Anyone who has gone off to college, whether close to home or halfway across the country, is familiar with that nervous/excited/anxious/happy/sad/overwhelmed feeling that comes with seeing his/her stuff neatly packed into boxes and then loaded into his/her family's car. While some experience certain emotions more intensely than others, there are few things I think one should keep in mind while making this transition.

1. Change is good. It’s not a surprise that going to college is going to be one of the biggest life changes you will experience, but if you stick with it, it will definitely be one of the most rewarding. Make sure you go into it with an open mind because you will be meeting tons of new people and encountering lots of new clubs, classes, and activities that could end up being your favorite part of school.
2. You are not the only one. If you think you are the only one who misses your parents and siblings, your house and your high school friends, you are not. Everyone is in the same boat as you, and everyone feels the same way at one point or another. Use this to your advantage; if you truly realize that everyone is going through the same thing, then you will be able to be more comfortable talking to new people in classes or in your hall.
3. Take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Clubs, classes, study abroad trips, you name it, your university will probably have ten times more opportunities than your high school did. It might be overwhelming, but there is seriously something out there for everyone. Use these opportunities as yet another way to make new friends and to find out what you’re truly passionate about.
4. Don’t pack your whole life and expect it to fit into your dorm. You are essentially going to be living in a shoebox, and space is key! Those 10 plain white T-shirts that are only slightly different? Pick your top two. High school T-shirts? You won’t wear them. Online shopping is dangerous, and after a few months of being stuck on campus, you will cave. So, you’ll want room for a few new things every so often. Not to mention, your roommate and hallmates will probably be willing to share.
5. Time will fly by. Before you know it, it will be Thanksgiving break, and then Christmas break, and then spring break. You can’t stop the time from flying by, so just take in every moment and enjoy it.
6. Call your parents. Yes, it’s true, you will actually miss them once they leave you in your shoebox of a dorm room, and they will be missing you, too. Don’t leave all the contact up to them. Call them when you’re walking to class or back to your dorm. I know I called my mom whenever I needed to talk about anything, and it always helped.

As I write about what I learned my freshman year, it seems so weird to not be a freshman anymore. Your freshman year is going to be one of many emotions and experiences, some good and some bad, so just take it all in and take a deep breath. Good luck, Class of 2019.