Five Tips for the First Semester
If I could go back just one year in time, I would have an abundance of advice to give my pre-college self. I will forever cherish freshman year for challenging me, stretching me, and shaping me into a better version of myself. There is plenty of excitement in the air during the first few months of college. You will finally be out of the “bubble” that you may have felt trapped in throughout high school. There are new faces all around that, like you, are eager to create lasting memories with new friends. I think what makes the first semester so beautifully unique is the balance between exciting times and challenging times.
With that being said, here are my top five tips to help survive (and thrive!) during the first semester of freshman year:
Know that social media is a highlight reel. I remember looking on Instagram prior to college and seeing people surrounded by huge groups of people all smiling and hugging. Once I got to college, I would feel discouraged for not having dozens of VSCO-worthy pictures within the first few weeks of school. People turn to social media in order to showcase their very best moments (and even edit those, too) while we are stuck seeing every not-so-glamorous moment of our lives. It is crucial to remember that there is nothing to measure up to. Those friendships will come; they just take time. And the wait is so worth it!
Stay in Starkville for the first few weekends. This one is the hardest one but the most rewarding. I decided before moving in that I would wait until Labor Day weekend to go home for the first time. Trust me, I was for sure counting down the days to see my family and sleep in my queen-sized bed again. However, I think pushing myself beyond my comfort zone to be present in my new community was the key to adjusting to college life. It is during these first few weeks that your dorm will stop feeling like camp and more like your home away from home. You’ll be so proud of yourself for sticking around town and will have lots to catch up on with your family once you finally make the trip home!
Reach out to others. They need plans too! You are just one message away from a new lifelong friend! Everyone is searching for community. If you are sitting in your dorm alone with nothing to do, the odds are high that there is someone else doing the exact same thing. However, you will never find the college friendships you are looking for if you aren’t proactive about it. Don’t be afraid to reach out to those around you. Not only will you have something to put on your calendar, but it also will mean a lot to someone that you see a potential friend in them.
Seek advice from those older than you. Chi Omega has given me a community that reaches far beyond just my pledge class. All the advice in this post was first given to me from older girls who have been in my same position. It’s so comforting to hear someone say “I totally understand.” Everyone on campus was once a freshman. Older girls are always in your corner because they understand the difficulties that can come with transitioning into college. My Chi O family was one of the biggest blessings of my freshman year. I am so thankful for their example, encouragement, and friendship!
Take your mental health seriously. College is a lot like learning to swim in the deep end. It’s new, exciting, and scary all at the same time. The most important piece of advice I could give is to not let your mental health decline while getting adjusted to the newness of it all. Go on walks! Go to Sonic! Find a church home! Exercise! Do whatever you need to do in order to keep yourself afloat. Do not neglect the importance of taking time for yourself.
I hope you take these few tips to heart when heading into college. There is something truly lovely about the newness of it all. Though you will face challenges, you are always doing better than you think! By this time next year, you’ll be in my shoes, eager to love and encourage a new class of girls heading into college.
