Dear Upcoming FreshCo Dawgs,

First off, congrats. You're taking our place as the most competitive group of freshmen to come to UGA; a throne that will probably be out of your possession too this time next year, but that's not important right now. What's important is that you've signed up to do FreshCo which will ultimately be the greatest decision you make this year. From an early move-in, getting familiar with campus (and downtown of course), and making a ton of new friends, you'll be more than prepared once the fall comes around.

You're also making more history in that you'll be living in O-House instead of Creswell Hall, the home of FreshCo for the past few years. Although I didn't live in O-House, I know that if you, the FreshCo kids, are there, it will be the place to be.

You'll be taking two classes, one UNIV course and one other course. This will result in 6 hours of credit to start you off at UGA. Be aware; this isn't like high school. I know a lot of you were probably able to cruise through without studying, but that won't be the case this summer. While your life won't be totally filled with nights in your room studying, you will have to put in effort. It won't be bad if you keep up with your readings and do your work. If you have a test on Tuesday, maybe skip going out that Monday. These are the first grades you make in college - don't start off on the wrong foot.

There aren't any unspoken rules on how to dress for class. In your classes there will be some people that roll out of bed and show up, and there will be some that get dressed up. Just do you. However whatever you end up wearing, make sure it works for the weather. It will be HOT, and you will be walking to class. Keep that in mind when you're looking in your closet in the morning.

For some of you, this summer will be the first time you go out in Athens. The fear you have while waiting in line to show the bouncer your ID for the first time is unlike any other, and then the sensation of relief and success you feel when they actually let you in is the same. Don't get careless though, you don't wanna see yourself on UGA mugshots.

Overall, for you this summer will be an incredible experience. Countless times for the rest of the year you will hear people say "oh you did FreshCo? I wish I'd done that" and you will never get tired of hearing it. Soak it up while you can because come fall the classes get harder, the bars get crowded, and more people move in.

But hey, that'll be awesome too.

Much love,

Kat