During my senior year of high school, I was stressed. I had to worry about what I wanted to do with my life, which school I wanted to go to, and if I would even get accepted into college at all. However, that all ended when I made my decision where to go to school and what career to pursue. I thought I could relax and that all the stress and pressure was gone. I thought wrong.
What I didn't realize at the time was that a whole new set of pressure and stress would come about in college. Starting a new life in a new place, meeting new people and living away from my parents were frightening concepts for me. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to scare all the high school seniors out there. Everyone has these feeling about college, they're completely normal. All I'm here to do is help incoming college freshmen, and maybe those already in their freshmen year, adjust to life in college.
I've been pretty shy my whole life so I knew my biggest challenge in college would be making friends. My advice to those trying to make friends, get out there. Joining clubs and other organizations is the best way to meet people. If you like sports, join a club or intramural team. If you like politics, join a political organization. No matter what your interests are, there's a club or organization for it. I also advise to get to know some of the people on your floor. Whenever you can, leave the door open so others can walk by and say hello. You'll be living with these people all year so might as well get to know them, and maybe you'll even make a friend or two.
Classes were another thing that caused me much stress and anxiety. I worried whether or not I would be able to handle the workload of college courses. Going into the first week of classes, I was more nervous than I had ever been before. However, talking to other freshmen made me realize that I was not alone, everyone felt the same as I did. Realizing that I wasn't the only one made me feel much better about the situation and helped me calm down. And honestly, if you work hard and study often, college classes aren't that difficult.
So, don't worry about classes or making friends at college. And if you ever feel alone, like you are the only one who isn't making friends or is struggling to adjust to college life, just remember that you aren't alone and there will always be someone to talk to. Just take everything in stride and enjoy yourself, these are the best years of your life.
