Heading into college, I came with lots of expectations and ideas of what it would be like. Whether I heard them from a friend or family member, read them online, or conjured them in my head, I thought that I knew what I was getting myself into. However, after experiencing my first week of college, I've learned much more than just the layout of the campus.
Fact: You'll get homesick. Maybe not the first night or even the second, but whether it's getting a text you get from your parents or or seeing a picture of your pet, you feel a little tug at your heart.
Fact: You have unlimited freedom. So much so that it's slightly overwhelming. You might spend the first few nights out until 3 a.m. just because you can or eat ice cream for dinner because, yep, you can. But, your rebellious streak quickly ends when you realize that with freedom comes responsibility, like having to go to 8ams or remembering to eat lunch.
Myth: You're back at the bottom of the food chain. Believe it or not, on a campus of 40,000 students a social hierarchy isn't present. Sure, during welcome week you may get "freshman" screamed at you out of a car window, but that's the extent. There's no one to tell you you can't sit at a certain table or talk to an upperclassman just because of what year you are.
Myth: You can't have a good time unless you're at a party. Sure, going out is fun and it seems like everyone is doing it, but that doesn't mean it's the only way to have a good time. Every once in a while a night spent playing cards with a group of friends or watching a movie with your roommate can be just enough.
Fact: Lectures are intimidating. One of the scariest parts is trying to figure out where to sit; you want to be close enough that you can see, but not too close that the professor can see everything you do. If you even want a choice on where you're sitting then you better get to class 15 minutes early to avoid the awkward "can I get through" shuffle in the cramped aisles.
Fact: You have to actually read the textbook. There's a reason why your professor assigned it and they expect you to read it. This isn't high school where you can skirt by without doing it or have a teacher to hold you responsible, you either do it or your grade suffers.
Myth: You'll never talk to anyone that doesn't go to your college. Just because you're not within 15 minutes of a friend doesn't mean you cut off all communication. Whether it's keeping your hometown group message going or Facetiming your best friend at another school while you both eat dinner, there are ways to stay in contact.
Myth: Making new friends is easy. This was probably my biggest shock; I assumed that if I kept my door open and a smile on my face I could easily have ten new friends a day. The truth is that you may have five-minute conversations with new friends each day, but never see them again or have any way to contact them. It's hard not to be discouraged at first, but once you start to find your place on campus the friends will follow.
Fact: College is fun. Yes, it's challenging, it's different, and sometimes it's scary. But, after even one week of experiencing it, you'll feel at home.
So, fellow freshmen, throw your predictions for the rest of the school year out the window. Try new things, don't go into anything with a negative attitude, and put yourself out there.
PS: remember to call your parents and let them know all you learned too.
