Freshman orientation is finally upon us. Some students have two orientations, one being a get to know you kinda thing, and another during move in. Some students have a move in and get to know your school all in one shot. My freshman orientation was built into two days, as we had one of the largest new admissions in the past twenty or so years.
Orientation is not as bad at it seems. While it is definitely a scary thing, going into a whole new setting with very little people that you actually currently know, it is also a very invigorating feeling knowing that you are about to start a whole new chapter in your life. One that will help you reach all of your dreams that you ever imagined.
So to any freshman or new student going to orientation, embrace it. To celebrate the class of 2020 starting college this year, here are 20 things that you may experience at orientation.
1. When your parents make friends...with other parents
While luckily this happens to very few, it still happens. Then when they come back to visit, they keep asking all these questions about this person, actually thinking that you still talk to that person, when in fact you haven't spoken to them since the dinner you all had to go to.
2. The original orientation group
The original (og) group that you had met at orientations, the ones that you thought were going to be your best friends for the next four years. Well guess what, they most likely are not, between schedules, different dorms and overall different schedules, it will be really hard to find time to hang out with these people.
3. When you've forgotten the name of the person that you have been talking to..all day.
We all have that one person. That person whose name you just can't remember, even after all those mnemonic devices, and even going as far as calling them the lucky charm shirt kid or the kid with mismatched socks. Although there is an easy way to fix this: when you ask them for their name, as they get annoyed, tell them no 'I wanted to know your last name', they will be shocked and not as offended since you actually (not-really) knew their first name.
4. When you go to the dining hall for the first time.
So many new experiences. By now, you met some friends and feel good about going to a dining hall, and have someone to sit with. Then comes the next problem...what to eat. From pizza, to pasta to ice cream for dinner, there is a world of choices to eat out there. Just don't forget about the freshman 15.
5. Clubs and organizations time.
Between the multiple clubs for each major, the sororities and fraternities, even the outside clubs, there are so many options to choose from. The one advice that I can not only give to income freshman but to all returning students, take chances. Do what sounds interesting to you, and who knows, you may find some of your best friends there.
6. The first week of school.
Freedom. There is so much freedom that no one knows what to do. Do you stay and decorate your dorm room, hang out with your new friends, or go to a frat party? The possibilities are endless.
7. Ice, ice breakers
The classic ice breakers; every teacher has them, and somehow you have to think of a new answer every single time, just in case that there is the same kid in your last class. Couldn't have them guessing that easily.
8. So..the bathroom doesn't work...
Neither does the dorm room door close properly, and the shower can never stay hot. Through the first week of college, you slowly start to find all these little imperfections about your dorm and college halls. But even then, you learn to embrace these imperfections, and decide to make it a unique dorm.
9. Wait, who did I friend again?
With the amount of new friends that you have made comes the amount of Facebook friend requests. Even though in the end, you still have never met these people in real life, but if they go to your school chances are someone knows them.
10. Smile...for the camera!
It's camera time, better prepare for the photo that you will constantly look at for the next four years. Especially every time you hand it over to dining hall or even for the student discounts that you are constantly getting.
11. It's lecture time!
No, I'm not just talking about your bio, or chemistry ones. I'm talking about the ones that will talk about financial aid, scholarships, study habits, what to expect while your here, etc. As annoying they may seem, everyone goes through them, and it just gives you more time to figure out how to sleep in those not so comfy desk chairs.
12. Let's get to know...you!
I know in my school we had a interesting way of figuring this out. At the beginning of orientation, which was during the summer, we had to write a letter to ourselves, stating our hopes and dreams for our freshman year. I remember when I got mine back, the questions that I had to answer were still the same answer that I had when I got it back.
13. One word: Freebies
Free stuff is everywhere, between the t-shirts, bags, pens, everything you can think of; take advantage of it. Worst case scenario you can give it to your parents/siblings to promote that their child went to a good college.
14. Four year plan...what?
Hopefully, you won't get this question until the end of your fall semester, but if you do good luck. Luckily this is what college advisors are for. They do not expect you to know what you want to do with your life right then and there, but having a general idea of what you would like to do is helpful.
15. A companionship of awkwardness
Finally, you and your parents have split off, and now your in a room as nervous kids, all curious about the rest of the day and this year. A simple piece of advice, breathe. Realize that everyone around you is feeling the same way, and that it is totally normal.
16. Let your parents help you!
While college is a time to be free and make your own decisions, your parents still want to be there. While their presence and harassment may make you want to run and hide, they are still your parents and will always love you.
17. There's no place like home
If you have the opportunity, make the trip to go home; having a home cooked meal, your own bed, even free laundry service, will make school not seem as bad.
18. What's your GPA?
GPA matters, and it doesn't matter. It matters when scholarships are involved, and where you need to get a job after college. But it does not matter if you are stressing out to the point of insanity. No class is worth, having constant breakdowns and fearing that class. Some days it may be the best to lighten your course load, and focus more on the other classes.
19. The one's who stick together
Usually, stay together. Orientation is finally over, and everyone has settled in and now you realize you just found a great group of friends who just might stay with you forever.
20. Be excited
Through all the worries and nerves, remember to be happy. This has been a day that you have been dreaming of for years. Don't let anything stop you from being happy, this is your time so make the most of it!
