school year, there are a lot of opinions being put out there for freshmen to see. You'll see a lot of advice for things not to do, must-haves for your dorm, what to wear (or not wear), and how to avoid looking like a typical freshman. My two cents?
Don't worry about it.
Coming to college for the first time comes with a lot of craziness, and I think the last thing someone needs to deal with at that point is trying to fit in or stand out. There's a reason that freshmen look like freshmen—because they are! There's a lot of things about being an adult on your own that come from experience. Consuming all the media you can about any topic will never compare to getting the real-life experience yourself. Worried about looking dorky? Go ahead and do it anyway! If you think that outfit is cute, wear it, whether you might regret it in two years or not.
If the worst thing that happens to you during your first year of college is someone giggling in the distance, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. That means you've done everything right! Transitioning into adulthood is no easy task, and there's just no smooth way to do it. Babies certainly look clumsy when they're learning to walk, but that doesn't stop people from gushing over how cute they are.
Remember—you are the baby, and people just think you look cute as you take your first steps. The trope isn't going anywhere, there is always going to be a majority of people following the stereotype. Best case scenario, you blend seamlessly into the crowd and no one notices you. Worst case scenario, you overdo it and now you look like an octopus with malfunctioning camouflage and everyone notices you (but not for the right reasons).
The best thing to do in the next few weeks is to just relax and get ready for a wild ride as you become an adult. College has this great way of being really easy and really hard at the same time, so take the easy moments and make them last as long as you can. Don't worry about lists of things you need for your dorm or stuff not to bring. If you think you'll need it, bring it! If you don't need it, sell it or donate it. Whatever you forgot you can always pick up as you go. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will your dorm room.
Hug your parents every day, because you'll miss them when they aren't around every day. Savor the home cooked food while you still have it. Give your dog a few extra treats. He'll be waiting for you to come back. But all the advice columns? Don't bother. The best thing you can do to blend into the crowd is to be yourself.
None of us know what we're doing. You'll fit in just fine.
