Growing up is without a doubt one of the most difficult and scary things to do in life. College, however, that is a fun chapter in the process. As an incoming freshman, college can seem like a magical and terrifying place all at once, all you have to do is learn to navigate your way through just like you did in high school except on a larger scale. At times it may feel impossible when you sleep past your alarm or forget what classes you have that day. Just know that you are not alone and even TV characters such as Chandler Bing from "Friends" can surely relate to everything you feel as a college freshman. Even Chandler in adulthood acted just how I felt leading up to the start of school and my first day.
1. Even though it is August at least you still have two more weeks of summer
You watch as all your younger friends go back to high school and finish their summer work at the last-minute, and then you crawl back into bed and sleep as long as you like. Because now you are in college which means longer breaks WOO-HOO
2. You no longer have to stress about the perfect first-day outfit
You also watch as all your younger friends pose for the perfect back to school day pics dressed head to toe in new clothes. Suddenly an epiphany occurs: what you wear does not matter. You now attend this magical place known as a college where it is socially acceptable to wear an old t-shirt and Nike shorts the first day of class no questions asked. This is college, where you can express yourself any way you wish and if that look is I stayed up all night watching a season of "Friends"... go for it!
3. When you realize class starts next week
Those two weeks flew by faster than you expected now here you are sitting at home only a couple days from starting college with no school supplies, no parking decal, and absolutely no clue where your classes are. It's fine...I'm fine... We are all fine.
4. The First day
You managed to get everything whipped together including new binders, a temporary parking pass, and a general knowledge of where to go and now you are ready to kick butt and take names... Go you!
5. But just when you think you have got it all together...
The time has finally come for your first college class and you are ready to make your grand entrance into English 101, however, the class you thought you were in twenty minutes early turns out to be a junior Biology class that started twenty minutes ago. It's okay though, people make mistakes and it is the effort that counts.
6. Even though it feels like you just committed social suicide just remember we have all been there
Look, you're a confused freshman, that was bound to happen! Just laugh and shake it off and make your exit. Upon exiting look for your pack of other lost freshmen. They are the ones in the brand new backpacks who start to walk into each building but never go in. May the odds be ever in your favor.
7. It is okay to not know what to you want to do with your life
While your parents may be pressuring you and your growing student loans it is okay to not know right off the bat what you want to do with your life. Jus take some classes first before you freak out and learn what you are good at and enjoy because you do not want to leave college in debt with a degree for something you will hate doing for the rest of your life.
8. Find your pack
Those lost freshmen you encountered on the first day could very well end up being your new pack of friends. While they may not be the same as your high school group, there is no need to feel like you are cheating, college is all about making new friends. Besides these are the people who you are going to be spending all nighters with for mid terms. In all seriousness, the college social pool is drastically larger than what it was in high school and do not feel as if you are out of your league because all the freshmen are new here and in the same boat or math class as you.
9. Always Be Yourself
College is without a doubt one of the best eras in your life but it will fly by even faster than high school did. Do not waste time being a fake version of yourself. This is the time for you to learn and grow and while some changes can be good, make sure you are being the person you want to be and surround yourself with those who appreciate you and all the goofiness and sarcasm you have to offer.
