As my freshman year comes to a close and I reflect on the last 9 months I have spent in college, there are a few things I wish I would’ve known before my arrival.
1. Your life doesn’t only exist within the confines of campus, your dorm, and the dining hall.
When I had returned after Winter break for my second semester of college, I had realized I hadn’t really explored the community outside of my classes. While living in a dorm and eating most of your meals in the dining hall does lead to a rather unnatural portrayal of reality, the real world is only a few yards down the road. It is okay to splurge on a night out at a real restaurant and be reminded of what it’s like to exist in a world not only inhabited by college students!
2. It’s okay to be uncomfortable.
During my first semester, I had trouble making really close friends. When I hung out with people I barely knew, I felt uncomfortable. It is not a consoling feeling to have the thought of will this person be my best friend lingering constantly in your subconscious as you try and meet new people. Not to mention, suddenly being transplanted to your new home and attempting to navigate its surroundings is tough. Just remember you are not the only one who is uncomfortable and you will soon fall into a pleasant routine. Embrace the unfamiliarity!
3. Not all choices you make in the first few weeks are permanent.
When I got to college I knew I wanted to get involved and live a busy life, but I was intimidated and overwhelmed by all of the potential paths I could follow. I felt that if I went out on a limb and pursued something, that it would be the only thing I could do. I also felt this way about friendships. But, it is not true! Your interests, like your friendships, evolve as you do. You don’t have to be afraid to be stuck in one position based off of how you began your college experience. Chances are, things will change constantly throughout the year as you become acclimated to your new life.
4. The amount of parties you go to in a week does not measure your ability to have fun.
In high school I liked to party, but when I got to college my desire to get drunk and sweat profusely in a frat then proceed to go to bed sans showering on sheets that haven’t been washed for weeks did not interest me. I thought I wasn’t participating in a wild college experience or living up to the college hype if I didn’t go out at least once a week with my friends. I understand now that there are so many other ways to have fun that either don’t involve being intoxicated or do, but are super low-key. You aren’t boring if you don’t like to vibrate to bad music in a sticky house.
5. Your day ones will always be your day ones.
I was initially nervous about making new friends and essentially replacing my old ones. I missed my friends from high school a lot and that eventually clouded relationships with my new college friends. But, please don’t worry about your best friends from home. Inevitably, you will lose touch with friends from high school, but you will not lose touch with your day ones. They want you to make new friends and you should want them too as well! Let yourself truly live and have fun in your new life.