In typical freshman style, the weeks leading up to the "big move" were extremely hectic. I packed and repacked all the things I would be attempting to fit in a small wardrobe. I became glued to my parents' sides, wanting to absorb every moment that I had with them before I was on my own. I found myself giving my younger brother advice on how to survive the rest of high school, our parents, and his impending college decision. I forced my pets to spend time with me because who knew how long it would be before I got to pet another animal?
Before I left home, I was incredibly anxious about what this new distance and freedom would bring to my life. We hear a lot of rumors about classes, social events, people, and pretty much every other component of college life but we don't exactly know how we'll be integrated when our time comes. So, without further ado, here are a few things I wish I knew before I move into college.
First, it is okay to go out. Class and assignments obviously come first, but it is vital, especially in the first few weeks, to put yourself out there to try to meet like-minded people. I remember sitting in my orientation session hearing words like "academic goals," "service clubs," and "campus involvement," and while these are all pivotal aspects of going to college, creating genuine connections and friends will help to make the transition to a new place exponentially easier.
Your health is incredibly important. I am going to repeat this. Your health is EXTREMELY important. There is a multitude of resources on campus that aid in providing support to you and your physical and mental wellbeing. I kept up with, possibly even improved, my workout routine from home because of the terrors I had heard about the freshman fifteen. However, the first few months of living at school have left my body in shambles. I despised walking (or I would feel too busy to walk) to dining halls to get food so I would order things from the fast food restaurants in our student union or simply not eat at all. I substituted sleeping time with studying time. I would neglect drinking water for a majority of the day. All of these things left me with mono, strep, and an allergic reaction to medications, all within a few weeks, along with stress and the desire to go home. Taking care of yourself in college is so important. I hate to be repetitive but taking care of yourself is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.
Networking is the reason you should go to college. Yes, continuing your education is noble and yes, it is entertaining. Regardless, your university is a community made especially for you to mold and utilize. Your peers, your professors, the staff are all there to help you network. The personal relationships developed in college can and should be carried with you throughout the duration of your professional life. Learning to establish these relationships early will help you find your niche and provide support for when you face obstacles. I have always considered myself to be an introvert so this was a hard pill for me to swallow. However, I would not have the tools to be successful if I didn't establish my community.
If you are anything like me, this will seem like a monumental shift in your life. I was petrified. Despite this, I now think of my campus as home. Utilize the resources that you have been provided. Everything will be okay.
