I’m not going to lie, I am freaking out right now. Not the outward, visible shaking, cold sweats, and wandering eyes kind-of freaking out. I mean the “my mind is moving at 150 mph but I’m acting relatively chill on the outside” kind-of freaking out.
At present time, it’s less than a week until I, Isabelle Vail, who left the country for the first time for a week-long trip in May, move to France for a semester. I’m leaving behind some of my best friends, my family, and the English language. With these abroad jitters creeping in the back of my mind, I can’t help but think back to the last time I jumped into a major lifestyle change: freshman year of college.
I’m sure many brand-new collegiettes are feeling these same nerves, so before I switch to writing about my abroad experience, here’s an all-American focused, orientation approaching article.
If you’re freaking out over orientation, you’ve heard it all before, “It’s natural.”; “You’ve got nothing to worry about!”; “These are going to be the best days of your life.” I’ll be honest though. These worries and moments of nervous tension are not just going to disappear as soon as you arrive on campus. It’s all a learning experience and a warm-up for the real world. With time you will find a routine, and home, at college.
But if you need some comfort in the meantime, here’s a nice Top 10 List of things to do for yourself pre-FDOC (First Day of Classes). This one is for you.
1. Write it down. Or write something down – maybe writing a list of things you are looking forward to doing. Or a few chapters for a book or a short story about something random. Use writing as the perfect distraction you need to chill out.
http://giphy.com/gifs/tim-kaine-xieuDEXX78OYw
2. Internet-binge. There are so many random websites to distract you and inform you about the weirdest or coolest things around. Why are we the Demon Deacons? Why isn’t Wake Forest University located in Wake Forest?
http://parents.wfu.edu/files/2011/10/HC-10-football-flag.jpg
3. Organize an agenda. If you prefer order, collecting information (particularly orientation info) and filling it into a time sheet or calendar really helps. Planners will save your life in college so I would recommend investing in a cute one, like this one.
https://www.lillypulitzer.com/section/agendas/429.uts
4. Doodle. This one is kind-of obvious because it’s the absolute distractor. Maybe try a more determined sort of doodle, like a Zentagle. Google it and be amazed; directions can be found online.
5. Reading. Do it now because when you take your English divisional/become an English major, your time for leisurely reading will quickly diminish. How about a little Harry Potter? Here is a list of a few page-turners.
http://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2016/02/11/…
6. Utilize an Adult/Mindfulness Coloring Book. This is a psychologist-recommended activity that clears your mind and provides ultimate focus. You can also use your old childhood ones if you’re a money-saver or are crayon-challenged.
http://www.everythingetsy.com/2015/08/printable-coloring-pages-for-adult…
7. Pet your dog for a really long time. Snuggle party, anyone?
http://giphy.com/gifs/disney-pixar-up-dug-wPDLruZ7GqnXG
8. Go to the gym? If you like exercise. Some people see it as a stress-reliever. Or stretch if you’re like me and are less inclined to partake in intense activity.
giphy.com/fitness-amy-schumer-fitspo-10JTWlYFj5t3Us
9. Drink tea and sit in the bath. It sounds kind of weird, but bathing with a hot tea is super refreshing and is one of those things you won’t be able to do in college dorm showers. You might look kind of silly sitting in your communal dorm shower sipping a mug of chamomile. Or it could be a great conversation starter. Your choice.
http://giphy.com/gifs/keeping-up-with-the-kardashians-kuwtk-kylie-jenner…
10. Just drive. Listening to music and driving somewhere with nonexistent traffic and breathtaking scenery is straight-out-of-a-movie relaxation. If you don’t have gas money, bike. Or walk. Or sit on your porch.
http://giphy.com/gifs/yosub-britney-spears-laughing-iggy-azalea-l41m6vM0…
So maybe those work for you. Or, maybe they don’t. I hope you’ll give one a try for some momentary peace. I’ll be using the list as much as I can in these next few days before the big jump to Dijon, France. Best of luck with orientation and FDOC, collegiettes. I’ll be back with an abroad-focused blog, Biz with Izz.