When you walk across that stage in high school to receive your diploma your life flashes before your eyes and all the memories that you have created. You think back to the first day that you met your best friend. Laugh at the thought that you connected with them because you shared the same dislike for someone and something. Remember your first homecoming or prom and all the stressful drama that circled around planning the details out. Then think back to that first special kiss from your first true love and the butterflies after you left them.These are just a few short memories that you think of before you're blinded from the lights shining down on you and everyone in the audience screaming your name. However, the only thing that you can truly focus on is being accepted into the University of your dreams and starting a new chapter of your life.
Once August finally rolls around you're finally able to move out and live on your own for the first time in your life. You laugh at the fact that everything in your room back at home has already been packed for weeks and you're freaking out that you won't have enough storage once you share a room with a stranger. But the only thing you're really able to truly focus on is fitting in and who will be your friend. You hope and pray that it will be easy to find friends but especially keep the relationships that you already have from high school. You begin to stress yourself out because you want change but at the same time you're scared to death that everything is changing around you. So how can you maintain the relationships that you already have from high school but at the same time create new ones?
1. Don't be afraid
It's okay to be scared but remember that at the end of the day everyone has this feeling. Be able to accept the changes that are around you and embrace them.
2. Participate in orientation events
The University puts on orientation for a reason! This is the time that you're able to meet new people. Don't be that person that doesn't want to get involved and participate because you don't know someone. Everyone is nervous! You might as well be nervous with everyone else.
3. Stay in contact
Yes, you went away to college for new experiences and to meet new people. But talk to the few people from high school that were actually there for you. In other words, stay in contact with your best friend and significant other of three years. But drop that girl or boy that all they did was bring drama into your life.
4. Make time
If you talk to any college student they will all say they have no time. But make time, especially for old and new friends. Try to focus on building new friendships and spending time with them. Your friends from high school will understand because they're going through the same thing. But don't forget the people that have been there for you for years.
5. Enjoy it
College should be some of the best times of your life. You shouldn't feel stressed out about your different relationships. At the end of the day all of your relationships rather they are friendships or more are your support system.
