College decision day is fast approaching, which means a new freshmen class, a bundle of nerves and the anticipation of new experiences. As a college junior who feels like I just arrived at school, I know better than anyone how scary coming to a big university can be.
Although you come into college with a whole bunch of preconceived notions about the school culture, social experiences and academic requirements, nothing will ever prepare you for your first week in college. It is an unexplainable experience that is only understood once you have stepped onto campus as a new freshman.
The biggest thing no one talks about, is how to make friends.
The first week of college can be incredibly lonely, especially for my fellow introverts. From my experience, everyone told me that you meet people on your floor, in class or out in the wild, but in reality you get out what you put in. I lucked out that my random freshman year roommate was not completely crazy, which was helpful, but as for my floor mates, I was not so lucky. If you put yourself out there, which is easier said than done, you will be able to meet so many really quickly. This is as simple as sitting next to a new face everyday of the first week to test the waters.
Ask someone to lunch or what this week’s assignment is, you never know who you could be sitting next to. This is how I found my future roommates!
Nothing could quite prepare me for the insanity of picking your classes. Though this is dependent on what school you go to, it is always a hassle. Whether it be a class that is a requirement that fills up or you simply forget your enrollment date, it will be the most chaotic evening of your life. The key is to meet your advisor, become their best friend and start a good relationship early. As long as you are on their good side, you will be all set for your next four years.
Meeting with my advisor early on into my college career was the best advice I was given and as a soon to be college senior, I will forever be indebted to my advisor.
Housing is a whole dilemma that as a new freshman on campus, I did not think I would have had to figure out so early on. It is typical, at my university, to renew leases pretty early into the fall semester, but coming into college, having no friends was an instant source of anxiety. What I will say is that it all will work itself out. Do not go out of your way trying to find a group of random people just to secure a lease. These things take time and housing will always be available.
There will always be places to live and it’s better you wait longer to find people whom you will get along with. Your absolute worst case scenario is that you renew on campus, and if you luck out you can end up in something boujee, no harm no foul.
I do not think I could have prepared myself any more coming into college than I did, it is all about going with the flow. College is a weird place with so many amazing people and a whole bunch of bad ones, too. If you come in with an open mind, a stomach for dining hall food and a positive attitude, you will be completely fine. Even though it will be scary and lonely at times, I promise it gets better. College can bring out the most wonderful parts of yourself. All you have to do is be open to change.