So this is college.

It's nothing like the movies where everyone goes to insane frat parties, eats ramen noodles for every meal and pulls all-nighters like every single night. Sure there is some truth to each of the typical stereotypes, but college is much more than that, and it can feel pretty heavy at first. There's not really any way to fully prepare yourself for college, no matter how many times you watch "Legally Blonde" or "Pitch Perfect." It's just something you need to figure out with time. It takes some people more time than others. For those of you who are struggling with college right now, just know you are not alone.

The hardest part about college is that literally everything is different. You are away from home with completely new people in a completely new place. Your family and the friends you have grown up with are now miles away and here you are, somewhere between extremely excited and completely terrified. Then you throw in the school work and homesickness, and everything can feel a little hard to handle. This overwhelming feeling is completely normal. So many people feel the same way as you whether they seem to or not. It is important to know that it will just take some time to adjust.

From personal experience, one of the most frustrating experiences for me was seeing people all around me that seemed to have it figured out. When you're struggling and everyone else seems to be excelling, it can be extremely discouraging. Let me tell you a secret though. No one has it figured out. Even the person who seems completely put together is still struggling with something. Don't compare yourself to anyone else. You are allowed to take your time. It's not a race or a competition by any means.

The most important thing to remember though is that there are people that you can turn to when college gets to be too much. Having a hard time is nothing to be ashamed of. Don't be afraid to talk to someone about what you're going through. There are plenty of people who have gone through the same feelings that you are going through right now, and would be happy to offer advice or just a listening ear.

Sincerely,

Someone who has been there