Nobody wants to, nor is going to tell you that the first week of your freshman year to college sucks.
It is such a pivotal week. It is an extended moment you've dreamed of, prepared for, and worried over for weeks, months and years. You've seen upperclassmen's posts about being so excited to be back with their best friends; syllabus week is a time to party before everyone buckles down (or attempts to buckle down) in their studies.
You are going to feel exhilarated yet vulnerable, enthusiastic yet nervous. It's an overwhelming rush of emotions when your parents have loaded back into the car to make their trek home without you. You're on the sidewalk with a companion you met in the halls just moments ago.
Reality check: you're not going to know where all the parties are. You're not going to know where to get the best coffee or find where the quietest and coziest study spot is. Another reality check: that's normal! Also, if peers attempt to assure you that they know - they're bluffing. Ignore them.
But, it's a beautiful feeling to be vulnerable in company. Every other freshman around you will feel lost, will miss their friends from home, and crave familiarity and comfort. Feeling lost is a sensation that you can bond with others about. And from those bonds, friendships will emerge and blossom.
I remember one year ago on my first night of college. I was roaming the streets with girls I had only met hours ago. We walked confidently, as if someone would pop out of the one of the homes lining the streets and exclaim: "Hey, come on! The party is in here." That didn't happen.
And now I am texting those girls at this moment, and we are all in agreement that we are that much more excited to be back at school because we know the feelings attached to the freshman experience. You need to know what it feels like to be really low and also understand what it means to be up high.
It's not going to be easy, but that is what is so magical about starting a new phase in your life. Take a deep breath, you're going to be fine.
