So you're going to be a freshman at Bridgewater in just a few short days? Let me be one of the first people to say hello and welcome to our little school. It's likely that you're feeling quite the whirlwind of emotions; nervous, excited, a little bit scared, ready to escape your home town, and maybe even a little anxious to leave home. It's all normal, and everyone has felt that way as a freshman. Don't down play it; moving away to college is a big change. As a junior at Bridgewater, there are a few things that I wish someone would have told me, and that's why I feel the need to put together an honest welcome to Bridgewater College.
1. You probably won't get lost, but if you do, it's OK.
Bridgewater is a small place, with only a handful of academic buildings and places to go. While it might be a bit of a walk, the building's never move and you'll get a hang of where everything is in no time. But if you do get lost (it happens), don't be afraid to ask for help. Someone will know where to go, and they won't mind pointing you in the right direction.
2. You'll make friends, don't worry.
Everyone shows up to college friendless and completely lost. You'd be surprised how easy it is to make friends when everyone feels completely alone. You'll make friends within minutes of moving in, and you'll keep meeting so many people you won't remember names. Don't bank on all of those people staying your friends; sometimes it's only the situation that brings you together. You'll meet your best friends in no time.
3. You'll probably feel homesick.
Almost everyone feels homesick at some point. Luckily, after a few months, that goes away. While you might miss your parents or your friends from home, you'll get so sucked in at school, that eventually Bridgewater feels like home, not just school.
4. Everyone is really that nice. It wasn't just an act for orientation.
Don't be scared of the upperclassmen, the professors, or anyone else. We all know where you're coming from and how you're feeling. After all, we've all been there before. People will answer your questions, and usually they'll smile and say hello even if they don't know you. People weren't acting when you came on a visit or orientation; people are actually nice here.
5. Be prepared for bad food. That was just an act for orientation.
The KCC is no where close to a five star restaurant. In fact, I don't even know if it would make a star. While you won't starve, you probably won't be happy with the food. After a while, it turns into a running joke, but don't be surprised if you find yourself a little sad about the food situation.
6. If you're an athlete, don't go into Nininger alone. It's a maze, and you may never find your way out.
If you're trying to figure out where your coach's office is, where the locker rooms are, or how to get to the Athletic Training Room, don't go alone. There are so many hallways, staircases, and random doorways that you'll probably get lost. You'll figure it out eventually, but stick to the buddy system until you get there.
7. Don't ask to go to the bathroom, just go.
There is no bigger sign of who's new to the whole college thing than asking to go to the bathroom. Even though you've been conditioned to ask before you go to the bathroom, don't do it at college. You're finally considered an adult, and professors don't really care if you get up and walk out, quietly. They'll actually be more irritated if you ask them to go to the bathroom.
8. Doctorate Degree = Dr. Anything else = Professor.
One of the weirdest adjustments to college life is figuring out what to actually call people. Usually, if you get it wrong, it's not a big deal. But some will get a little salty if you call them by the wrong thing. If it's not on the syllabus, it's pretty easy once you get the hang of it. If your professor has a Doctorate, call them Dr. If they don't, call them Professor.
9. Your AP class probably didn't prepare you for college.
Even though Advanced Placement classes were supposed to prepare you for college, I can pretty much guarentee that they didn't. College classes are different; you may not have homework every night, but you will have a lot of readings, papers, research and exams. Be prepared to work harder than you ever have before. But don't worry, the hard work will be worth it eventually.
10. This year will go fast. Enjoy it.
Freshman year goes fast. There are ups and downs, good times and bad times, homesickness and a whole lot of fun. Freshman year goes by fast, so enjoy it. Each year at school seems to go faster than the last, so don't wish your time away. Meet new people, do new things, and soon being at school isn't so bad after all.
