Dear future freshman,
You're probably reading this in your bedroom, surrounded by your new dorm furniture and boxes of clothes.You might be texting your future roommate, planning your next trip to Target for more supplies, and counting down the days until move in. In a couple weeks, your world will change; new environment, new people, new school. You have so many expectations, good and bad, of what will happen over the next semester and year. Let me be the one to tell you that college is not what you expect.
Don't be so nervous -- talk to people! Chat with your neighbors on move in day, leave your door open as much as possible. If you're friendly and welcoming, people will gravitate towards your room and you'll make friends. Go to floor meetings and events that your RA plans for you. Invite your neighbors to go to dinner and watch movies but don't be crushed if you don't hit it off right away. You'll meet a ton of people in the next few weeks that will go in and out of your life, but you'll find good friends through it all.
Your small cramped dorm room will become your sacred space at the end of a long day. Those pale white walls will be home to you soon enough; cover them with pictures of familiar faces. Spend time and effort into making your dorm feel like a warm environment, and it will. And if you and your roommate have a color scheme picked out and matching furniture picked out; don't worry, you'll laugh about it later.
When your parents drop you off on move in, its okay to be sad. If your Mom cries, it's okay for you to cry too. And its normal to miss your parents. And its okay to call them for advice or just to talk to them. Let them be embarrassing and nostalgic and proud on Facebook, you won't be alone.
Take your classes seriously, even though some will be review from high school. Take notes and go to class; just because you have the freedom to skip doesn't mean it's a good decision.
The "Freshman Fifteen" happens more often than people want to admit, so eat healthy. Dining hall food is mostly disgusting, you will quickly learn, but healthy options are available. The campus gym is also a beautiful facility that you should take advantage of. Find friends that want to be healthy too, and it's not too difficult. But of course, Toppers and Netflix nights are acceptable too.
Overall, enjoy yourself. Have fun, make memories, be safe, and be open to so many new exciting experiences. Take lots of pictures, you'll love to look back at them one day.
Good luck.
