Things to Remember when You’re a College Freshman

Starting college was one of the most exciting and terrifying phases of my life thus far. You’re worried about making friends, whether or not you’ll get along with your roommate, and if you’re going to be able to keep up with the casework. You’re looking forward to the more flexible schedule, but anxious about having to sit in the same class for 3 hours at a time. You’re ready to leave home and explore different parts of yourself, but scared sh*tless to go out on your own. Girl, I feel you.

Here are somethings to keep in mind:

1) Everyone is new here, you’re all getting off the same boat. Remind yourself they’re just like you whenever you feel like everyone else has their shit together but you.

2) It’s okay to say ‘no.’ It won’t prevent you from making friends, but it will help you cultivate more genuine friendships.

3) Don’t judge others too quickly, everyone’s trying on different hats here, even you.

4) You will make mistakes, and everyone else will, too. Your mistakes won’t define you as much as you think they will.

5) You won’t be homesick forever. It will come in waves, just like all emotions do. Let the feelings rise and fall. Being homesick doesn’t mean you aren’t cut out for this.

6) Remind yourself that you can do hard things, and you’ve done hard things before. Hey, maybe even make a list of those hard things to remind yourself how far you’ve come already.

7) Do things that scare you. Sit next to the  cute boy/girl in your English 101 class. Go to the Freshman Mixer even if you don’t have anyone to go with. Raise your hand and ask for clarification from your teacher (especially in Chemistry.. major regrets over here.) Stay in on a Friday night if you need the alone time, a little FOMO never killed nobody.

8) You are not expected to complete an entire semesters worth of homework and tests in one day, right? You’re also not expected to feel comfortable, get your bearings, and make new BFFs overnight, either. 

9) Change is hard on purpose. Change forces you to close doors you’ve left open for too long to make space for new opportunities. If change was easy it wouldn’t be worth it. 

10) Listen to this song on repeat when you need a little reminder of that you freakin’ GOT THIS! Cheesy, I know, but just TRY to listen to this song without crying and feeling more brave all at the same time, I dare you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dom7VlltBUc

She needs wide open spaces
Room to make her big mistakes
She needs new faces
She knows the high stakes

-Dixie Chicks