Dear College Freshman,

I know by now you’ve read so many of these articles. “It’s Okay To Be Nervous,” or, “What To Expect During Your Freshman Year,” or even, “Why Freshman Year Is The Best.” This letter is probably exactly like those other articles (sorry, not sorry), but I encourage you to keep reading anyway-- I have some small nuggets of wisdom to share. I know that you may be totally ready to fly the nest, or you’re dreading leaving home, but by now you’ve probably picked out a bedspread and packed your shower shoes, ready to embark on one of the most simultaneously exciting and terrifying chapters in your life.

First, let me just say that I am so excited for you. Freshman year really is the best, and you have so much to look forward to. These next for four years (or five, whatever, I won’t judge), the world is your oyster. You will find so many new people, ideas, and opportunities thrown at you in such a short period of time, it’s almost overwhelming. Enjoy every minute, because before you know it, your time on campus will be over, and you’ll be moving on to a harsher, more challenging reality called “adulthood” (I hear it sucks). College may be the best four years of your life, or it may not. Either way, I encourage you to embrace every experience with an open mind and an open heart.

If you’re anything like me, high school wasn’t really your thing; it was fun at times, but you and high school just never really clicked, socially or otherwise. I promise you, college will be your jam. Out of the thousands of people on your campus, you will find a group of people who think, speak, and act like you do you; you will find your squad, and it will be amazing (shout out to Sloshed, the best group of friends a girl could ask for). However, thousands of people completely unlike you will also be roaming around campus, creating a melting pot diverse of cultures and ideas. Don’t hesitate to get to know somebody with unique experiences and different points of view; you never know what you have (or don’t have) in common with someone until you ask.

If you can, live in the dorm. Those cramped quarters may seem dirty and unappealing (and they are at times, trust me), but living in the dorm is an integral part of the freshman experience. There is nothing like living in a room that is less than 100 square feet with a complete stranger (or a friend, if you’re lucky), so make the most of this time. Having to share everything, from a bathroom to food and everything in between, builds character and many, many memories to last a lifetime. That being said, you will definitely be ready to move into a big-kid apartment once your time is done, so revel in the dorm life while you can. There will be times when you’re homesick for that tiny room and your roommate and late nights making acapella videos instead of studying for an important exam (I’m not speaking from experience or anything).

Don’t be afraid to join an organization or two. If there’s one thing I learned from my business-major roommate, it’s that networking is more important than you realize, and it’s never too early to start building your resume. On your campus, there are probably hundreds-- or thousands-- of organizations. There are bound to be groups that are solely dedicated to the important (or professional, or goofy, or flat-out weird) causes you’re interested in. Find one, join it, and serve your peers and your community. Whether it’s student government, charity work, a religious group or a Pokemon club, find what you’re passionate about, and meet other people who feel the same way. Go change the world, you starry-eyed youth, you.

Call your parents. I don’t know if you were ready to get out of your house or devastated to leave, but when you’re caught up in feelings of freedom or homesickness, don’t forget about how your parents are feeling with you gone. You have so many new and exciting experiences, and a busy schedule, and a new social circle to keep you occupied; your parents have the same routine they’ve always had, minus you. No matter the brave face they put on, your absence leaves a gap that’s hard for them to fill. Don’t wait for them to call you. Put aside your infantile need to be rebellious or free from authority and give them a call; let them know you love them, you miss them, and you’re so thankful for everything that they do for you. They’ll appreciate it, and after awhile you’ll look forward to those five-minute phone calls on your way to the dining hall as a small highlight of your day.

Learn how to balance work and play. In college, there will be parties every weekend. You don't have to be invited; just show up. The inner high school dweeb in me was amazed at this novel idea. You suddenly have the freedom to do whatever you want. Get dressed up for the frat party instead of study for your test? No one is stopping you. Binge drinking all weekend before a presentation? Go right ahead. But I cannot express how much I do not recommend this. With great freedom comes great responsibility, and that means learning how to prioritize your schoolwork before your social life (it can be hard, I know). It's okay to have to have fun-- I encourage fun-- but don't go overboard. If it's between good grades or a good party, the grades should come first (almost) every single time. Which leads me to my last, but most important piece of advice:

GO. TO. CLASS. I cannot stress this enough. College is fun, no doubt, but before parties, friends, and organizations, you are there to learn. Maybe you were a straight A student in high school, maybe you weren’t, but no matter how easy you think the material is, you simply cannot do well if you don’t show up to class. College is like no academic challenge you’ve ever had before. AP classes? That’s cute. Dual credit? Oh, honey. IB coursework? HA! College will kick your butt and hurt your brain in ways you never even thought possible. Find a library, and learn to love it; you’ll be spending many, many late nights there. On the bright side, you will never have access to this many academic resources ever again, so take advantage of your time and learn as much as you possibly can. Get to know your professors, because more often than not, the work they’re doing is actually really cool; it also doesn’t hurt your grade when you’re the one familiar face out of 300 people in a dark auditorium.

Honestly, I am so jealous of you. You have the world at your feet, and four years to find your friends, your purpose, and yourself. Your opportunities are endless, and your future is oh so bright. Above all else, remember that like most things, you get out of your freshman year what you put into it. Work hard, have fun, and just be yourself, and you will have the time of your life, I promise.

All my love,