Dear College Freshmen,

Most of you have probably moved in by now, so I don’t need to give you advice on what to pack or how to survive orientation. You’ve made it through the moving process and started your classes, but there’s so much more to come. Right now you’re probably enjoying the freedom from your parents, feeling excited and/or nervous, and ready for a nap.

Trust me, I know how you feel. I was in the same boat just one year ago. While everyone’s experiences are different depending on who they are and where they go to school, there are some things that every college freshman has in common. So here’s my advice to you on how to make the very best of this crazy year.

First, get involved. Join clubs, go to student activity fairs, and find out what opportunities are out there. It’s the perfect way to meet new people, and most colleges will have something for everyone. But don’t get too involved, because you may soon realize that you have your hands more full than you thought.

Another great way to meet new people is by keeping your door open. That was my favorite thing about my dorm last year, we all kept our doors open so that anyone could just pop their head in and say hello. It’s how we got to know each other at the beginning of the year, by walking down the hallway and introducing ourselves.

My next piece of advice is about laundry. First off, don’t let your clothes pile up too high. But most importantly, when you do your laundry set yourself a timer. Always know when it’s going to be done, and be there to take it out as soon as the time runs out. This is for two reasons. First, no one likes to sit there and wait for a washer to open up. And second, most people aren’t nice enough to wait. They will take your laundry out, and you never know where it’s going to end up. Do you really want some stranger touching your underwear?

Another part of dorm life that most freshmen will experience is the communal bathroom. To be honest, I didn’t mind it. As weird as it sounds, it’s a great way to meet new people. You’ll leave your room a lot more often when the bathroom is down the hall. I always enjoyed when I was brushing my teeth before bed and had other girls to chat with. Yes, having your own bathroom is great, but every situation has its pros and cons. My biggest piece of advice about using a communal bathroom is this: wear shower shoes!

I think one of the most important parts about adjusting to college is learning time management skills. Some of you might only have two classes a day and feel like you’ll have hours of free time, but that’s not usually the case. While taking naps and watching Netflix in between classes is wonderful, you may all of a sudden realize that it’s 11:00 at night and you have hours of homework to do.

It’s hard to find time each day for going to class, doing homework, eating three meals, working out, spending time with friends, and watching your favorite show. So set your priorities, figure out what schedule works best for you, and accept that there won’t always be enough time in the day to get everything done.

Remember, you’re going to college to get a degree. It’s unfortunate how many students use it just as an opportunity to get drunk every night. There are so many people out there who would love to go to college but are unable to. It’s okay to have fun, but go to class, do the work, and don’t take advantage of the amazing opportunity you’ve been given.

When it comes to doing your schoolwork, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Get to know your professors and classmates, use resources such as the tutoring center, and find friends to study or do your homework with. College isn’t easy, but you don’t have to struggle through it either. There are many helpful resources available, so be sure to use them.

When I started college last year, one of the biggest things I struggled with was homesickness. I missed my family, my bedroom, and the feeling of being at home. Before long, I realized that I wasn’t alone. There were hundreds of other people feeling the same way I was. Also, I quickly realized that I felt right at home at Endicott.

Some of you may feel homesick for several weeks, others will feel it on occasion, and a few may not be homesick at all. My advice to all of you is to call home when needed (because it’s a big adjustment for your parents, too) and to lean on the people around you that are in the same boat. You'll soon realize that you are calling college "home."

When it does get to that point, don’t forget where you came from. Remember the teachers that helped prepare you for college, the friends that were always by your side, and the family that continue to support you through it all. Your hometown, whether big or small, should always hold a special place in your heart.

On another note, let’s talk about the infamous “Freshman 15.” It’s a real thing. Thankfully I didn’t experience it, but I know plenty of people who did. To avoid gaining lots of weight in your first year of college, I would recommend going to the gym a few times a week and being cautious at your all-you-can-eat dining hall.

Don’t stress yourself out over it. Just exercise when you can, and don’t eat burgers every night. It’s okay to cheat sometimes, because what’s life without those chocolate chip cookies?

Well, now it’s time for my last piece of advice. Be confident. Step out of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to try new things. College is the perfect opportunity to find yourself, because you’ve got a clean slate and no one knows what “normal” is for you. Before you know it, this year will be over. So work hard, have fun, and don't sweat the small stuff.

Sincerely,

A College Sophomore