by McKenzie Snellgrove
Entering your freshman year of college can be one of the most terrifying experiences you’ve ever had, and yet, at the same time, one of the most exciting! College can be intimidating, unfamiliar, isolating, and overwhelming, especially during the first few weeks. When I was a freshman, I found myself wondering if I belonged here, if I would make friends, if I should be here at all. So, if that sounds like you, here are ten things that will hopefully prepare you for the journey ahead.
1. Everyone is just as scared as you are
Yes, that’s right, everyone. Some people do a better job at hiding it or convincing themselves not to be scared, but everyone has some fear about college that sits in the back of their head as they walk onto campus for the first time. You are not alone. In fact, these fears can be one of the greatest opportunities for connecting with other students. From your fellow freshmen to seniors, there is not a single person who doesn’t remember the feeling of coming to a brand new place and trying to find their place in the chaos. You don’t have to go through it alone.
2. There are so many people you haven’t met
When you first get to Centre, you meet so many people in the span of a few weeks. Your orientation group, your hallmates, and your teammates are all you know of the campus. Centre can feel so small that after the first month or two, it can feel like you’ve met everyone there is to meet. I’m here to tell you: you haven’t, but I promise this is good news. Whether you have made friends yet or not, there are still people waiting to meet and connect with you. Even if you think that one person from your orientation group is going to be your best friend for the rest of your Centre experience, there are probably twenty more people who you will click with in the same way. This is not to say dismiss the first people you meet, but keep an open mind when coming into contact with new people.
3. Campus activities are a great way to get connected
During my first few weeks as a freshman, my nights were spent mostly in my dorm, doing my homework, taking a shower, and going to bed. It was only after I let my friends drag me to random campus events that I didn’t think I would enjoy that I started enjoying myself. If you see a poster up in the library advertising a random club event that you aren’t particularly interested in–go! If it’s something you are interested in–absolutely go! Maybe it’ll be fun, maybe you’ll hate it, but try it either way. Campus activities and clubs can be a great way to meet new people or get closer to any new friends you’ve made.
4. Classes are going to be difficult
College is not high school–something you’ve probably heard about a hundred times in your FYC class–and you are going to have to find new ways to succeed. It may seem daunting at first, but I promise you that it is possible. Go to class, read the syllabus, make assignment lists, make a study plan, do your homework, and take care of yourself. Use the resources available to you, they are there to help you succeed (aka go to office hours, go to tutoring, find a peer mentor). The bare minimum does not go as far as it does in high school, so do your future self a favor and get ahead of your work.
5. You can be who you want to be
Coming to college gives you a fresh start. The people you meet have no preconceived notions about who you are and what you come from. If you were known in high school for an embarrassing presentation, a crazy family, or an old quirk–all of that is gone. When you meet someone and tell them who you are, they will believe you. Every action and decision you make furthers people’s perception of you, but you are the one in control of what you do. You could be the shyest kid in your hometown and come to college a complete extrovert. It’s powerful and freeing to be able to define yourself for the first time, so put your best foot forward and live as the person you want to be.
6. People notice maturity
If you come to college acting like you are still in high school, people will notice. Starting drama with others (especially upperclassmen) will only make them think less of you. Complaining about everything and everyone will make you seem whiney. Saying hurtful things about people will get back around to them, especially at a small school like Centre, and it will not put you in a good light. People notice who is kind and who is not, so listen to what has been told to you since you were little: treat others the way you want to be treated. People will notice.
7. You are going to have regrets
It’s inevitable–you will look back on your freshman year and have at least a few regrets. There are going to be people you don’t get the chance to meet, there will be clubs that you don’t join, and there will be events that you will miss. It will be okay. College offers so much, but it is impossible to take advantage of it all. Sometimes you will have to make the tough decision between going out to a party or staying in the library to study, and sometimes the right choice is not always the one you will enjoy the most. Focus on the good and make peace with the regrets.
8. Trying new things is hard but vital
College is scary enough on its own, and trying new things in the midst of it can seem impossible. Your classes are harder, the campus is confusing, the dorms are stinky and small, and it’s all different from what you’ve known. Yet, in the midst of all the change, it is imperative that you adapt and continue to try new things. If you’ve never thought of yourself as a sports person, go to volleyball club. If you’ve never done theatre before, take an acting class or try out for a play. If you’re a stem major, try a creative writing class and see where it takes you. Maybe you’ll find a new passion or make a new friend! Continue to challenge yourself, and you’ll be grateful for it later.
9. You are going to fail, and that’s okay
Life is full of challenges, and there are some that you will fail. There will be a test that you bomb, a relationship that falls apart, a position you don’t get chosen for. There will be times where you feel like you aren’t good enough. However, your failures don’t define you or your college experience. What matters is what you do after you fail. Pick yourself up, assess the damage, learn from your mistake, and keep going. Try again and again until you get it right. College is the best time for it–you’re surrounded by a thousand other students trying and failing just like you, with professors and mentors nearby to help you get up and move on. All your failures will help you grow and learn as you begin to navigate life as an adult.
10. You only get one freshman year
You will only get to live this year once, so make it count. There is no step-by-step guide to having the perfect freshman year because, honestly, it doesn’t exist. All I can tell you to do is take chances, try new things, be yourself, and trust that it will all work out in the end. Just know that no matter what happens, you are not alone in anything. You are surrounded by people who are cheering you on and want to help you succeed. Good luck!