To the collegiettes in the Class of 2018: Her Campus is SO excited to welcome you to Wake Forest.
As us upperclassmen greet your smiling faces, we’re met with a mixture of nostalgia and envy. Believe us when we say…your first year of college will FLY by.
We want to make sure that you have your best (and least awkward/embarrassing/difficult) year ever, so here’s some advice from the current Her Campus Executive Board to help you through.
For Friendship:
Photo from parents.wfu.edu.
“My advice would be be open to finding friends in different places. You don’t meet all your best friends in your hall or at parties! College is a great time to explore your personal interests, and you will find some long lasting friendships in those areas, especially those which might not have occurred to you previously.” Charlotte Sullivan ’17, Campus Celebrity Editor
“Don’t be stressed about making best friends in the first couple of weeks. Find some girls you like to hang out with…some of my best friends now are girls I met second semester. At the same time those first girls could be your good friends…so I guess just don’t stress and always be open to meeting new people.” Kathryn Wieber ‘17, Social Media
For Classes:
Photo from wfu.edu.
“Take classes in areas you’ve never studied before. You might discover something new you love and then you’ll also have more to go on when it’s time to choose your major. (Which by the way doesn’t even matter, BUT you don’t want to regret anything!)” Julia DeNuzzio ‘15, Photographer
“My advice would be to go abroad if possible, even if only for the summer. Even if you’re terrified, going will expand your worldview and definitely give you an opportunity to learn about yourself. It’s also a great way to gain confidence in yourself.” Heidi Gall ’15, Features Co-Editor
“USE YOUR RESOURCES! Make sure you befriend upper classmen who can help you with future advice. Make good relationships with your professors because they want to help you succeed. Use the resources we have on campus including the writing center, the math center, etc.” Victoria Sorkin ‘16, Social Media
“Go to professors for help. Even if you were that “straight A student” in high school, it doesn’t mean you will be in College. It is OK! Professors truly want you to come, get to know them, and do the best of your ability in class.” Iris Wigodsky ’15, Campus Correspondent
“I wish I knew how to manage time better. Classes aren’t always the most important thing, make sure you have time for fun and to make friends!” Arianna Gershon ’17, Style Snapshot Editor
For Getting Involved:
Photo from apreppyeducation.blogspot.com.
“Do not feel obligated to join everything! Take time to adjust and enjoy your new environment. There is no need to feel stressed in your first year. Also, wearing a lanyard around your neck with your Deacon One card and key is not cool. Just buy a cute wallet.” Amber Burton ’15, Features Co-Editor
“You do not have to have everything figured out. Maintain an open mind.” Briana Brewer ‘15, PR
For Being Yourself:
Photo from polyvore.com.
“If you want to wear combat boots to rush, wear ‘em! Wearing what you think you should wear and acting a way you think you should act won’t lead to the best year. So just be yourself and don’t try to put on a facade, because it’ll be really hard to shake it once you’ve established a false version of yourself.” Kelsey Willock ‘15, Blogs Editor
“Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, Wake will fly by so savor every minute of it. Also, when you go to the North Campus Dining Hall, put your fruit or yogurt in a coffee cup so it saves space on your plate.” Taylor Brown ’15, Treasurer
“Get involved in things YOU want to do. Don’t join a club or organization just because all the girls on your hall are doing it, or vice versa. College is the time to be a little bit selfish. Explore your own interests. Don’t be afraid to branch out on your own and meet new people!” Lauren Friezo ‘15, Editor-in-Chief
“Balance is key. Don’t feel the need to sign up for a million things just to seem involved or social – trying to manage an overloaded schedule will just cause more stress! On the other hand, don’t be afraid to try new things and get involved beyond the classroom, because that’s where you’ll make memories.” Ashley Burdin ’16, Polls and Events