With summer being close to an end, the class of 2016 is preparing to start college in the fall. Most can’t wait to get out of the house and start the next chapter. But once you’re at school, you may notice your feelings change. Some may be nervous or scared or anxious! Here’s a little secret, you’re not alone. There are plenty of other guppies in the sea of college… Alright lame reference I know, but hey, it’s the truth.
I cried when my parents dropped me off at college my freshman year, and I thought I was the only one that was going to have a hard time adjusting, but it turns out, most the freshmen were just as scared (even the men!). Even some of the transfer students were nervous and that’s OK! You’re in a new environment, and for some it’s the first time that you are away from your parents for a large amount of time. Just remember though, that you’re not alone, and even with your family being gone, they’re still just a phone call or text away! Heck, even some of the upperclassmen still get nervous... Oh, hi there, yeah, I’m gonna be a senior and I’m already getting butterflies about moving back in! Still nervous? Here are some tips that I have learned from being a tour guide that may help you adjust a little easier...
As the lead tour guide at my college, I meet thousands of perspective students each year, and I try and answer every question they may have. Even when they don’t ask questions about certain things, I give them some knowledge. I try to be as honest as possible so that they really know what to expect when they arrive their freshman year. Especially if your parents are with you, the best thing the tour guide can do is offer up as much information as possible so you guys can transition into the change together. One of the best pieces of advice I can tell an incoming freshman is to get involved in a club or two as soon as possible! Not only will this club help give you a break from your school work, but it will also help you meet people with similar interests! It’s absolutely great to friend those in your major, but it’s also great to meet people outside of your academic department. That way you have a group that you can study with, but you also have a group for when you need a break. There is so much to offer at every school, so take advantage of that. However, try not to overload yourself with extracurricular activities, because remember you are there for school. I am involved in one club, a sorority and two academic programs, but I waited until I was comfortable enough with my schooling to join the sorority.
Another piece of advice is to reach out to either the Resident Assistants (RA’s) or the upperclassmen that live in your building. You’d be surprised at the advice they have to offer. We upperclassmen are not scary people! I promise you, that I, as well as many others, love helping out the underclassmen. Whether I am pointing someone in the right direction or helping them with school. I feel like I have a purpose! As a tour guide, I see so many upperclassmen chiming in on tours and giving up some knowledge on a subject I may not know a lot about. My absolute favorite, however, is when students ask me questions and talk to me because they remembered I was their tour guide! That’s my job (as well as any other student ambassador) to help not only prospective students, but any student on campus.
That leads me to my final suggestion: Use your resources! If you reach out and ask for help, you will feel much more comfortable and adjust a little more to your new surroundings! When you don’t know the answer to something or the rules, it can stay in your mind and cause you to become more anxious. However, if you just ask, then you’re more likely to be at ease! Teachers, advisers, or any campus faculty member is there to help you, especially the dorm and housing staff like the RAs!
College may seem scary, but it can be the best time of your life! College is what you make it, and if you go into it with a positive attitude and the idea of meeting new friends, your adjustment to your new life style will be smoother! Of course if you’re still a little worried or feel stressed, remember that you are not alone! Everyone was once a freshman and has felt the same feelings that you are (even if they say they were as cool as ice… they’re probably lying a tiny bit)! So to the income freshman class at all colleges, I say good luck and remember to just be yourself! Everything will be A-OK!
