Let's face it, college is a bittersweet experience.
Leaving your hometown behind and being completely thrown into a new experience is a scary thing. You're starting a whole new life practically. You get to choose who you want to be. You can be a whole new person if you really want to. Don't be afraid to be yourself, though. Never hide your obsessions, because, in the end, those friends are going to be your real friends. You're in love with Justin Bieber? Okay cool. Harry Potter? Totally. Don't be scared that people will judge you because if they do, they're not worth it. Remember you're all in the same situation.
You come on move-in day expecting to immediately have your group of friends that you talked to all summer. But then you don't say hi, and you never meet up, and it just kind of flat lines. You'll see them around campus and won't know what to do, but don't worry, because it will become normal. Now don't get me wrong, you will come in with some friends, but don't expect the whole group to pull through.
Making your own little group of friends is one of the hardest things. Doing this while getting used to the college workload, a roommate, and the independence stage does not come easy.
Whatever this does to you, do not give up. Keep your door open, people will pop their heads in and compliment your wall decorations or your comforter. I made friends with people who constantly complimented my tapestry, and eventually would start to just stay in my room and hang out. Join groups, and go to sports events. Go to whatever interests you. You're going to get a million and one emails about all the events happening on campus. Take advantage of these, and you'll have friends with the same interests as you, which will make transitioning so much easier.
Keep a smile on your face wherever you go. We all know our walking around faces are never the nicest, so always be forward and open towards new people. First judgments make a lasting impression, so remember to be courteous and kind.
Besides the social aspect, academics are not going to be easy. Personally, I believe it's better only having a class 2-3 times a week. It gives you more time to do homework and study. As long as you begin to manage your time better than high school (because everybody was bad at that), it will be fine. Overwhelming, yes. You're going to have days when you have tests in every class, but when that day is over, you'll feel completely relieved.
No matter what you do, you're going to have a hard time at some point. You're going to wonder what happened, what you did to deserve this, or why it had to happen to you. Stop, take a deep breath, and realize that life goes on. One bad social semester in college is a lot better than a bad academic semester.
