Dear Soon-to-be College Freshman,
I'm sure there are a bunch of these circulating across the internet, but I really felt inclined to write this for you today. As I sit here during the summer going into my junior year of college–wondering where the hell the time went–there's nothing I would want more than to be able to go back to that first day of freshman year, move into college, meet all the new people, and relive every minute of it.
I cannot count the times that I have scrolled through old Facebook pictures, or jammed out to my freshman year playlist on my phone just to try and get a second of that "brand new, everything's amazing and exciting" feeling back. High school may have been awesome, or if you're like me it may have sucked, but there are no words in any language to prepare you for the experiences you are about to have in your first few months away at college. Whether you're 10 hours away, or 10 minutes away from home, it's unlike anything you have ever imagined.
Here are a few pieces of advice I can give you;
1. Capture every moment.
I literally mean every moment. Take pictures, write down memories, keep a list of all the songs played at the parties and clubs that you go to, keep ticket stubs, save your snap stories and videos– everything. Trust me, when you're an old hag like me, going into your upperclassmen years, you'll wanna remember every second of this brand new chapter of your life.
2. Take advantage of intro level classes.
Sure, it might be different than high school, but it's nothing compared to the classes that you're going to be taking in the future. If you're gonna tap out of studying early to go out on a weeknight, now's the time to do it. Do your best but don't lose sleep over anything, you have plenty of time to figure it out. Don't settle if you don't like your major, do things and take classes that only feed your passions, not take away from them. Apply yourself, but don't pull your hair out.
3. Get involved!
Don't use the excuse "Well, I'm just a freshman!" Join those clubs that seem interesting, go to those events that might take you out of your comfort zone, make an intramural team with your friends, try out for that team– do what makes YOU happy. Now is the time to spread your wings and start doing the things that interest you. Be open, meet new people, and experience new things.
4. Don't waste your time on people that don't deserve it.
Believe me, it'll only screw you over for the future. This is the start of some of the best years of your life, you don't owe anybody anything. It's ok to be selfish and to only surround yourself with people and things that build you up. There are hundreds of new people to meet and things to do, so don't you dare settle for anything or anyone, whether it be friends, romantic interests, if they aren't exactly what you want, drop em. When you find "your people," you'll know.
5. Take care of yourself.
College is an entirely different world. You're going out more than usual, staying up later than usual, and at times, it can be exhausting. Make sure you're not spreading yourself too thin. Make time for "you" time– eat well, exercise, get a good nights sleep. You've only got one body, so make sure to take care of it! In a time where you're almost constantly going, and doing things, it's super important to remember to take a step back and breathe every once and a while.
Those are just a few of the million things I could tell you. I am so excited for you, and for all that you are about to experience. This is truly a time in your life to cherish and remember, make the most of it. College is a time to be whoever you want to be. You only get one Freshman Year, make the absolute most of it.
