Dear Incoming College Freshmen,

With move in day, and the start of classes just around the corner, this is a list of advice that I wish I got going into my freshman year. Being a rising junior, I definitely don’t claim to know everything about college, but hopefully these few tips will help you make the most out of your freshman year.

1. Pack Seasonally

The majority of people going to college go to one within their own state, which makes packing seasonally so easy. You only have a small amount of space, so only bring what you need, specifically clothes, until the next time you know that you’ll be going home.

2. Coordinate With Your Roommate(s)

Once again, you only have so much space in your residence hall room, so be sure to contact your roommate and decide together what each of you are bringing. I know that you might love to watch TV, but you don’t need three of them, two Xboxs and six microwaves.

3. Go To As Many Welcome Events As Possible

The majority of colleges have a few days, or weeks, that are made to welcome you to campus, and have some fun. Go to as many as possible, because you can meet as many potential friends as possible during those first few days. Also, DO NOT just go to the events that your friends are going to, go to the ones that interest you.

4. Don’t Worry About Being Homesick

Everyone gets homesick at one point or another. Whether it be the first night alone, or after a few weeks, everyone starts to miss being with their family and friends. It’s important not to let homesickness ruin your college experience and be cautious that homesickness does not become a stronger form of depression. Seek counseling if needed.

5. Build A Relationship With Your RA

Your RA is there to be a mentor for you during your time living on campus. Getting close with them and trying to build a long lasting relationship can benefit you in so many ways. Whether it be finding different things to do on campus, or getting you connected into your residential community. Be sure to leave your door open through the first week of school, to help get to know everyone on your hall better. Also, your RA isn't there just to get you in trouble, they want to help you grow as a person.

6. Find Your Niche

Whether you want it to or not, college is a fresh start for everyone, and it’s important to find your niche in college. Whether it be Greek life, acapella groups, Quidditch club, or really anything, find where you belong in your campus community. This will help you make the most out of your time in college, and help you find your lifelong friends. Find your new home on campus, and don't just live off of Netflix.

7. Find Your Organization Style of Choice

Once classes begin, be sure that you find your organizational style to be sure that you can balance all the different classes you are taking and extracurriculars. Personally I love having am “old fashioned,” agenda, but anything from that to Google Calendar is helpful. Also, BE SURE to save time for yourself; self-care is Important.

8. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Yourself

As stated previously, college is fresh start so be sure that you are the person that you want to be. Don’t worry about people judging you, because college is nothing like high school, and honestly no one cares. The seniors aren’t judging the freshman, and no one is going to make fun of you for riding your razor scooter to class, shoot, most of us are jealous of you. On that note, also don’t be afraid to hang out with someone who is different than you are, this is how you learn and grow.

9. Everybody Changes

For better or worse everyone in college changes. If someone that you came to school with, changes in a way you don’t like, then it’s OK that you are no longer friends. Also, be aware that you will change in more ways than you can imagine in your first year at school, and that’s okay. Embrace it.

I could honestly go on for hours writing advice for your first year, but just know to be true to yourself, and ask for help when you need it. We’re all here to help you during your first year, and we can’t wait to see you on move-in day

–All Upperclassman Everywhere