Dear Future College Freshman,
Well you did it! You graduated from high school, which means you survived about 18 years worth of ups, downs, challenges and successes. You have cycled through so many different versions of yourself, and now you're ready to continue your journey as a college student. There are just a few things you should know before you head off to your University.
First of all, If you're like most soon-to-be freshman, you're probably incredibly excited and pretty nervous at the same time. That is normal and completely okay. Starting a new chapter of your life in a new place away from home is something to look forward to, but it can also be a little scary. I'm not going to tell you college is easy because it isn't, but I will tell you it is worth it. Going off to college will be enriching in ways you can't even imagine yet.
One of the most impotant things you should expect when going into your first year of college is that everything will be different. This may seem obvious, but even the smallest parts of your life that you thought would never change eventually will. This isn't a bad thing though. If everything stayed the same, nothing could get better. This is an important mindset to have right away. If you accept this from the start, you won't hold onto the parts of your life that you need to let go of. Eventually you will smother yourself and hold yourself back. Let it go, accept change and embrace different.
College is hard. There is no way of sugar-coating this simple fact. It is difficult in more ways than one. Academically, it will test you. Your classes will be more advanced than you originally expect, and you will probably have to work harder to succeed than you ever had to before. However, your mind will grow in unimaginable ways. You will learn so much more in a shorter amount of time, and furthermore you often times actually enjoy it. I know, I know; that sounds crazy, but I promise it's true. College is also socially hard. Being away from friends, family and everything familiar is tough. It can wear you down, emotionally, at times, but it just takes some adjusting. Once you are settled into your new home, you will slowly become more and more comfortable. It will become your new normal. It is important to know that college is hard for everyone. It can be harder for some people than others, and if you are having a hard time, it is okay to reach out for help. You are not any less intelligent or successful if you do so.
College is truly the place where you discover yourself. Pressure form others is less prominent and important to you. You will face things that you have never yet experienced, and this will shape you in new ways. Not only that, but you will learn new things about yourself each and every day. College gives you the resources to try so many amazing new things, and as long as you take advantage of these opportunities, you will be able to find out so much about yourself.
Most importantly, you should know that college is fun. It truly is an amazing time filled with memories that will last forever. You will meet some incredible people that will make you feel like you have known them your whole life. There are very few things more beautiful than that. The way to have the most enriching experience your first year is to take advantage of everything offered to you, and say yes a lot. Try new things with new people. Order pizza at midnight with your friends. Explore your campus. Get involved. These next years are going to go by fast so make the most of them.
Sincerely,
A former college freshman
