Starting college is undoubtedly one of the hardest and most challenging things someone goes through in their lifetime. You're being moved from a place that you may have spent your whole life, and entering a brand new world that may look a little scary from far away. I'm here to tell you that up close, it's not that terrifying. As I enter my senior year of college, I've allowed myself to reflect on my freshman year and remember all of the times I felt uneasy, and I'm proud of how far I've come and how much I've grown because of all the wonderful gifts college has given me. I know that it can be daunting as you start counting down the days until you have to say goodbye to your comfort zone and step into a dorm with a complete stranger sharing your space. I'd like to put all of your minds and thoughts at ease about starting this next, amazing chapter of your life. Here are a list of things I would like all college freshman to know:
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1. The existing students on campus are so happy that you are here.
In every movie to ever exist about college, it's played out like the upperclassmen don't like the freshman students. That is simply not the case. Depending on the level of school spirit at your college, chances are that the older students are thrilled to hear that you are new, and are going to be so eager to hear about your experiences thus far. Old college students love to feel nostalgic and hear about dorm life and roommate experiences and your first time at the dining halls! Don't be afraid of them just because they've been there longer. You're all trying to achieve the same goals!
2. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
Everyone wants you to succeed and love the school that you are attending, and hopefully you want both of those things too. No one should be expected to start a new life in a new environment and simply know how everything works. If you're frustrated because you can't figure something out, i.e. you don't know where your next class is, or you've been trying to get your on-campus mailbox open for the last 20 minutes and can't figure it out, just ask someone to help you! It never hurts to just ask. You may even make a new friend in the process!
3. You are not alone.
Depending on the size of your school, you are one of thousands of incoming first-year students who are all going through the same experience as you. While every first-year student will go through this process differently, everyone is experiencing change, and being able to relate to and support each other is such a special thing. Great bonds form in college when you realize you don't have to do everything by and for yourself.
4. You don't have to be best friends with your roommate.
You may get through the first couple of weeks of school and realize your roommate's personality is maybe not one that meshes well with your own. That is completely okay. You may look around and see all the other roommates doing everything together and getting along fine, and think that there may be something wrong with your pairing. That isn't always the case. If there is a real problem with your relationship with your roommate, talk to your RA about it and see what can be done; they are there to help you! You can still be civil and friendly with your roommate, and still have an incredible experience living together, without being attached at the hip.
5. Your RA is NOT out to get you.
I know you've probably heard a few horror stories about students getting in trouble with their RAs. More often than not, it was probably warranted. Again, every situation is different, but the RA's have a job to do, and take pride in doing that job well and appropriately. If you break the rules, you break the rules, my friends. Talk to your RA! Like your roommate, you don't have to be best buddies with them, but if you have a good relationship with them, it will be easier to talk to them about things that may come up during the year, and your living situation will be so much more comfortable.
6. Find a professor that you trust.
Even if you come into the school year undeclared and you're not sure which path is the right one for you academically, you're going to be in some great classes with some great professors. One of the best parts about college is building amazing relationships with professors who could possibly help you get an internship or job one day, or just give you general life advice when you really need it. In high school, most of us have that one teacher that we go to for everything and respect more than anyone. You can, and most likely will, find this in college. There is going to be one, or maybe more than one, professor that truly grabs your attention and makes you want to be the best student you can be. That's the professor you need to try to establish a relationship with. It's going to come in handy when you try to apply for things down the road and need good letters of recommendation from someone that truly knows you!
7. Four years fly by.
I mean it really flies. It feels like just yesterday I was moving into my dorm and going to my first football game. You should finish your four years with no regrets and with nothing unfinished. While college is meant to help prepare you for a successful future, it's so important to live in the moment and appreciate everything that is in front of you. Don't wish away your college experience, because when graduation rolls around, you're even going to miss those nights you spent in the library with your friends cramming for finals and writing 10-page papers. Leave no stone unturned. Join everything you want to join, go to events on campus, and treat yourself to that cookie cake from Campus Cookies, because in four short years, you're going to be dang glad that you did.
