Originally published on August 16, 2016
Dear brand-new college freshman,
This isn’t a letter full of advice of what to pack or how to
decorate your dorm or what your class schedule should be or how orientation will
go. This letter is something to think about over the next few weeks: your first
month as a college freshman.
By this point, you’ve said good-bye to your parents and
hometown. You’ve met your roommate and attended orientation. You’ve met some
professors in your department and many many students. Your schedule is set, your
books are bought, your bag is packed. And now you have nothing left to do but
wait for the first day of classes.
One quote that stuck with me throughout this time is from
one of my favorite books, about a girl in her freshman year of college, “Start
as you mean to go on”. That’s from Fangirl
by Rainbow Rowell, and while the quote is about the protagonist picking out her
outfit for her first day of classes, it also can apply to much of this first
month. Orientation was a school-spirit filled blur where you met more people
than you can count and already may have your sights on some new best friends. You
asked the Big Three Questions: What’s your name? Where are you from? What’s
your major? And, if you’re anything like me, you’ve been a little unlike your
usual self as you struggle to be friendly and excited for several days in a row.
It’s exhausting, and I found that starting classes was a small way of hitting a
reset button. I could be a fun, happy person when it came to Casino Night or a
Glow Dance, but when it comes to classes I am serious.
“Start as you mean to go on” can refer to your clothing
choices, your attitude in class, your diligence with homework, your habits in
the classroom and out. I am urging you to not skip class for the first month,
or at least until the first test. Be attentive in class. Be prompt with your
arrival and with assignments. Start off strong. Your professors will notice who
participates, who has quality work, and who has a spotty attendance record. This
will be important in building a good relationship with your professor, because
you never know when you might need them for help on a subject.
On the flipside of the schoolwork is the social aspect of
school. You might have heard of the 3 Week Rule; around three weeks into the
year is when people’s real personalities and habits start to emerge as they
become more comfortable with their situation. This is important to remember
during this first month. Maybe those best friends you made at orientation you
haven’t seen since then. So get to know those in your department. After all,
you will be spending the next four years with them, doing countless projects
and learning the exact same things. Make friends with upperclassmen who will
give you advice. Join a club. Hang out with those on your floor.
This is the most change-filled and exciting month of your
freshman year. Make the most of it, and before you know it, you’ll be a
sophomore like me who can’t wait to get back into classes, see friends, and
welcome a new class into the department. Have fun!
-A former college freshman
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