1. I'm not going to make any friends.
A big fear about going into a new environment is that you're not going to know anybody or be able to make friends. I'm an outgoing person but even I was scared about this. In reality, everyone is coming to campus not knowing anyone. We're all meeting each other for the first time and therefore everyone is going to be social! Whether it's joining a club, going to involvement fairs, or just leaving your door open, it's not hard to find and meet new people.
2. What if me and my roommate don't get along?
Nothing against my roomie, I absolutely love her! But I would be lying if I didn't say that I was worried. When we first met, I made sure that we would be living compatible, simply because being friends with somebody doesn't guarantee they won't drive you insane. Little did I know that we were perfect for each other! My roommate and I live the exact same lifestyles and it's absolutely fantastic! There's no stress, no drama, just perfect harmony. Due to our ideal living situation, she is one of my best friends who gets not only live with me, but hear all of my pointless rants (lucky her!). So my advice, focus on living together first, because from there, friendship comes easily.
3. I'm going to hate dorm life.
This was a big one for me because I grew up having my own bedroom and bathroom. Therefore, I often found myself worrying about sharing a tiny bathroom with three other girls and sleeping in the same room as someone else. It's been almost three weeks living on campus and I absolutely love it. All of us are on different schedules so it's very rare that there's more than one person in the bathroom at a time. As for our dorm, my part of the room has become a home for me. This past week, I went on a retreat to a really nice hotel and I found myself missing my dorm. I know, crazy right?! As long as you know what brings you comfort and peace, use that to style your dorm and it will feel like home in no time.
4. My professors aren't going to know who I am.
This is true only if you let it be. Think about it like this, professors know less about you than you know about them. They will never get to know you until you introduce yourself. I went into office hours my first week, sat down, introduced myself, and just had a normal conversation! If you want to build relationships with your professors (which can really help later on in your college career) then make that effort yourself! This is college, nobody is going to do it for you.
5. I'm going to fail all of my classes.
Again, this is only true if you let it. At my high school, we didn't have midterms or finals, we just had tests. But now, I realize that there is more at stake, such as MONEY. You're paying for these classes so if you don't put in the effort or study hours you're only hurting yourself. I've been studying so much these past two weeks, and I never studied in high school, but these are the kind of changes you have to make if you truly want to succeed.
6. What about the freshman fifteen?
BIG FEAR HERE. The thought of putting on fifteen pounds is scary to everyone (unless you're intentionally trying to gain weight, then go you!). Here at OU, we have lots of amazing food, including an all you can eat cafeteria which is VERY dangerous to some people, because we just love to eat. Does the Chinese food temp me? Of course! But I have to remember that it can be unhealthy to "spoil myself" everyday. Veggies are important too! Also at OU, we have a saying, "hydrate or die," because tif you're walking 6 miles everyday in that heat, you can't really afford to be living off of ice coffee. On the other hand, the gym is amazing! Exercise has been proven to help relieve stress so if you ever need a break from studying, go to the gym! A strong body promotes a strong mind! Also, when you take care of your physical health, you're less likely to get sick, which happens a lot when you're living around over 4,000 other freshmen. Education is important but please don't compromise your physical health over it.
7. What if I'm peer pressured into doing something I don't want to?
I just wanted to make a point clear to people who might need to hear it: College is different. It is not high school, that's why it is called COLLEGE. Thousands of people are coming from different walks of life to start over somewhere new. You DO NOT have to impress anybody! And nobody wants you to change who you are for them! If you don't want to do something, then don't! The great thing about college is that nobody is going to judge you for it or try to pressure you further! IT IS OKAY.
8. I'm going to mess up my laundry.
Probably. But I haven't yet, so I'm not that scared anymore. Did I call my mom to ask her how to work a machine that confused me? Of course. No shame in that.
9. What if no guys like me?
YOU ARE HERE TO GET AN EDUCATION NOT A RELATIONSHIP! Now, if it happens, then cool. But if you're worrying about that, then you need to take a moment for yourself, breathe, and remember what you're here for.
10. Am I making a mistake?
No. I cannot tell you how many times I've thought this. If I did, this article would never end. Growing up, I didn't even know if I wanted to go to college, and it's not for everyone, I know that. But as I got older, I wanted it to be for me. It's a scary time when you're learning how to be on your own, but so far, college has been good to me. The environment is what I've been needing in my life for a long time. Still, I have those dark days where I question if I should just drop out and backpack through Europe instead. But then, something else happens. My professor makes a joke during a lecture, an advisor reaches out, or someone smiles at me on my walk to dinner. Those little things remind me that this is where I am meant to be, even if it isn't clear right now. Everything happens for a reason, and I've been telling myself that everyday, and everyday it continues to be proven true.
