As I write this, I sit in my sophomore year dorm room, preparing for new challenges and experiences that college life will throw my way. However, I wouldn't have made it this far if not for the valuable lessons I learned in my freshman year. So, with that in mind, I'd like to reach out to freshman year me (and any other new college students) and tell him the truth about starting college.
You'll Meet So Many Great People
College is different in high school in the sense that there are new people to surround yourself with. In high school, you're surrounded by people you've known for years, and not everyone knows what they're doing next. In college, people have figured out that they want to further education, so you're bound to find a group of students that have views/interests that match your own. These people come from different backgrounds, but they all have a similar goal: to get a degree.
You Don't Have To Settle
Even with the above statement holding a lot of truth, there are some people who aren't fully adjusted to life away from home. In my freshman year, I met people who were still kind of stuck in the high school "clique/gossip" mindset. The main problem with this ideology is that it causes much unnecessary drama created and you can get stuck in the middle if you're not careful. An extension of this behavior is that of a "fake" friend who is friendly when it's only you together but treats you wildly differently when there are other people around. Keep in mind that these aren't mindless 15- or 16-year-olds. These are full-grown adults.
My advice is to not settle for this type of behavior. Distance yourself from these people if you sense something is wrong. You'll be much happier. You won't necessarily be able to change these people, so don't waste time or effort trying. The primary reason you're in college is to get an education, and you need to build a network of people who will support you.
End Rant.
Communication Is King
This is true in almost any situation, but college is a good place to start. By communicating with your peers and talking through an issue, it'll be resolved quicker than if you sit and wait. The truth may sting at first, but being honest and open with people is the best option in the long run. By no means do I mean that you should be condescending. However, if you're facing a rather minor problem, and it can be resolved through a brief conversation, it is usually best to do so.
My advice is to use your best judgment and don't be afraid to use your voice.
Make Connections
College is the beginning of your adult life, so there's no better place to start making connections. This obviously holds true for your professors and advisors. These are people that give you advice and assistance with classes and can write recommendations. Most people will tell you this. However, the ability to make peer to peer connections is also very important.
In each of my freshman year classes, I had a small group of friends that I could go to for studying, social involvement, and emotional support. The friends you make now have the potential to be lifelong companions, so always make an effort to meet people. Trust me, even one or two friends will make that hour-long lecture so much more bearable (hi, Liz and Erin).
You're Ready
No matter how you nervous you'll be feeling during move in, you'll be ready to go. Every school has resources for you to adjust to college life, so you'll be able to thrive academically and socially. If you use your best judgement and focus on your studies, you'll be absolutely fine in college.
Good luck to everyone this coming school year!