Dear Senior,

With a year of college under my belt, I still remember the day I graduated high school like it was yesterday. While I’m not suggesting it was incredibly long ago (because it wasn’t,) it certainly does not feel like 10 months ago. My freshman year came and went quickly and I can honestly say almost nothing turned out like I thought it would.

My honest advice would be to prepare for a ton of change. It was very overwhelming for me in my first few months at school; because I felt like the like the life I had for 18 years had shifted too quickly. I don’t think things will ever exactly be the same way you left them at home or in your life and that’s not a bad thing. You will make new friends in college but also stay in touch with your friends at home.

Truthfully, you will feel like you have two different lives in a sense because your friends at school are not necessarily a part of your home life and vice versa. Despite all this, you will find an unwavering support system from home while you’re at school and amazing school friends who will visit you during breaks and the summer.

More than anything, I would say to give yourself time. Give yourself time to get used to a new routine and living in a new place. Give yourself time to make new friends and grow close to them. Give yourself time to feel comfortable away from your family and home friends.

There is a notion that college needs to be a whirlwind of fun the second you show up to school, but I think that is a serious myth. Almost every friend I have at college struggled within the first few weeks and months. Over time, you will find such joy in your life at school with the freedom and new friends that come along with it. My best advice would be to not feel frustrated if you do not adjust the way you thought you would or you struggle at first. Everything will fall into place in time.

Love,

A Rising College Sophomore