Ten things to expect from college orientation
- It’s exhausting. Theres no other way to put it. You move in and from then on you're constantly moving. All the activities are super fun but it drains you. There are countless things to do and options to have fun the first few days of college.
- Anything in the month of august is bad news. Its destined to be a thousand degrees. You'll find yourself hoping from one air conditioned building to another and praying that people cant see how sweaty you actually are.
- Any and every dog you see is a big deal. After saying goodbye to your dogs and not seeing them for multiple days, dogs are a big deal. Especially the first time you meet the campus’s therapy dog.
- It will seem like there are a thousand things you need to accomplish before class starts. From getting your student ID to finding your classes. You'll need to find a parking spot (if you have a car). You'll need to meet with advisors and finish summer work. Though it seems over whelming I promise it'll all get done.
- Saying goodbye wont seem that hard. Saying goodbye to your parents in the middle of orientation wont seem that hard. But it'll hit you all at once. But don't be afraid because everyone else is feeling this way too. Worst comes to worst you have to go home the first weekend, and thats okay too!
- The dining hall situation? It's confusing and will remain confusing until at least several days into college. But once you get a hang of it and find what you like their wont be any problems.
- The first two days of classes is the worst. Its hot, you don't know where you're going, and they're giving you homework already? Once you start to remember where your classes are and relax a little you'll realize there really isn't too much homework and you've got so much more free time.
- Learning the campus is the hardest part. Everyone will get lost and it's okay to ask for directions or look up the map on your handy dandy smart phone. Or find a buddy to get lost with.
- You're going to make some really awesome friends. Everyone is afraid that they wont make friends in college but it happens way faster than you think. You'll be laughing a lot too. Maybe because there are some really funny jokes, or maybe because you're all so exhausted. Either way theres a lot of laughs.
- If you make your orientation good, you can make the rest of the year good. Set the pace for the rest of your year. Pick up good habits early and it'll be easier to continue them. Start going to the gym or eating healthy in the dining hall. Don't forget to skip breakfast and go to bed early. You'll thank yourself later.
College is obviously a huge time of transition and orientation may be the scariest part of all of it. If you can make it through the first few days and week then you'll be set. You've just got to keep your head up and stay determined. The world (or campus) is your oyster.
