an open letter to my rising freshman friends
Start writing a post
Friendships

an open letter to my rising freshman friends

"I am telling you this because people often talk about the classes or the social aspect, but neglect the hard parts."

60
an open letter to my rising freshman friends
astrologybay.com

Dear Rising Freshman Friends of Mine,

I hope you are ready. College is not something that you can not completely prepare for. There are challenges coming your way that you probably have not even begun to think about, but I am not telling you this to worry you. I am telling you this because people often talk about the classes or the social aspect, but neglect the hard parts.

Something that I would often tell myself and my other friends was that "someone else has lived this way before you and has been successful doing it." Take it from me, I moved across the country leaving my family behind. The homesickness was real, especially when my friends could easily go home for the weekends. However, I would remind myself that there were other people who were also in the same situation as me and that people decades ago have done the same thing. This would make me feel better because I knew it could be done.

Another issue would be making friends. This is a skill you may lack now due to being friends with the people you grew up with. Now, this can be scary. Not everyone wants to put themselves out there. You may not know how to approach someone or how to ask someone to hang out later. For this, I recommend joining a club. It is the perfect opportunity to meet other people that also have the same interest as you. Even at orientation, you should try to talk to the people around you because they are honestly just as nervous as you are. Make friends that have the same classes as you because you will see these people on a routine basis. Overall, make friends that have your interest inheart, who can show you new things, and people that share your major, and people whose major you had no idea it existed.

Do not be afraid to use the resources around you. This is not high school anymore. Tons of people can tell you this, but I feel you will not understand this until you experience it for yourself. You may recognize this when you realize you are not really prepared for a test or you do not understand your latest assignment. This is when you need to use your resources because schools often offer tutoring that you can use if you are taking a certain class. There are also office hours and teaching assistants who can help you understand something better if you ask for help ahead of time.

Altogether, I could tell you every single experience I have had in college and it still would not be enough to prepare you for everything you are going to go through during this time of growth. This new chapter on your life is going to be full of great memories and great opportunities that you would not be able to get anywhere else. Step out of your comfort zone this year and be ready to do new things with your new friends. Don't forget to post all of these things on social media, I can't wait to see them.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

38695
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

23130
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

949532
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

127029
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments