We all remember it, the excitement, the nervousness, the tears. We left the comfort of our home towns and traveled all those miles into this new place that we would call home for the next four years of our lives. Once our parents got us all moved in, they said their goodbyes and left us all alone with our new roommates that we hardly knew, telling us that we would "do great" and to "go make some friends".
In order for colleges to make us feel somewhat normal, they provide a week long event for us; Freshman Orientation.
It is going to be awkward
This is something to go ahead and accept, the awkwardness is pretty much a given when you put together hundreds, or even thousands, of eighteen-year-olds that have never met before and expect for them to become best friends by spending five days together partaking in various team building activities and sitting through countless hours of welcome lectures.
You might not like it
Your college knows that you would rather be decorating your new dorm room or watching your new Netflix obsession, but trust me when I tell you; it’s good for you. Just go with the flow and pretend that you enjoy it. If you give it a shot, you might start to have some fun and make some new friends.
"Tired" is a way of life
In this respect, I want for you to think back to summer camp when you woke up before 8:00 and was busy until 10:00, only you’re lucky if you get back to your dorm before 1am. Each day is packed full of things to do and most are required. So trust me when I say, use those thirty extra minutes after lunch to take a nap. This is also a great time to get over that theory that naps are just for kids, naps are key to surviving college.
You aren't in High School anymore
I say this because it’s true. Nobody really cares what you do in college. Be yourself, hang out with who you feel comfortable hanging out with and don't worry about everyone else's opinions. With that being said, don’t spend your time judging others. When I say that nobody cares in college, I mean it. Don't waste your time focusing on others when you could be having fun yourself.
Have fun!
I know that it can be lame, but if you make fun out of it, you can and will have a blast! No joke, just let loose and be yourself. Enjoy this time, because it is a once in a lifetime chance to start fresh and get to know the people that you are living with for the next four years. College can be filled with great times, amazing friends and memories that will last forever, and it all begins during orientation. So take full advantage of it all, soak it in, and have fun!
