Freshman orientation. A necessary event for most college freshman. For Liberty University students, we paid $60 and expected our money's worth. Between all the walking and talking and sweating, some might think it was $60 well spent and others may not. One thing is for sure, though. There are a few general thoughts every Liberty freshman had throughout their perspective orientation day.

1. "It's way too hot out here."

Every person who was forced to walk Liberty University's campus during orientation knows that the sun was not being kind to us. You would expect it to be cool the one day you have to walk all over God's creation. That was most definitely not the case. Regardless of the fact that I've grown up in the south, I will never- I repeat, never- get used to the heat. Sweat and I are not on good terms.

2. "This cafeteria is bigger than a city."

If you have been in Reber-Thomas Dining Hall (or the Rot as the students call it), you know exactly what I mean. There is a reason it was ranked the #1 Best Dining Hall in the nation according to BestColleges.com. That place has more food than I have probably seen in my entire life. Nonetheless, I can say that, as a general rule, the majority of people were quite impressed with our future college's variety in dining options.

3. "Why are there so many people?!"

Whether it was having to walk around the Vines Center before the welcoming or exploring the academic open houses during free time, every two feet was another person. Now, I may be a little biased considering I am not a huge fan of crowds, but there was a tremendous amount of students and parents. But just keep reminding yourself, these people could possibly be your future hallmates/classmates, so be nice!

4. "I can't wait to meet my friends!"

Thanks to the wonders of technology, a lot of us have already cultivated relationships with incoming LU freshman from around the country. After months of texting and FaceTiming, a lot of us finally met each other at orientation. This is probably one of the best feelings I have ever experienced. I was definitely nervous about going to college, but after making all of these new and wonderful friends, I knew that I would be okay. And somehow, we clicked even more in person. It was like we had been friends all our lives. So, here's to four years with some amazing people!

5. "Ring By Spring"

There are a lot of attractive people at Liberty University, and saying "a lot" may even be an understatement. However, it's probably best to point out that no matter how attractive the person sitting two rows in front of you during NSSR was, we are not here for that. (Also, you probably don't even know that person's name. so why are you thinking you will marry a person you don't know?!). Word of advice: focus on studies and grow your relationship with Christ before you focus on finding yourself a spouse. Remember, Ring By Spring: The girls don't need it and the guys can't afford it.

6. "This is more walking than I remember from CFAW."

East Campus kids know exactly what I am saying, especially those who are staying in the buildings with numbers in the 40s. When I got on campus, I was surprised to see that my building was a lot farther than I had originally thought, even though it was one of the closer buildings. Also, there is just so much walking required in general-going from Demoss, to the Rot, to the Bookstore, and so on. The walking I did during CFAW was nothing compared to the walking I did when I 1) walked through my schedule/regular day and 2) leisurely walked around campus. Walking around campus can be tiring, but if you didn't walk anywhere, you'd be stuck in you dorm room for the rest of the year like a hermit.

7. "I am definitely supposed to be here."

I am sure that most kids debated whether Liberty was the right place for them. If you're like me, you had a feeling that it is where God wanted you. Nonetheless, doubt still crept up in our minds about how much a fit Liberty really was. College can feel like a scary obstacle, but orientation definitely helped temper the fear. Like many students, meeting friends and being able to roam around our future home was a huge help in calming the pre-college nerves. It's days like orientation when God reminds you that He always has a plan for you.

Orientation for anyone can be scary, but it is only one day. It is the preface to the beginning of the rest of your life. So, as you reminisce, remember that soon we will all be in the same boat: away from our parents and everything we've ever known to chase a dream we call life.