The summer after senior year has come and gone, and before you even knew what was going to hit you, WHAM! It's time to pack your life into an array of duffel bags and tote boxes, jam yourself and your foggy-eyed parents into the minivan and ride for who knows how long to the college and cinderblock cell that will be your home away from home (at least until Thanksgiving).
How do you adjust? What is this "welcome week" thing all about? How do you work the washing machine? There are so many questions and so much stress facing you that it can be overwhelming. So ... can I offer a few words of advice?
Now, I'm not an expert, since I'm only a freshman myself. But I think there are a few things I could share that might ease the tension that all this Bed, Bath & Beyond shopping has probably caused you.
1. It's OK that you went slightly overboard with the packing.
You will not be the only one who brought one — or seven — too many pairs of shoes. Worse comes to worst, bring the extra items home on break. Or make mom and dad lug it back after you've said your goodbyes.
2. You're allowed to be homesick.
You're allowed to be a little bummed. You're allowed to cry when you're saying your goodbyes. You're allowed to miss your dog. It's totally fine! Just don't let the Debbie Downer attitude stick with your too long. You've got college to enjoy!
3. Don't be afraid to ask your dumb questions.
Everyone around you was once a freshman, and odds are, they have asked the same question you're hesitating to ask right now! If you're confused about classes, you get lost, or if, like me, you really don't know how to do laundry, asking for help can't hurt you.
4. Everyone else is just as nervous as you are.
Seriously! Every insecurity and terrible knot of anxiety in your stomach is shared with the rest of your class. They are just as excited and semi-scared to meet you as you are to meet them. Everyone knows it's awkward, yet everyone is going to try and pretend that it's not. Embrace the weird, and run with it. The social media stalking may have already happened, but don't let that stop you from making conversation and starting friendships. You're not going to possibly stay close with everyone you meet at orientation, but saying hi is a great start to make connections across campus. Not sure how to start talking? A compliment goes a long way!
5. Don't feel limited by the person you were.
If looking back at your high-school-self feels like you're looking at someone you don't now, guess what? You don't have to stay that person in college. In high school, I was in every show. Now? I'll be working only backstage. Odds are, the people at your university don't know you for any embarrassing middle school mishap or high school gossip. They might know you from the Facebook group page, or maybe they don't know you at all. Regardless, don't feel like you can't try new thing and meet new people at school, just because they aren't the type the "old you" would have done or been with. Change is a good, good thing.
Let freshman year be a wild adventure that you never forget. You're starting a new chapter, so you might as well make a splash! There are no do-overs, so start ont he right foot, class of 2019. In the words of Ms. Frizzle, "Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!"
