by Tiffany Hunter

Created on: August 04, 2009   Last Updated: August 06, 2009

Starting a new chapter in your life can be scary, especially if it involves moving away from home, making new friends, finding your way around campus, and the pressure of passing classes that cost more than your parents' new car. College can be a scary time, but it doesn't have to cripple you with fear. While that first step onto campus can feel akin to taking a step out of an airplane that is hovering miles above the earth, there is absolutely no way that you will die. Seriously. Give it a week, and you may never want to leave.

Being Away from Home

So you've never cooked or done laundry in your life, and there's always that inevitable homesickness. Try a meal plan for your first year at least, so you can save lighting the dorm on fire for next year. If you live close to home, you will most likely be able to bring home your laundry on weekends, but if not, you'll have to go to the Laundromat. Just remember to separate the lights from the darks and you'll be ahead of the game. Get a good long-distance plan so that you can call home to your family and friends whenever you get homesick. Bring a bulletin board filled with pictures and memorabilia of home to hang in your room and anything else that reminds you of the comforts of home.

Making Friends

The great thing about being a freshman is that there are a ton of other freshmen in the same boat as you. They have no clue how to find their way around campus, have never taken a college exam, and are just as eager to make new friends as you are. No matter where you are, strike up a conversation with anyone you think you might want to get to know better. You'll find that they are more than happy to chat and probably relieved that someone wants to talk to them.

Conquering College

Attend school functions like orientation and frosh week so that you can get a feel for campus life. Going to school events before school officially starts can be a great way to make friends, find out about your classes and professors, and even help you to find your way around the school. Join a study group to combine academic success with social rewards. Try to eliminate procrastination so that you will have your homework done when a party is announced suddenly. Pick up a copy of the student newspaper. And never be afraid to ask questions! Your professors, teaching aids, counselors, and other students will be more than happy to offer advice.

College can be frightening, but there is no reason to be intimidated. Everyone was a freshman once, and it's safe to assume that more than a quarter of the students are freshmen at the same time as you. There are plenty of on-campus resources to help new students adjust to life at college such as student run publications, counselors, and activities planned solely to acquaint freshmen with other students and the campus. Utilize all the opportunities that your school offers to new students, and you'll find that you have no more fears about being a new kid on campus.

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