It didn't hit you when you were filling out the housing application. It didn't hit you when you graduated. It didn't even hit you at orientation or when you were choosing classes. With Freshman year right around the corner the idea of going to college is becoming all too real and you've caught the Freshman year nerves. Luckily, you aren't the only one so here are some friendly reminders to help you show those nerves who's boss.
The feelings you're having are completely normal and it's okay to have them! It's important to remember that you are not alone. There are people who completely understand what you are going through. So there are tons of people who can help you if you need it. Let's not forget that at some point we were all freshman once and everyone has felt those nerves in one way or another.
2. "But what if I can't make any friends?"Every time I hear this question I think it is absolutely ridiculous. The only way you aren't going to make friends is if you don't put yourself out there. Everyone is new! Nobody else has anymore friends already than you do. On a campus of 40,000+ students I can guarantee that you will find at least one person that shares a common interest with you and would like to get to know you better. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day and neither is a group of friends.
3. Get out of your comfort zone.College is going to be all very new. It will be filled with tons of new people and new experiences. It's really important that you try new things and do stuff that maybe you would've never wanted to do in the past. College is all about YOU. Take the time to discover yourself and you might be surprised at what you find.
If you're anything like me, you've been freaking out since June about getting every single little item to make your life easy at school. The chances of you not forgetting something are pretty slim. Don't sweat it, Bloomington is not a ghost town. There are plenty of resources and stores to supply you with everything you may need. So when I start to worry I just think "hey, it's cool, I can just go pick it up at Target."
5. Classes are not going to chew you up and spit you out.There's a stigma that college courses are 10x more difficult than high school classes. Friendly reminder: this isn't high school. So are your classes going to be challenging? Yes, but don't let that scare you. You were accepted because you have the potential to be a great and successful Indiana Hoosier. Make sure you put forth your best efforts and be your best self. If you do that it should be no problem to succeed!
So sit back, and relax. From Welcome Week to moving from home to the dorm and getting along with your new roommate Freshman year is sure to be a great experience.
For more posts about Freshman Year: