Little brother of mine,
How is it possible that we have reached the year where you begin your college career? It feels like just yesterday I was giving you an orientation of our high school, and now you're going to a college I am incapable of showing you around. Lucky for you, however, you have a big sister who has some college experience under her belt that may come in handy for you. With that said, please enter your freshman year with this advice and encouraging words in the back of your mind.
1. Don't wait until the last night to pack.
For starters, try and not procrastinate until the night before you move in to start packing all of your belongings. Remember all those times I freaked out because I couldn't find something? It will happen to you, I promise. Procrastination runs in our family, I get it, but try and think ahead. Being four hours away doesn't quite allow you come home easily to grab what you forgot.
2. Get to know your roommate.
This roommate of yours will be the very first friend you meet at college. You're also stuck with them for an entire academic year so try your best to get along. You are both going to be freshman and in an unknown area, so take that to your advantage. Hang out with each other, get to know each other and, most certainly, adventure the campus together. I tell you now, I am still friends with my freshman roommate and it's great.
3. Get to know your floor-mates.
This may sound silly, but the people who live on the same floor as you may also become some of your best friends. The best way to do this is to keep your door open. When people walk by, they will stop in to say hello and introduce themselves. Don't be afraid to walk into someone else's room either if their door is open. Soon you will find yourself having video game tournaments together or watching sports together. A group of girls I met got together every Wednesday night to watch "Criminal Minds." Or, a group of guys I met always kept their door unlocked so I could walk in and hang out with them whenever I wanted. I am still friends with a lot of people I met on my floor from freshman year; you already knew that.
4. Get to know your Residence Assistant (RA).
Your RA is truly there to help you. Yes, they will help you with your lockouts, but they will also be there to help guide you. They can give you advice on professors or classes, or even just another friendly face to have. Building a friendship with an RA will help you tremendously. Hey, my freshman year RA graduated but we still meet for Starbucks when we have free time! Don't look at your RA as someone above you, but rather just another college student who wants to make friends.
5. Do not wear your lanyard around your neck.
I am totally not kidding when I say that this is a total freshman move. Don't do it. I am serious, just don't.
6. Never be afraid to ask for help.
College is definitely going to be scary at first. You are in a new atmosphere, you don't know anyone and it is certainly not high school anymore. You can't skate by in college. Yes, you actually have to study and put effort into your work. There will be plenty of resources around you that will lead you to a successful college career. Professors have office hours for a reason, the library can be used more than just for finals week and you have classmates that may understand better than you do or you understand more than they do. Study groups with classmates have been a huge success for me not only academically, but also socially. Use them to your advantage.
7. Go to class.
On the first day of classes, your professor will announce and have it written in their syllabus whether or not attendance is required. I am telling you now, even if they don't have an attendance policy, still go to class! Like I have said before, college is nothing like high school and you can easily fall behind. It may seem easy at first with general education electives, but it will only get more challenging as you further your education. Also, if your professor sees you attending class and putting in effort, they are more likely to give you extra help when you reach out for it. We both know the many times where I had to reach out to a professor due to an illness or just not understanding what was going on and they gladly helped me. It may seem like some professors only want you to fail, but most only want success.
8. Get involved.
Getting involved will help you in so many ways. It will obviously help you socially. Get involved in Greek life, intramural, clubs that interest you, on-campus jobs, etc.; the options are near endless. This will also ensure that you are not just staying in your dorm room all the time bored. I was barely involved my freshman year and I was so bored. I was so bored that I even thought about transferring because I blamed it on the location of my school. I was so totally wrong. Sophomore year came around and I joined an intramural, a sorority and a honors society and I am no longer bored. Don't wait until sophomore year like I did. Along with more social engagement, getting involved also serves as a resume builder. That will come in handy when you become a senior or graduate and ready to enter the real world.
9. Don't forget where you came from.
It's very easy to get wrapped up into your new life. Shortly, college becomes your home away from home. However, do not forget where you came from. You may dislike part of your hometown now, but you will grow to miss it. You'll miss your pets, your friends and most importantly, your family. Never think that just because you went to college that your family has stopped caring about you. We will always be here for you to encourage you and listen about the new stresses in your life. We may be several miles away, but we would still hop in the car in a heartbeat if you needed us. Don't forget to send a text home to let mom and dad know you're okay. Try to call too, if you have the time. Always text me if you need college advice or you need a visit.
10. Always remember, I love you.
I cannot believe my little brother is entering college and a whole new chapter to his life. It will be weird coming home on weekends and knowing you won't be there when I get home. I also won't be able to text you asking how home is because you won't be there anymore. You will now tell me stories of things you're doing with people I have no idea who they are unless I Facebook creep on them. We have grown up to practically be best friends. We have grown accustom to going out to eat with each other or going to a sporting event together. We go to each other for advice and we are there for each other when one needs it. Please, always text or call me if you need anything such as more advice than this article gave you, a familiar voice to talk to, someone to rant to or someone to share your new life with. I will always be here for you and you better believe your big sister will drive to your campus right away if anyone tries to hurt you. I love you, always.
I am so proud of you,
Your big sister
