College is like a little world where nothing else seems to matter. This new world can seem overwhelming if you're not prepared. Here are a few things I learned throughout my first year of college that helped me during my first week to adjust and make more friends.
My first and probably most important piece of advice is to open your door. During your first few weeks at college, keep your door open! Some of my closest friends at college were made simply because my roommate and I decided to keep our door open as much as possible.
By having the door open, it let our hall-mates know we were welcoming and wanted to be friends! During the first week of college, basically everyone is in the same place; they don't know anyone!
Your hall is the best place to meet people because you are literally going to be living with these people for the next year!
Going to college is already out of everyone's comfort-zone, so just embrace it and put yourself out there as much as you can! I know this is hard…during my first week of college I had an anxiety attack at an event my university was holding.
I didn't know anyone well enough to say anything so I just went to the bathroom, put myself back together, and then waited for the right time to leave. No, it wasn't the best way to start off my college career, but I was determined to go outside of my comfort zone and now I can say that it all worked out!
Your first week is the best week to make friends and events are set up to make it easier. It's completely normal to feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed; trust me when I say you are not alone!
Don't be afraid to go to all the events, start conversations, get people's contact information, and initiate a friendship! It will pay off in the end!
This probably isn't an issue all new college student have, but don't skip meals because you have no one to go with! During orientation I only knew a very limited amount of people and we all had completely different schedules. My first three days at school I would just eat snacks in my dorm and called it a lunch because I didn't want to go alone.
Looking back now, I wish I would have just gone to the cafe. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being alone! Especially during your first weekend, you can ask anyone to sit and eat with them and I don't think anyone would turn you down!
Even if you decide to eat alone, someone will probably join you! So learn from my mistakes and don't be afraid to eat alone if you have to.
Next, make sure you leave early for everything! During your first couple of days on campus (possibly even your first couple of weeks) you're going to get lost. It happens to just about everyone, so embrace it and plan for it.
I recommend keeping your schedule and map of campus on your phone. When you get lost, don't be afraid to ask for help! Honestly, there are some buildings you won't go into unless you have certain classes, so even upperclassman ask where buildings are all the time.
And most importantly, give yourself plenty of time! I get lost all the time so I knew I had to make sure I had time to spare. I normally left 10 to 15 minutes before I probably had to for class, and that extra time was a life saver. It's always better to be early than late.
During your first few days, be open to being friends with everyone and anyone! This is not the time to make judgements.
If someone offers to go to lunch with you, go! You don't need to be everyone's friend but first impressions are key! Be kind to everyone and make as many connections as possible. You never know who you might click with.
You are going to meet a lot of people your first week of college. A lot of the people you meet probably won't turn into life long friends, but some of them might! College is a place where you will meet people of all different backgrounds and upbringings. Be open to new friendships!
Everyone's college experience is different; you might find yourself not needing any of these tips that helped me so much. But one thing that stands true for everyone is college is the time to be unapologetically you.
Don't stress, things don't matter as much as you make them out to. Enjoy your first year because it will be over before you know it.
