To the incoming freshmen:
You moved into your dorm, you’ve got a shiny new student ID (with a B number you have’t memorized yet) and there are a few things that would be helpful to know.
You’re going to have to write essays. Start writing those essays now. I’m not kidding. Writing an essay isn’t just about the writing part. Research, organization and citations are all vital and time consuming. Don’t be afraid to ask professors questions. Most of the time this will actually improve your grade chances because it tells the professor that you’re trying. Everyone here wants to see you succeed. There’s even a tutoring center in the library to help you. Your RAs are especially helpful. If they can’t help you out of a pickle, they can find someone who can.
Caf food is only spectacularly good when large groups (like prospective dance students) come to visit campus. Sorry, freshmen. You’ve also probably heard of the “Freshman 15.” Don’t worry. Not every freshman gains 15. It’s all due to stress and irregular eating because of an irregular schedule. You should focus on pacing yourself in the midst of intense schoolwork. You can worry about the Freshman 15 later.
Talk to people. When you go to college, everyone around you is focused on what they need to get done, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t like to have a nice conversation with someone they haven’t met. A good way to do this is to go to things. Soak in all the culture you can. Don’t only do the things you know. If you’re a music theater major, go to the the Norick Art Center for the monthly Art Socials, or attend a poetry reading. If you’re a nursing major, go to a basketball game or see a show. And don’t knock Greek life. Just because you didn’t go through recruitment doesn’t mean the sororities and fraternities on campus don’t want to get to know you. Sometimes it’s better to get to know each organization outside of recruitment.
College seems overwhelming now, but, in about a month or so, it’ll be normal. Take a few deep breaths and don’t worry about meeting all of your best friends in the first month or even the first year. Remember that there is always someone new for you to meet and that you change so much, especially in the first year of college, so let yourself go with the flow, cry when you need to, and lastly, call your parents on a regular schedule.
Sincerely,
A sophomore who’s just been through it
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