Sam Klein, Editor

The beginning of your college years can be equally as terrifying as they are memorable. No matter the distance from home, adjusting to living in a different place surrounded by hundreds upon thousands of new faces can be overwhelming. You are bound to meet interesting people, take boring classes, and ignite passions you didn’t know you had; but in the process, discomfort can be found. Here is a “How To” guide to embracing said discomfort and enjoying your freshman year to its fullest potential…

Don’t compare your experience to others

People are different. That’s a fact that must be understood in order to have a positive college experience. People come from all walks of life, from different states, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, the list continues. Some people enter college with an agenda, of which might not match yours. While you might want to get straight A’s, others might want to party as hard as they can, other people trying to come home as much as possible. Just because you choose to stay in, go out or go home, doesn’t mean you are better or worse than your peers. Comparing yourself to other people, in general terms, is a dangerous game, and one that will be detrimental when adjusting to a new place. Just because you notice your roommate made friends quickly doesn’t mean you’re failing because it’s taking you some time. That just means everyone is on their own path with their own timeline and you need to be patient with yourself.

Live in the moment

Time goes by exceptionally fast. With classes, homework, extracurriculars and taking the time to reward yourself for it all, you might constantly be thinking about the next thing.  But remember to stop. Breathe. Reflect that you have the incredible opportunity to get a college education. Free time might be sparse, but when you have it, bask in it. Enjoy every second you get to laugh with friends or relax because eventually the time will have come and gone, and you don’t want to wish you had done things differently.

Feel your emotions as they come

Homesickness, sadness, anxiety- these are all common emotions for college students. Don’t reject them even if embracing them can feel awkward. Allow these feelings to pass through, understanding you are not alone and that they are normal. Do not bottle them up, nor sweep them under the rug. Your emotions are valid and are all part of the discomfort that comes with moving to a new place. When the going gets tough, keep going. Don’t give up on the school or your experience based off of a few bad grades or weeks. Hang in there because better things are always coming.

Join different clubs/organizations

Getting involved is extremely important for joining a college campus. Whether that be athletics, clubs, or Greek life, find organizations on campus that pique your interest. Making friends and feeling connected becomes much easier when you have a group of people with similar interests. Not only this, but you are able to feel a sense of belonging and purpose. Certain clubs also help build your resume and make you appear more marketable to future employers, which never hurts to have in the forefront of your mind as a new college student. Not every club or organization is for everyone, so reach out to advisors or do research of your own online to discover the best fit for you! Maintain an open mind and try things you might not have previously tried, for you’ll never truly know if you like something if you don’t try it.

Don’t be afraid to take time for you

The social atmosphere of college can sometimes get overwhelming and feel like an obligation. Just because your friends are hanging out doesn’t mean you have to join them. Know that it is okay to take alone time, as living in a dorm rarely offers privacy. There is no shame in needing to step away for a little while. However, don’t allow yourself to become isolated. Take the necessary time and re-join your friends next time they do something together.

No one is judging you more than you’re judging yourself

Simply put, just be you. Don’t try to compromise who you are to make friends or stand out in a crowd. Don’t refrain from doing something because you think someone might laugh or stare. When you think about the potential criticism from others, you become your own worst critic, and what sense does that make? The people that are meant to be in your life will embrace you for the things you are, and even the things you are not, so don’t fixate on the people who won’t. Be you, for you.