Welcome! By now you're probably either moved into college, or frantically packing and preparing to head off to school. You've made it to this next chapter of your life. Congratulations! Take a deep breath.
Attend Welcome Week.
Most universities will have welcome week events for incoming students. It's a great time to meet people before classes start! You'll get tired of introducing yourself, but it's nice to be able to spot familiar faces by the second week of school. As an added bonus, you'll probably get some free swag by attending these events.
Talk to your roommate.
I was fortunate enough to find a roommate who has become one of my best friends. Some of my favorite memories from the first months of college were conversations that we had at midnight just learning about differences in our high school experiences and sharing memories and funny stories. My roommate and I became a support system for each other throughout the entire year and into the summer.
Get to know the people in your classes.
The best piece of advice I received was to get the phone number or email address of at least two people in each of my classes. That way you always have someone to go to for homework help, study groups or notes if you miss class or zone out during a lecture. It's also another easy way to make friends.
Go exploring.
Whether it's taking a different route to classes or taking a bus into the city near your school, learn about your new home! I've found lots of restaurants, stores and study spots by asking around and tagging along when friends were going off campus to run errands or take a break from the caf.
Check in at home every once in a while.
This is an exciting time for you, and it's an exciting time for your parents, too. Call home and tell your family about that crazy thing that happened in class, or celebrate with them about your successes. They're rooting for you, and they deserve to keep up with you through more than a Facebook post.
Let your friendships evolve.
One of the hardest things I learned when I moved into college for my freshman year was that friendships are ever changing and evolving. During the fall semester, I lost contact with some of my closest high school friends. I even drifted away from friends I made during orientations and admitted student days. People will come and go from your life, and that's okay. It's a hectic time for everyone, and you'll have plenty of opportunities to reconnect once people settle into schedules and routines. I was still making new friends during the last weeks of spring semester! You'll find a group of people that you connect with. Don't worry.
Again, congratulations. You've made it! Enjoy your freshman year. Take lots of pictures, make memories, and enjoy the home cooked meals from your mom while you can!
