Can you believe it's already July? And for college students, that means more most of us move-in day is just under two months away. For those of us returning, we are excited to get back into the swing of our routines and see our college friends again. But for incoming freshmen, we all know the amount of jitters you're feeling right now. So, I took to social media and texted some of my friends and compiled a list of the most common worries and questions that incoming freshmen have. Keep in mind, these are answers that are based off of my experiences at my college.
How does move-in day work?
I won't lie, move-in day is hectic. Emotions run high because you are excited and nervous and probably a bit stressed. Your parents are nervous about leaving you once you're all settled. Depending on where you go to school, freshman probably move in a day or two before the rest of on-campus students. And there are usually events planned just for freshmen during those days so get you out there meeting new people and comfortable with your new home.
How will I balance school work, a social life, and extracurricular activities?
It straight up takes practice. You can't just walk into college on the first day of classes and know exactly how to manage everything you have to do. It's going to take some time, but I promise you will find what works best for you. You will eventually get a feel for how you can use your time during the day to get work done (very different from high school, where you get everything done in the afternoon and night). You also have to know when you have to say "no" to social events. Don't get me wrong, the social aspect of college is also really important, but you have to learn when it's time for work, and when it's time to play.
Will I make friends?
You will absolutely make friends. Everyone who is a first year student is in the same boat as you. They are all as open to meeting to people and eager to make friends as you are. The only way you know if you like someone is to talk to them, so talk to people in your classes, visit your neighbors in your dorm, and just be open to new experiences.
Am I in the right major?
You won't really know if you are in the right major until you give it a try! You might be unsure what you want right now, but to be honest, no one really does. If after one semester or your first year, you are just bored in you classes or find you really aren't that interested in your field, you can switch majors! It's actually way more common than you would think.
What are college classes like compared to high school classes?
I guess this would be a personal opinion, but I think that college classes are harder than high school classes. In high school, I took Honors and AP level courses. But college is like taking all AP classes. You have to develop the time management and organizational skills that high school classes didn't really require. In high school, there were probably times you could pass on studying and still manage to do well. College isn't like that. IF you want an A, you need to invest the time.
What are the professors like?
This is a tough question because professors are just people too, and all people are of course different. In general, professors like to see that students care and are putting in effort. They like to see you asking questions, sitting in the front half of the classroom, that you are attentive in class, and that you are putting in the hours outside of the classroom. Occasionally, you might get a professor who is the exception to this, but my advice is to get to know your professors. If a professor can put a face to a name when they are doing grades, that may actually help you out! In the very least, every professor is a potential connection for the future. And if they are in your field, you are definitely going to want to be on their good side.
What is a dorm bathroom like?
It definitely takes some getting used to. In my freshman dorm, there were about 6 bathroom stalls, 5 sinks, and 5 showers. The first few weeks are strange, and you feel weird about changing in your dorm room and brushing your teeth right next to someone you don't really know. But give it a month, and it will just be the new normal.
What if my roommate and I don't get along?
The chances of you and your roommate at least being able to stand each other enough to live together are actually pretty good, especially if you take the survey about lifestyle choices. It's great if you end up being great friends with them, but in reality, you just need to be able to feel comfortable sleeping at night and being in the room at the same time as them. If you two absolutely cannot stand each other, it's probably best to talk to an RA or Residence Life.
What if I get homesick?
It's ok if you do, because you probably will feel a little homesick at some point! My advice would be to try your very best to not go home during the first 6 weeks of moving in. This is a critical time for getting comfortable and being confident that you can live on your own. Call home often, invite you family up to visit if you can, but try to stay at school in the beginning.
When should I buy my textbooks?
I would wait to buy textbooks until you know that you will definitely need them. Classes in your major, I would just go ahead and buy the book, because you might go back to it in the future for reference. But make sure you price compare and also consider renting books that you won't need after one semester. I held off on buying my chemistry book and used the online version. I saved myself over $200.
How long does it take to adjust to living on your own?
This varies from person to person. Some you will find adjust very quickly to new situations, while others you may find don't really open up until nearly the end of first semester. Like I said above, those first 6 weeks are critical. I would say for me, it took about one month to feel like I knew for the most part where I was going and how to manage my time.
What is it like eating in a dining hall?
This also depends on where you go to school, but this does take some getting used to as well (do you see a trend here?). Another thing about the dining hall is that it is totally normal to eat alone. In the beginning, you will always want to go with someone, but once you get comfortable, you will probably find that you like the alone time! Everyone does it, so it's not like high school where it would be weird if you ate alone in the cafeteria at lunch. Totally not the same.
What do professors mean by "office hours"?
Office hours are basically a time block that professors are required to be in their offices for students to come and ask questions. You typically do not need to set up an appointment beforehand, you just show up! Office hours are good for if you have a quick question that other students visiting can benefit from as well. If you are really struggling and need individual help, you may want to set up an appointment with that professor in addition to going to office hours.
What if I get sick while I'm at school?
Getting sick at school is so not fun. I had a sinus infection during finals, so I know. If you just have a cold or a flu, you should absolutely go to your school's health services so you can get excused from class if necessary and of course so you can get better. To avoid getting sick, wash your hands often, eat well, and get as much sleep as you can.
What should I be doing between now and move-in day?
Between now and the end of August, start organizing everything you will need for move in. Communicate with your roommate(s) and figure out who will bring things like a printer, microwave, mini fridge, etc. Price compare on big purchases like bedding and laptops, and check if the store as a student discount! Go to orientation, and get as much information as you can. And finally, spend as much time as you can with your family and friends. Good luck to all new students this Fall! You'll be a pro in no time at all.
