Anyone who says that starting off in a new place isn’t frightening hasn’t yet experienced their freshman year of college. Entering a big pond where you’re a little fish can feel scary, but there’s a comfort knowing that new adventures await you in college. Below are some things I wish I knew before beginning my freshman year at UMass Amherst.
1. It’s important to keep a good dynamic in the dorm.
Whether you’re best friends or acquaintances, being civil with your roommate is important for maintaining a healthy relationship. Though you don’t have to be glued at the hip, it’s still important to learn how to coexist in such a small space. No, you aren’t required to share clothes, and no, you don’t need to eat every meal together. But yes, it is reassuring to know that you have someone that can look out for you and keep you company. In some instances, it’s even helpful to know that there’s a whole other wardrobe to choose from when going for a girls’ night out, or just dressing cute and casual when heading to class (if you play your cards right).
2. There’s nothing to be scared of, it’s just new.
Everyone is starting out just as nervous and scared as you are, so keep an open mind about meeting new people and trying new things. It’s totally normal to be nervous your first day of classes because you’re starting off in a new place, and like every other freshman, you probably don’t know where all your classes are (see number five). However, getting to know your way around campus is half the fun — whether it’s walking with friends to grab a coffee at People’s Organic Coffee, discovering the goodness of Roots Cafe, or doing homework by the Campus Pond, there’s always a new spot to discover on campus.
3. Stay on top of your work to avoid stress.
College is a lot more work than high school, which can mean being overloaded with tons of long-term assignments. Staying on top of your work is extremely important in college so you’re not cramming everything in the night before and causing any added stress. Instead, get a planner to write due dates of assignments, use the Notes app in your phone, or even use a calendar so you’re able to stay ahead of your work. The best thing you can do is know when assignments or exams are coming up so you can plan ahead. You’ll feel more relieved knowing you’ve finished your assignment in time so you can go out for the night stress-free, even if it’s just to grab Late Night at Berk with friends.
4. Attend the Activities Expo to discover the unlimited possibilities on campus.
One piece of advice I learned early on is to get involved in at least one club so that you can meet new people. During the first week of school, visit the Activities Expo (similar to a club fair) to take advantage of the hundreds of clubs offered on campus. It can seem incredibly overwhelming at first with so many booths to visit, but just grab a few friends and explore all of the Registered Student Organizations and Community Service opportunities. There’s a wide variety of clubs and organizations to become a part of, so you’re more than likely to find one that catches your eye.
5. Familiarize your way around campus.
The UMass campus is big, and knowing your way around is important. One helpful hint to calm some of those first-day butterflies is to locate your classes before they start. This way, you can walk confidently to class. Helpful apps like Google Maps or online resources like the General Location Campus Map make it easy to navigate your way around. If you find yourself scurrying around or lost, there are plenty of faculty and staff to help. Also, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes to and from your classes because believe it or not, some classes can be close to a mile from your dorm.
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Images: 1, UMass images courtesy of the author.