I promise this article isn't as harsh as it sounds. But it's true. Everyone needs to realize that people don't care nearly as much as we think. 

I remember my first day of college like it was yesterday. I must have changed my outfit at least five times. I didn’t even have to pick out a top because I was told to wear my Alpha Xi Delta bid day shirt and my decision was still that difficult. 

“I don’t want to look like I tried too hard.” “Am I trying hard enough?” “If I were a room full of strangers and I saw myself walking into the classroom, what would my first impression be?” All of these trivial questions I asked myself were so pointless. As I walked around campus for the next few days, I came to the realization that everyone could care less about what I was wearing. I had a huge wake up call when I found that college is not high school. 

I’ve realized during my first year at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, that our campus is a fairly accepting place. We even treat the crazy lady handing out pamphlets by the union with respect. So why do we act like we have to impress people all the time? Nobody cares about who you are, where you are from, or what you do. As long as you carry yourself with confidence, people are going to accept the fact that you are who you want to be.

Here is my personal advice for freshmen. Get involved in what you want to do. Your parents are gone, most of your friends are at different schools, and you are in a completely new setting. Take advantage of this situation to get to know the side of yourself that, perhaps, you could not show in high school.

I decided to break out of my small town bubble and join a sorority. My parents were so furious, they did not talk to me for weeks. When I returned home for a high school football game over fall break, my neighbors rolled their eyes when I told them I went Greek. Even though my past was against me, I knew I had a house full of sisters supporting and encouraging me every step of the way. 

Whether you found your niche in your fraternity or sorority, or need to find your support from a different group, find a place in your life where you can be yourself.  There is no area in college where the cool kids are. In my opinion, we are all pretty cool in our own ways.

Nobody cares about how you live your life. Be who you want and, I promise, you will find your way around this campus. My first day of college was full of unnecessary worrying and overanalyzing as I tried to be someone beside myself. So, remember, if you wish to wear sweatpants to class on the first day, you will not be judged or alone. ollege is where you find out who you’re going to be for the rest of your life.