Hey freshman! Feeling overwhelmed by the influx of information coming at you? Consumed by the reality that these strangers are the people you are meant to spend the rest of your college years with? Maybe homesick because you feel alone in your dormitory with no one to ask to close the lights for you or no one to share meals with?
Well, as a third-year college student who has been there, I miss and not-miss those times. Two years ago, I was very lost in the big Metro Manila, with a lot of homesickness, missing both the people and the food from my province but I got through it and so could you! Two years later, I have some big-sister know-hows and advice that will make it easier:
- Everyone is a stranger and that’s okay. In high school, you tend to know anyone and everyone— either due to growing up together or seeing each other in the few hangout spots in the area but in college, you all are from different schools, areas, and grew up in different environments. It’s much easier to find someone with the same interests as you given how diverse the community is. Make an effort to have eye contact and start a conversation, and you’ll find yourself having newly found friendships. Tip: Start with a compliment (e.g. Your mask looks good! I also have a Jelli M1 mask in a different color) and the conversation will flow well from there.
- Organizations are good so join a few. Super cliche advice but your future self will thank you for it. It adds experience, boosts your resume, and is a great way to start a friendship with either your peers or your upperclassmen! It might seem overwhelming to do extracurricular activities on top of your academics, but it’s worth it (especially if you can apply the theoretical knowledge you learn from class in your role in the project).
- Have a second brain to be on top of things. The first week is meant for you to get to know the courses you will be taking, the professors, and your classmates. After that will be a whirlwind of activities both in class and in the university. Make sure to utilize applications like Google Calendar or Notion or even Notes as a second brain to ensure that you remember everything and be on top of things. There will be school-led or organization-led events in addition to your classes so having a second brain to remind you ensures that you will not miss any events or any class requirement.
Well, regardless of my advice, it is important to understand that you are new to college. In rougher terms you are a college baby so feel free to take smaller steps, make mistakes, and stop pressuring yourself to be this perfect person (because no one is, even in college!) As a now-Junior, I wish I had been kinder to myself back then. You’re doing good, don't worry too much. This moment only comes once in your life and it will go by really quickly so just take it day by day and enjoy the process of being the best you can be in college.
Nicole Yap
Nicole is a full-time K-Pop fan who is a college student when necessary.