A message to incoming freshman .
Start writing a post
Student Life

Everything I Wish Someone Told Me Going Into Freshman Year

College is basically like a village of people that are all around your age.

498
https://unsplash.com/photos/XkKCui44iM0

Don't worry, everything will be fine. You will make friends and set up your dorm exactly the way you want it. You will be able to do all your homework and get good grades. You will get along with your roommate or make friends with the girls on your hall. You will not feel stressed and overwhelmed all the time… Twitter definitely lied to you.

Going to college really is a big change. You go from living with your family to living on your own in a matter of hours. It seems like something you will never get used to, but I promise that you will. Saying goodbye to your parents is so weird and it doesn't sink in that you won't be seeing them for a while. And suddenly, you're alone.

My tip for you is to leave your door open at all times during the first week of school. People walking through the halls will feel comfortable enough to stop in and introduce themselves. It is easier to make friends with others if you aren't alone, so getting accustomed to your roommate is a great first step. Your college will most likely have some sort of new student orientation where you can meet more people. It seems weird but, walk up to anyone and introduce yourself, but even if you feel uncomfortable, the chances are high that that person feels just as awkward and will be thankful for your bravery.

Go to class. If you go to a bigger school it may seem like you don't have to, but you really are only hurting yourself. Even if you go and online shop the whole time, you are more likely to hear something important there than if you are asleep in your dorm.

Make friends with everyone. You can make friends with people in your dorm, people from a new club you joined, or people from your classes. Everyone is special in their own way, and if you keep an open mind, you will have friends in every corner of campus.

You should also get involved. Not to sound like your high school guidance counselor, but getting involved in clubs, sports, or even club sports, can really be helpful. You get to meet a bunch of people just like you while bonding over something you all have in common.

If you get homesick, keeping busy will take your mind off of things. Make sure you call your parents at least once a week, I promise they will appreciate it. Make plans for your family to come to your school and meet all your friends. If you and your friends from home have different breaks, make plans for them to come to visit you or for you to go to them.

Overall, just remember that it really isn't as scary as you think. You will find new people, professors, classes, and activities that you love. College is about opening your mind, so accept this new challenge and conquer it. Be open to change, be open to a new you... and remember, enjoy it!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

45052
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

28433
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

953035
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

157636
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments