To the College Freshman

I remember exactly how I was feeling this time last year as I was about to embark on one of the biggest journey’s of my life so far–college.  The month before you go off to live on your own can be intimidating.  I  was super nervous, excited, and scared for all the unknown.  The only thing I knew for sure was that I was ready.

The first few months are difficult.

 It’s hard to automatically find “your group” of people and adjust to completely being on your own.  I was lucky enough to have my roommate as one of my best friends from the start.  The first day we met we just clicked and were automatically BFFs!  It can definitely feel frustrating to not have found best friends by October, but just give it time.  It will happen I promise you!!

Orientation is going to be awkward.

I literally cringe when thinking about orientation week.  It was filled with going to talks all day with a group of people that you are kind of forced to be friends with.  I became best friends with of of the guys in my orientation group, but only after orientation ended.  I don’t really talk to anyone else who was in my group, and that’s okay.  It feels like a summer camp that week, but it will never be like that way again.  Just get through it.

If you don’t like a class, drop it.

This is honestly one of my biggest pieces of advice.  The first day of class I went to my Microeconomics one and when it was done had 15 pages of notes and a pile of work that was way over my head.  I went to lunch with my friends in a panic.  I decided to drop it and sign up for another class I was actually interested in, and it was the best decision ever.  If after the first day you don’t like the teacher, the material, and the atmosphere of the class, drop it.  It’s not worth being miserable for a whole semester when you have the option to take another class.

Don’t get stressed about your Major.

The amount of people who have asked me when I was still in high school what I wanted to major in is astounding.  Since I was 14 years old people have asked about what job I wanted to have after college and what major I was planning on.  There are always going to be people who judge if you say you don’t know yet, or even if you tell them what you are thinking about.  I cannot stress enough the fact that there are so many jobs you probably don’t even know about that are out there, and you do not need to know 4 years in advance!!!  Take classes you are interested in, and that will lead you in the direction you are meant to be going.

It is not impossible to get an A in college.

This was something I was freaking out about before I left.  I was hearing from so many people how daunting college classes were and how impossible the workload was.  I can tell you from personal experience that if you work hard and have good time management skills you can do well in class.

I hope my advice to all of the College Freshmen have settled your nerves somewhat.  I’m so excited for all of you to experience college!!