As I loaded the car and made the trek down to South Bend for 2019 Welcome Weekend, I found myself fondly reminiscing about freshman year. It felt like so much had happened in one year, yet, at the same time, the year flew by in a blink. As I soaked it all in, I happily recognized that my first year at Notre Dame helped me to grow and continue to solidify who I am. Here are a few tips I have for freshmen out there.
Accept the ups and downs: While we all dream of a smooth-sailing college experience, the reality is that each of us will experience some bumps along the way—no matter what it may seem like, no one has every piece of their life figured out. Remember that that is perfectly okay. Embrace these challenges as an opportunity to learn more about yourself—it’s all part of the journey of discovering who you are and what you want to do. Also, there is no correct timeline for having your life figured out. Just be patient and trust the process.
Lean on your community: Remember all the hype in the Notre Dame admissions videos and sessions about the tight-knit campus community? Well, it’s true. Do not be shy to seek out support from others. RAs, faculty members or pretty much any upperclassmen are willing to share their experiences and hopefully offer some guidance. I am fortunate enough to have an older sister who is a senior here, and she, being one of my best friends, has always been a rock and role model for me.
Be open to new friendships: You never know where they might appear. Arrange homework/study sessions with your classmates and coffee dates with people you’ve shared good conversations with—I can guarantee they will appreciate the invitation. It is never too late to form a strong friendship.
Freshman year can unleash a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. Just take it one day at a time, and never forget that you have earned your place here at Notre Dame. Dive in and enjoy the amazing school and community it has to offer.
Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4 by author
Follow HCND on Twitter, like us on Facebook, Pin with us and show our Instagram some love!