So, you're about to embark on the newest, most exciting journey of them all—that journey would be college, and it's one of the most nerve-racking and amazing journeys. No, college is not like it seems in the movies. However, that doesn't make it any less enjoyable. College truly is what you make of it; so, cheers to the next four years (or more if that's what it takes)!
Freshman year brought many things for me. However, it was not at all what I expected it to be when it initially started. I never had an issue being away from home (ever). However, when I went to college that all changed. I had this bottomless pit in my stomach that just ached for a little piece of home, and to make it worse, I wasn't even far.
Homesickness is something that I let take over me for quite a few months, and it is definitely one of my biggest regrets. So, to counterbalance that homesickness, here is the biggest piece of advice I can give to you: get involved. There is a club for everything! Want to be involved in Greek Life? They probably have it. Want to join a sports team but can't because you weren't scouted/can't walk on to an NCAA team? More often than not, there is a club team you can join.
What about just having someone to hang out with in general? That's what orientation weekend is for! Take full advantage of all of the activities that this weekend has to offer, and don't shut down any opportunity to have fun—even if the events coordinator did put a cheesy title to the activity.
Another stressful situation that you're going to get yourself into is the whole roommate situation. If you're anything like me you've probably never had to share a room with anyone—never mind a room that is half of the size of the one that you have at home. Close quarters may lead to some tension. Be rational when this happens, don't take out your differences on one another, and just know in your mind that you're probably not going to agree on everything so, a little bit of a dispute is normal.
Freedom is something I definitely struggled with upon my arrival to campus and unlike some, it wasn't necessarily in a bad way. I didn't know what to do with all of my free time. If I can give any advice on this one it would be to stay organized. Your teachers don't care if you're in class, and your parents aren't standing over your shoulder to tell you when to do your homework, eat dinner, or go to the gym. Buy yourself a nice planner and get organizing!
Lastly, the most important lesson that I learned from Freshman year is to take care of yourself first. I spent much of my time before college always prioritizing others over myself, but for the sake of your grades, your health and just your overall well-being, put yourself at the top for once—you deserve it!
The main point of this whole article isn't to scare you away from the idea of college but to warn you that it might not be all that it's expected to be, at first. Don't let the challenges that stand in front of you at the beginning keep you from thriving throughout the rest of your four years and beyond. Get ready, because it's going to be one heck of a ride!
