First of all, take a deep breath and prepare to be overwhelmed. Take it from someone who knows what its like to go from a place that has ten restaurants and a Wal-Mart to a college town with so many places to go it will make your head spin. You will immediately face big changes, and there's a good chance you'll have at least one moment where it seems like too much to handle. Take comfort in knowing that after a month or two this place that may feel foreign and terrifying will probably feel like the home you've always known. Nothing ever feels completely comfortable at first... remember driving a car or riding a bike?

As a small town high school student, I was told by several people that I would probably do better as a "big fish in a small pond" at a small college. While I'm sure this environment is great for many students from small towns, I wanted something different. I am sure that you have chosen a big college for similar reasons. Here's the thing: I like being a small fish in a big pond. The student organizations, places to eat on campus and friends to meet seem never-ending. It also often doesn't seem like I'm surrounded by 37,000 people... I often see six people I know within a span of ten minutes!

Choosing a big college is going to change you. Prepared to come home for the summer different from how you left. You will have to be brave, step out of your comfort zone, get used to an entirely new environment and find your place in the chaos of the crowd. But you will come home bolder, stronger, smarter and likely happier as well. It is true that I am a small town girl, but choosing a big college is the best decision I have ever made and I think that it will be for you, too.