It is not at all like summer camp. Yes we do some chants and cheers, but they don't treat you like a little kid at camp.

Let's get the negatives out of the way. First, the days are LONG. And by long I mean extremely long to the point were I don't know if I can walk anymore. The breaks we do get throughout the day are still with your group either getting to know one another through Hot Seat or sharing fun facts. Secondly, there are a lot of boring presentations you have to sit through. Granted the information being presented is very important and does help you get acquainted to the new campus. However, there is no way to make explaining your meal plan "fun."

Now let's talk about the positives. The orientation counselors are amazing. At least mine was (shout out Clare if your reading this). She adapted to my group based on what activities we enjoyed doing and allowed us to decide what we did in our free time. Although we only meet her a few days ago, she already feels like such a close friend. She opened up to us which allowed the group to feel more comfortable around her. Clare made it a point to make sure we knew she cared about us and will always be there for us.

My group get involved with the activities the school hosted and this made the experience so much better. When you think your "too cool" for freshman orientation it brings the entire group down and creates a negative energy. Since you are spending close to 12 hours a day with this group, you get extremely close and they can become some of your closest friends. A positive attitude makes the whole experience so much better.

Bernard. At Villanova each group has a mascot that is something completely random and the goal is to try to steal another groups mascot so they have to do something embarrassing. Our mascot was a caution, wet floor sign but in the shape of a banana and we named him Bernard. We ended up getting him stolen and had to serenade a girl to Bruno Mars "Just The Way You Are".

Freshman orientation can be extremely awkward and uncomfortable, but you have to go into it with the mindset that no one knows anyone and everyone wants to make friends. At the socials in the night, you need to just walk up to people and introduce yourself. No one else wants to do it and inside everyone is wishing someone would walk up to them, so be that person. Who knows you could be from the same state or have a ton in common!

I hope all the freshman out there had an amazing orientation. Enjoy your first year in college (I heard it's supposed to be one of the best).