When we were in high school college was made out to seem unbearably hard and overwhelming. College is not easy by any means but you come in with a feeling that all you're ever going to be doing is school work. No fun. No friends. No life. Let me tell you the truth, it is not like that. You have more free time than you think you do and you should get involved with some of the extra curriculars on campus. Join a sports team. Try new things that you wouldn't have even thought about in high school.
Most of you are probably thinking "Bri, you're crazy." I am here to inform you that I am not. One of the most scary things about going to a new school is meeting people and making new friends. There is no better way to make friends than bonding over something you both enjoy. You get to do something you love and do it with people who enjoy it just as much. What more could you ask for?
Maybe you're a really sporty person but you don't want the stress of being on a team. Try inter-murals! They give you a chance to be active, make friends, and have fun without the added stress of competition. It also gives you a chance to work out and have fun while doing it. No matter how much we tell ourselves we don't care about freshman fifteen; we do. Fight it off while making friends.
Maybe you're an art person. You can take an art class or join an art club. If you love the theater, like I do, get involved in the plays. You don't have to be on stage to be apart of a production. There are always plenty of jobs backstage if the spotlight just is not for you. Arts give you some of the best friends you will ever have and they offer a relaxing creative outlet from all the school stress.
Or, maybe you love to help the community. College has the best opportunities for you to volunteer and help out the community. Help the homeless, read to children, clean up the city, help at the animal shelter, the options are endless. You can find one that you enjoy doing and it will not seem like work. You get to take a mental break and help someone at the same time. And, it does look good on job applications.
Overall joining something on campus, no matter what it is, is a good idea. You make friends and you learn about yourself and it gives you the college experience everyone talks about. There really is something for everyone and everyone is welcoming even if it is something completely new to you. So join the team or go to a community day. Who knows; maybe you will find your new best friend there.
