Dear incoming college freshman,
College is a new and exciting experience. It is a time to discover yourself, to make new friends, new memories, and to have the time of your life. Leaving your home may be the hardest thing you’ve ever done or something you’ve been waiting on for months now. Either way, make the most of it.
Going into freshman year, I never knew that the people in my hall would become the people I trust the most in my life. I know it’s not like that for everyone, but I was lucky. My hall was filled with the most amazing people I have ever met in my life and as a college senior; they are still my core group of friends. None of that would have happened if I didn’t open up my door (literally) to them. Don’t be afraid to make new friends. Put yourself out there. Well, because everyone else is in the same boat as you.
Some people may disagree, but try to stay at school on the weekend. You went away to college for a reason. Have the time of your life and live it up, because you will miss it. The weekends are the times when you can hang out with your friends, roommates, and hall all day long with no responsibilities. That’s when bonds are formed and memories are made. I loved waking up with my roommates on the weekends and going for breakfast and just talking about everything and anything.
Take advantage of professor’s office hours. Go to them, all the time, even for little questions. Even if you have an awful professor, go to office hours. You’d be surprised how much better someone can be one on one rather than in a big group. You might also score some brownie points and they might bump up your grade because you care.
Get involved. I can’t stress this enough. Sure your grades and your friends are important, but you also have to think about your resume. It’s a great way to meet new people and you’ll have so many opportunities you might not have taken advantage of otherwise. I can personally say I would have never gone out to do the color run, or relay for life, or so many other events that I love if it wasn’t for getting involved in an organization.
Always remember that your family is still at home and they love you. It doesn’t matter if you couldn’t wait to get away to school or if it was the hardest thing you’ve ever done, your family is missing you just as much as you miss them. When I was at school, I made sure to always text or call my parents once a day or a week at least (or else I would get a text asking if I forgot who they were). You’re both making an adjustment and sometimes they need the reassurance that everything is okay more than you do.
Just remember to live it up and take advantage of every opportunity you have because they won’t come around again. Appreciate it while you still have time. It goes so much quicker than you think and you’ll wish you could slow down time.
Sincerely,
A very sad to be graduated college alumni