11 Things Incoming Freshmen Experience Before Going Off to College for the First Time | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

11 Things Incoming Freshmen Experience Before Going Off to College for the First Time

The summer before college can be long and drawn out for some, and it can go by way too fast for others.

11
11 Things Incoming Freshmen Experience Before Going Off to College for the First Time
Alexa Jurgeleit

While a part of me can't wait to go to college, another part of me is a little hesitant. As an incoming freshman, I can attest to the following list of emotions and experiences that freshmen like me are likely to encounter before college.

1. Excitement

This is probably the strongest emotion you are going to feel before getting to college. You can't wait to get out of your town and finally meet some new people. The most exciting part is that you'll be on your own, without parents, for a whole year!

2. Sadness

At the same time that you are super excited to go, you also feel sad leaving all of your amazing friends and memories behind. You know that there are even better things to come, but it can be hard to keep that fact in mind. You feel like you might not ever have friends like you have right now, again!

3. Fear

What if I don't make any friends? What if I hate it there and this ends up being the worst time of my life? What if I gain the freshman 15 in the first month that I'm there? What if my roommate tries to kill me? I mean, they're a total stranger!

4. A Shopping Craze

Going to college allows you to go shopping for, basically, anything. There is so much cute stuff that you didn't even know you might need, but now that you saw it, you absolutely have to have it! You can make an excuse to buy anything you want, and luckily, your parents will fund many of these shopping sprees.

5. Anxiety

Going to school is a little nerve wracking every year. It can be especially nerve wracking when you have no idea what to expect. You have no idea how big of an adjustment academics will be, or, in other words, will you be able to pass your classes?

6. Rethinking The Whole Idea

At one point you think, should I even go to college? There are plenty of jobs I can get without going to college and spending all this money! Also, I like my bed here at home, I'm not sure I want to risk going and sleeping on an uncomfortable mattress for so long. Am I making the right decision here?

7. Reassurance

Yes. Yes, you're making the right decision. After calming yourself down a little bit, you remember how much fun you will have, and how many opportunities will come out of this. This is definitely what you want to do, and what needs to happen.

8. FOMO

Whether you are the last of your friends to leave, or the first to go, you will experience some fomo. If you are one of the first to get to college, you will be sad that you're missing that extra time hanging out with old friends. If you're one of the last to go, you will be sad that you're missing out on all that fun college stuff! Snapchat is not always your favorite app because this is where everyone shows you what you're missing.

9. A Packing Frenzy

As the departure day gets closer, you have to try to figure out how to cram all of that stuff you bought into boxes and bags. After you do that, you wonder if it is even going to fit in your car, that is, if you're driving to school. Also, this packing usually gets put off for a while, so you have to do this large task in just a short amount of time.

10. Nostalgia

A small part of you wants to be little again so you don't have to worry about grades, money, the real world, and a whole lot more. You kind of wish you could go back for just a little while to remember what it felt like to be so young and carefree.

11. Tears

There will most likely be some tears shed, whether it be with a best friend, a boyfriend or girlfriend, or parents. College is a big change for everyone, and even if you're not super sad about leaving, you may cry a tiny bit. If you are sad about leaving, then you will probably cry a lot more, but then you remember that you're going to have an amazing time, and you will see all of your friends and family again very soon.
Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

198683
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

19956
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

461697
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28786
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments