I remember my freshman year like it was yesterday.

I remember that up to the day that I was supposed to move in to my dorm, I was excited. I had no fear. I was ready for this huge change (probably the only change I've been ready for in my whole life up to that point). It wasn't until I was lying in my dorm room, alone, as all my other hallmates and my roommate had chosen to stay with their moms in hotels, that fears started hitting.

"Will I ever get used to sleeping in this strange room? Will I ever get used to sleeping with a roommate? Will I make friends with anyone in my hall? Why does it seem like everyone already knows each other?"

I hadn't thought about what to expect from my freshman year at all. I was just happy to be out of my house. So here's a glimpse of what you can expect from your first semester on campus as a freshman.

Wildcat Week

Go to all the cheesy activities; they are there for a reason. If you need a break to refresh and recharge, then that's totally valid, but don't skip things just because they sound lame. Go to candle light devo, go to the volunteer day, go to everything you can. You only get to experience Wildcat Week once. You will learn a lot I promise.

My piece of advice, do not start dating anyone. Listen, college is a whole other ballpark, and you need time to adjust. There is very much so a culture on campus about hurrying to find some to be with, and you in way need to give in to that. As soon as you get to Wildcat Week, you will understand what Wildcat Week couples are (formerly Welcome week couples). Don't do this to yourself. Don't be a Wildcat Week couple. Just trust me on this.

September

This is in fact the time where everyone will be able to tell you are a freshman. Don't worry, we all went through this and you will be fine. By the end of September, you will be a pro at campus life and our traditions. Rushing to the World Famous Bean after chapel is a right of passage. You might find yourself in the wrong classroom on the first day and honestly its no big deal. Seasoned students do it too. Also, freshman follies will probably be in September, do it! This is how I met a bunch of my hallmates and it was so fun and low key.

You are going to learn so many things all at once and it will be a whirl wind. It's OK. FaceTime your friends back home when you need to, and figure out who you are now that you are "out on your own." Find people to go to dinner and lunch with and meet as many people as possible. Campus will feel much less daunting once you start to recognize people around campus.

October

You will probably have some of your first midterms this month. You might get lucky and not have any, however, so don't give up hope. You will probably heavily question if you're in the right major, and you will probably start trying to figure out what you're going to change it to. This is OK and completely normal. Even if you change your major again after this first change, it's still OK. Also, October is homecoming. Do not try to be cool and skip homecoming. It's fun, you get to see all the local fraternities and sororities pledges in the parade and at the game. Its wonderful.

Midterms don't have to be as stressful as you will probably feel like they are. Make sure you write down when they are and plan accordingly. There's no need for you to cram the night before. Space out your studying and you will thank yourself later.

November

I'm sorry, but this probably the month where you will question coming to college at all. You will probably have several group projects and papers due near thanksgiving and it will make you feel so stressed out. It's going to be OK. Figure out the best times for you study, figure out your favorite studying snack and you will make it through. When you get bored, put together studying playlists, so that way when it's time to study, you can't distract yourself by making them then.

You will get to see your family very soon. If you have any friends who won't be able to go visit their families because they live too far, then offer to take them with you. If that's you, there's a place for you to go I promise. You've already learned so much about yourself, and you are starting to get a hang of this college thing, don't give up. The reward of seeing your family is near.

December

This is crunch time. You aren't going to want to study for finals. You just want winter break to come around so you can go home and see all your friends. But finals wait for no one, young freshman. I'm sorry to have to tell you that. Put together study groups and take short breaks so you don't go insane. Use your "dead day" wisely (this is the Monday of finals week). Before you know it, you will be pulling on to the highway and you will be on your way to well deserved break.

You will feel really weird being home for such a long time. You are used to a new found sense of freedom and your parents aren't going to be ready for that. Try to compromise with them, it will make your time home more enjoyable.

So that is basically what you can expect from your first semester. Some bonus advice I have for you is get your chapel credits done early, get to know your professors and especially the faulty in your department they will be invaluable to you. Don't worry if you haven't found your place in a group of friends yet. You will find them. It may seem like everyone else around has found their friends, but I promise they haven't. You will switch friends pretty regularly because you are changing every day. But eventually, you will find your place and you will feel right at home.

It's going to be OK my dear freshman, you're going to love it here.

Go Wildcats!