If you’re considering trying something, do it. Jump in.
Seriously. Even if you aren’t sure-- try it. Trying new things is the perfect way to meet people, and college is the perfect environment to try something out. Join the club. Try out for the team. Interview for the job. Rush. Do all four if you want to. A small step out of your comfort zone can transform into a leap that lands you headfirst into your greatest happiness.
You’ll find people who think the same way you do.
If you ever felt alone in your thoughts and beliefs in your hometown, high school, or family, the larger environment that a college campus provides can feel freeing. There are thousands of your peers around you, and a group of them certainly thinks the same way you do, whether it’s about politics, religion, or life in general. It’s comforting to have people share and reinforce your beliefs. Talk to them; there’s always room to learn something new. Take advantage of what’s out there.
You’ll find people who share your passions.
No matter what your passion is, you will find people that care about it as strongly and love it as deeply as you do. Share the love; it’s a wonderful thing.
Someone will always be better than you.
That thing you excelled at in high school-- you were really good at it. Maybe you were even the best at it. Well here at college, someone is better than you at it. But that’s OK. In fact, it’s far better than OK: it’s incredible. These people who are better than you are great role models. Take note of how they do things. And remember: someone being better than you doesn’t mean you aren’t talented, smart, or good at what you do. Someone being better than you provides an opportunity for personal growth, and growth is always far better than OK.
You’re never going to stop needing your best friend.
Some nights will be easier than others. Some nights you’ll have three exams within the next two days and you’ll be sitting at your desk, overwhelmed, in need of a pep talk and for her to make you smile. And some nights you’ll be making plans and need your favorite person to go out, let loose, and have fun with you. She’ll be there for you on both nights. You’re lucky to have her.
You didn’t just hang out with your parents out of convenience.
During high school, maybe it seemed like you hung out with your parents because you were bored and they were there. Turns out, they’re cool (and immensely enjoyable to spend time with). Don’t forget how fortunate you are to have them. Plan lunch or a phone call.
Going home is OK.
Living on your own at school is a great opportunity, but going home is also OK. It’s alright to want to spend time with your family, be a supportive part of your younger sibling’s life, see your pets, or have lunch with your boyfriend. There’s sometimes pressure to stay at school, but if you live close enough for it to be practical and want to go home, do it. It’s worthwhile.
It doesn’t take 12 years of school to make a best friend.
With the right people around you, it only takes a week or two. Of course your friends from elementary, middle, and high school are great, but it doesn’t always take an entire school career to meet someone special. Before you know it, you can suddenly have another best friend. (Who says you can only have one?)
You chose the right school.
After 15 weeks fly by, it’s easy to look around campus-- which has become your new home-- and know that you made the right choice. Looking at your favorite building, your favorite people, or your favorite place to watch the changing of seasons pretty much solidifies it: you would never want to go anywhere else.
