Dear Incoming Freshmen,

Move in day is quickly sneaking up on you. From the moment you walked across the stage at graduation, college was probably the only thing on your mind. Just a few short years ago I was in your shoes. Here are a few pieces of advice I wish I knew before my freshmen year.

1. Most People Change Majors

I showed up for college bright-eyed and bushy tailed ready to take on the world. With a schedule jam-packed full of softball, biology, chemistry, and calculus, I quickly became overwhelmed. These classes were hard for everyone, but other students still seemed to enjoy them. I, however, just struggled through them. I stayed up till the crack of dawn trying to grasp the concepts others simply seemed to have the mind for. Quickly I realized the sciences weren't for me.

2. Take Classes You're Passionate About

I came into college with the plan of majoring in biology with a pre-med concentration. I spent high school volunteering at the children’s hospital, and I even did an academic internship with my orthopedic surgeon. My ultimate goal was to be a pediatric oncologist, not because I relished science, but because I wanted to help people.

However, once I recognized that pre-med students loved everything about science, I was at a loss. After all, I always wanted to be a doctor. As I picked my new major, I tried to focus on classes I enjoyed. College is supposed to be hard, but please don't let your major make you miserable. There is a concentration out there for everyone, so find something that interests you.

3. Have Some Fun, But Don't Go Crazy

You’re finally on your own; live a little. It is ok to go to parties and get involved in Greek life. College is not just about learning; it is about making friends. However, try your best not be the freshman who gets arrested or transported the first week of school.

4. Don't Forget To Call Your Parents

Yes, you're finally on your own, and the independence is great. However, college is not just a transition for you; your entire family’s lives will change too. You parents will be worried about you. They want you to have a great experience. When you're struggling, give them a call. When you ace an exam, call them too. They will appreciate it and remember you wouldn’t be there without them.

5. Stay In Touch With Your Friends

This one is imperative for those of you who attend colleges and universities far away from home. As you head off to school, things will get hectic. Keeping in touch with your friends from home is hard work. You will have sports, clubs, Greek life, etc. Your friends are going through up and downs at their respective schools too, so take advantage of the fact that you have a support system all across the country. Social media is great way to see what our friends are up to, but don't be afraid to pick up the phone. You were friends in high school for a reason.

6. Exercise

College is exhausting, and it is natural to want to fill your free time with some Netflix. However, try joining a club team or participating in intramural sports. Also, most colleges offer classes such as yoga or weightlifting. Sometimes a work out session can be the perfect study break. Finally, be weary, the freshman 15 is a real thing so some extra activity may help combat that all you can eat soft serve bar.

7. Most Importantly, Please Know Everyone Struggles

You’re going to get home sick; college is a huge adjustment. It is ok to say you are having a rough time. On social media, everyone tries to make it look like they are having the best time of their lives, but no college freshman is immune to bad grades or feeling lonely. It’s ok to say you are a little distressed; your friends are probably feeling the same emotions. It is sort of a revolving cycling; everyone tries to appear happy, so you will probably look at your classmates and wonder why their transition is going so smoothly. At the same time, they’re watching you and asking themselves that same question. Break the cycle and talk to your friends when you need to vent; you’re not alone.

8. Lastly, College is Full of New Opportunities

Don’t be afraid to stretch your comfort zone and try things you never even thought of. You will learn a lot about yourself over the next year. I switched my major and learned that you don’t have to be a doctor to help people. Now I am not taking courses that make me cry every day. I never thought I’d be writing for Odyssey, but it is something I look forward to every week. Everyone feels like they have to figure things immediately or only take classes they can ace, but try classes outside your major or join a club that seems fun. Each year you will see a diverse course catalog full of opportunities; do yourself a favor and take some classes because they sound interesting. You don’t have to have the next twenty years planned out; just embrace the next four years. If we open our minds to the possibilities, the universe has a way of putting us exactly where we belong.

Good Luck This Year!