It is that time of year again--when high school seniors pack up their bags after graduation and head off to freshman orientation. Most college bound students have no idea what to expect out of orientation; I know my friends and I definitely did not. Here are some things I wish I had been told that will hopefully make you feel more comfortable before your orientation:

1. There is no possible way you will remember all the information you are given.

"Okay so if you are sick, you need to make an appointment at...", "call this number if you need some advice", "the dining hall is open...." are all common phrases we are bombarded with throughout our orientation experience. It is absolutely impossible to remember all of this information. Do not be afraid to ask questions or jot key information down on a note in your phone. In addition, most important phone numbers and answers to frequently asked questions will be handed out on pieces of paper or magnets during orientation (keep them).

2. Everyone is in the same position when it comes to not knowing anyone or trying to make friends.

It can be pretty intimidating to enter an environment where you are supposed to interact with others while not knowing anyone initially. You are in the same boat with everyone else, and everyone is especially eager to make friends at orientation. Be open to talking to the people in your small group, or the person you sit next to at presentations. The most friendly your classmates will ever be is during orientation. You do not have to be friends with them forever, but it is nice to get to know people you can spend your time with during orientation.

3. You will probably never interact with people you meet at orientation during the school year.

That being said, the people you meet at orientation probably will not be your best friends for life (though they could be) or even for the rest of freshman year. When you get to school in the fall, you will become better friends with people you meet in your dorm (shout out to the Thurston fourth floor squad), people in your classes, and people in the same student orgs as you. People will approach you throughout the year claiming to have met you at orientation, and you probably will not remember them at all.

4. Your freshman dorm will probably not be all that you have built it up to be in your mind.

When I first saw my freshman dorm at my orientation, I was in shock. I remember telling my mom that I felt like I was at camp, not in a dorm room. You will learn to love your freshman dorm once it becomes full of the people and memories you love. Give it a chance, no matter how ratchet it may seem at first glance.

5. Your orientation leader will probably be the coolest person you meet at orientation. Take advantage of all he/she has to offer.

Orientation leaders are selected through an extremely competitive process that leaves incoming students with the best of the best. Not only do they have an incredibly vast amount of knowledge regarding all matters related to your university, but they have also been in your shoes. They know which Econ professor to avoid, the quickest way to get across campus, and the best places to eat after a night out. Do not be afraid to reach out to them during orientation and the rest of the year. Their job is to help you in every way they can.

6. Orientation is not party time. Your university will not hesitate to rescind your offer of admission if you are caught partying.

One student the year before me was kicked out of my university for possession of alcohol during orientation. He never even got to experience freshman year. There really is no time for partying between all the activities, so you might as well save it for freshman year. Trust me, you will have plenty of fun then.

7. You will get lost the entire time. That's okay.

During my freshman orientation, my roommate and I found ourselves Google mapping our way to Whole Foods. It was pretty sad. Do not be afraid to ask for directions or follow large mobs of people who look like they know where they are going.

8. There is no point in trying to make a fashion statement during orientation.

Orientation is usually in the middle of the summer, and boy is it HOT outside. Being comfortable while walking in the heat is far more important than looking cute. I highly recommend comfortable shoes because you will be walking a lot more than you are used to.

9. Do not be afraid of making a schedule. No one actually knows how to, but somehow, we all figure it out.

Nothing was more daunting to me than being told I was supposed to format my own schedule. I had absolutely no idea which classes to take, times to take them at, or professors to select. My schedule worked out great, and my advisor was very helpful with any questions I had regarding what classes to take. A good balance of general education and major related classes, maybe with an elective, is key. Ratemyprofessor.com will become your best friend.

10. Freshman year itself is far better than orientation.

Orientation is supposed to be a preview into your university life, but in all, it is really just a lot of information. The best year of your life will start in the fall,and you have so much to look forward to.

Remember to enjoy summer in the meantime.