On your first day of college you're going to be feeling a lot of things. It doesn't matter if it's your first day of freshmen year or your first day of your senior year. The first day is still the first day, and you're bound to be feeling excitement and anticipation for what's to come. Though the first day of freshmen year is different than any other first day, simply because you're holding high hopes for the school that you're attending, I'm here to shatter those hopes gently while replacing those hopes with new ones.
On your very first day you walk into a classroom. The faces are unfamiliar and you're starting to sweat a bit. You don't know where exactly is the best place to sit. You hear if you sit in the front you'll be called on, and in the back you may have trouble seeing, and the middle may be a safe zone, but you aren't 100 percent certain. You don't know if your teacher is a good one and you're starting to panic. You were confident before walking into the room, but now since you're here, you're a bit unsure. You're wondering if you're going to make any friends, if you're going to fit in, and you may or may not be having an identity crisis.
Unlike high school, the responsibility is on you, and I know they say that in high school, but if the school is calling your parents to let them know when you've skipped a class, or what your grades are. Not to say you're not completely responsible because, after all, it's your education, but here are the biggest things once you're in college: The teacher isn't going to contact your parents if you're near failing, you're an adult now, as you can skip classes and if you're dorming you can go out and party all night. You can not study for exams if you chose, but that's your choice and your money.
It's the first day, and it's the first sign that it's not like the movies; it isn't going to be partying all day, and easy success. It's going to be work hard and the benefits you get are from that hard work -- especially considering that there will be people there to help you, you're not alone. College is a community, and if you put the work and effort into the things you do, you'll be rewarded with a bunch of people rewarding your efforts by helping you to the fullest of theirs. Which is great, but it's still on you to reach out and grab those resources.
It's the first day and you're already loaded with work. College can be fun, and there will be parties, maybe not like the ones in the movies with the less than moderately dressed females, with the somehow seemingly all attractive males, all drowning in alcohol and drugs, where everyone seems to be dancing really slow or like exotic dancers. It's very unlikely you'll run into this kind of party, and I wouldn't put all my hopes on this actually happening. Getting an invitation to the playboy mansion may be easier. I'm not saying college isn't fun, it's just not a movie. Though what I do believe is this, you want to have fun? Join a club, clubs throw events and they do hold parties, some parties are inclusive to only club members, and you'll make a bunch of friends while doing so. There will be a lot of clubs on campus, and there may not be a club you like, if not, make it yourself! There'll be people who are interested.
The first day isn't the day where you dive in head first, you're testing the waters. Things change as time goes on. Hence, why you're testing the waters. The person you stuck yourself with the first day could become the person you absolutely hate the next, and because you went in head first, making new bonds with the rest of the class may be tough. My advice is to be nice to everyone, even if you don't like the person. What you think of someone today, could change a year from now, and being on someone's bad side in college can be a whole lot of drama. It may seem fun to watch, but you don't want to be a part of it.
All in all, you're going to enjoy your first day, maybe be a little disappointed as well, because its probably not what you think, other than a lot of work, and for the returning students, it's a reminder that you still have months until summer. Just hang in there, you're not the only person having their first day, as you're not the only person who is scared, or excited, or confused. Just stay on the right path and it'll be alright for the most part. After all, it is the first day, and you don't need to stress. At least not yet.
