Don't Worry About Being The Perfect Freshman, Just Be Yourself | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Life Stages

Don't Worry About Being The Perfect Freshman, Just Be Yourself

Hindsight is 20/20, but none of us were the perfect freshman either.

76
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmYl6FSjt7T/?taken-by=collegeofcharleston.odyssey
@collegeofcharleston.odyssey

In the weeks leading up to the start of the school year, there are a lot of opinions being put out there for freshmen to see. You'll see a lot of advice for things not to do, must-haves for your dorm, what to wear (or not wear), and how to avoid looking like a typical freshman. My two cents?

Don't worry about it.

Coming to college for the first time comes with a lot of craziness, and I think the last thing someone needs to deal with at that point is trying to fit in or stand out. There's a reason that freshmen look like freshmen—because they are! There's a lot of things about being an adult on your own that come from experience. Consuming all the media you can about any topic will never compare to getting the real-life experience yourself. Worried about looking dorky? Go ahead and do it anyway! If you think that outfit is cute, wear it, whether you might regret it in two years or not.

If the worst thing that happens to you during your first year of college is someone giggling in the distance, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. That means you've done everything right! Transitioning into adulthood is no easy task, and there's just no smooth way to do it. Babies certainly look clumsy when they're learning to walk, but that doesn't stop people from gushing over how cute they are.

Remember—you are the baby, and people just think you look cute as you take your first steps. The trope isn't going anywhere, there is always going to be a majority of people following the stereotype. Best case scenario, you blend seamlessly into the crowd and no one notices you. Worst case scenario, you overdo it and now you look like an octopus with malfunctioning camouflage and everyone notices you (but not for the right reasons).

The best thing to do in the next few weeks is to just relax and get ready for a wild ride as you become an adult. College has this great way of being really easy and really hard at the same time, so take the easy moments and make them last as long as you can. Don't worry about lists of things you need for your dorm or stuff not to bring. If you think you'll need it, bring it! If you don't need it, sell it or donate it. Whatever you forgot you can always pick up as you go. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will your dorm room.

Hug your parents every day, because you'll miss them when they aren't around every day. Savor the home cooked food while you still have it. Give your dog a few extra treats. He'll be waiting for you to come back. But all the advice columns? Don't bother. The best thing you can do to blend into the crowd is to be yourself.

None of us know what we're doing. You'll fit in just fine.

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.

190980
 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

15305
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...

458162
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.

26777
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