Walking on to your campus for the first time as a student is the most nerve wracking feeling that you will probably ever have. You are leaving home for the first time, a lot of people doing things they never have before such as going to the doctor, or even maybe grocery shopping. It is a lot of changes in a short period of time. A lot of people are also moving from their home state when they go away to college.

I moved all over 2000 miles to go to college. People move from all over, from the next county over, from other countries, to just a few states over. All of these are big changes. You have to find your ways around your new cities, finding the doctor, the cheapest place to get groceries (because now you’re a broke college student) and of course the school hangouts that are off of campus. I know it is scary moving somewhere that you are so unfamiliar with but it will become home soon and you will know it like the back of your hand at the end of the four years.

Another new thing is you will be away from your family and the people who have always been there for you. I know that leaving your mom and dad seems like such a great thing because you finally get that freedom you have always wished for, but I promise you will miss them as much as they miss you. You’re not the only one that is sad or homesick, I promise. Call your parents once a week and let them know that you love them and are thinking about them, it means a lot to them and will most likely make you feel so much better.

You are not the only new person on campus, put yourself out there. I made the mistake of not being open to making new friends my first week and I have regretted it since. The friends you make in college are your forever friends, the ones who help shape you into the adult you become. Having great friends will make the bad times so much better. They become your family, they make you laugh and hold you when you cry, the friends you make in college are important in your life, so put yourself out there and have fun!

College is what you make it, go to class, eat some junk nut miss in some veggies, study hard and don’t forget to have fun. These are the days that you’ll never forget and will always want to relive.