Dear college freshmen,
I know you’re probably feeling a lot of nervous anticipation for your first ever day of college, and I understand – I was there, two years ago, taking my first steps into the dining hall and wondering how on earth I was going to interact with the hundreds of fellow students suddenly before me. You’ll likely feel the same, but you’ll soon realize everyone is in the same boat: no matter how confident they appear, they’re also a little anxious and confused beneath their masks. My advice? Approach someone – introduce yourself, ask where they’re from, what they’re studying, what dorm they’re living in. Sooner than you think, you’ll find you both have lots in common. That person might not become your best friend, but he or she is someone who could brighten your day with a smile and a hello next time you pass each other on campus.
Spend quality time with your roommate – walk to class together, grab lunch at the dining hall, stick together at parties, stay in and watch a movie or order pizza after a long night of studying (your pizza and other takeout cravings increase tenfold in college). The more you learn about each other and the closer you become, the greater chance you’ll be partners in crime and roommates in the coming years. Don’t box each other out early on – remember that opposites have a way of balancing each other and drawing out strengths.
Most lectures will be delivered in PowerPoint form – ask if these will be available online. If so, don’t waste your time copying notes; put down the pencil and listen instead to the professor’s insights and elaborations on each slide, occasionally writing down ideas that stand out to you. You can return to the lecture online and compare your notes to what was presented. After your first or second class, formally introduce yourself to your professor; establishing a professional relationship early on is helpful when you need to stop by for office hours to go over a lesson or if you simply need an adult to turn to for advice.
The first grade I ever received in college was for my Calculus I quiz and I got a dismal 79; you might find that your first official grade, no matter the class, is similarly disappointing. Don’t fret – quizzes and exams are usually only a fraction of a percentage of your final letter grade, and you still have a whole semester to make up for it. Equally promising is the fact that you now know how tests and assignments in your classes are formatted and graded, so you have a better understanding of what to study. The biggest mistake I’ve made is losing myself in the pursuit of perfect grades; trust me, the resulting stress is not worth it. Devote yourself to your education, and take the time to appreciate and explore what you’re learning – the good grades will follow.
Befriend your adviser. Despite their other engagements, these individuals are also here directly for you and to make you feel comfortable. If you show that you are a serious student with a passion for your course of study, your adviser will likely be equally committed to helping you discover exactly what you’re meant to do. My adviser is one of the best, most inspiring people I have ever encountered, and I stop by his office regularly – sometimes even just to chat.
Take the time to recognize the beauty of your campus, and find your favorite nooks and crannies for study or hangout spots. Take a walk or drive into the surrounding town and check out parks and cafes that you can picture yourself returning to for some down time. Become a true resident of your temporary home; the idea of spending four years there will be much more exciting as a result. Treat every moment as an adventure that you can fondly look back on.
Sometimes, you might have a nagging feeling that you simply don’t belong. Maybe you’ll look around and think, I don’t know if I want to stay here. I can empathize with those moments of conflict because I was there at the end of my freshmen year: I convinced myself that I was a misfit at my school and was determined to be somewhere else. I transferred to a bigger university with the hope that I would find myself, but I still couldn’t help but feel that something was missing. I missed my old college by the sea with all of my heart, and I transferred back in time for second semester of my sophomore year, knowing the complications would be worthwhile. And they were – I was so happy, and when I looked around I knew this place was my home all along. All it took was a little bit of perspective in a different setting to realize where I was meant to be. If you ever feel unsure of yourself and unsatisfied with where you are, always stop for a second and reconsider, because perhaps it isn’t the place itself that makes us feel a little lost. We’re all on a journey in college, and it’s one of the most thrilling and rewarding journeys of our lives. It’s OK to fall down sometimes.
Cheers to you, Class of 2020. All the best wishes for your first day and the years to come!
