Dear Incoming Freshman
This article was originally published in 2016.
Dear Incoming Freshman,
Congratulations. You’ve graduated high school; all throughout your young lives you have probably heard, “High school years are the best years of your lives.” Contrary to that belief, your journey at Bloomsburg and the best years of your lives are about to begin.
Four years ago my college journey began, and this upcoming semester it will end. With that being said, I wanted to take this time to share some advice and tips to help with this transition.
1.You will miss your family.
From the second your parents or family members pull out of your dorm parking lot, your journey begins. But trust me, even if you cannot wait to live on your own, you will miss them.
Luckily, the new people you’re going to meet in exchange will soon become your second family!
2.Homesickness does exist.
This feeling is totally normal. But, once you feel comfortable enough to call Bloomsburg your home – you won’t want to leave!
P.S. Long breaks – especially Christmas break, are the worst!
3.Visit home but not too often.
Visiting home every now and again can be refreshing; however, four years will fly by, and your time spent here is valuable, so you should stick around and take in everything Bloomsburg has to offer.
4.CALL YOUR PARENTS
Seriously, just do it.
5.Go out
Or don’t. It’s really your preference. If basement parties are your thing, then great. If not, there are PLENTY of on-campus events at Bloomsburg to attend on the weekends.
6.Don’t wait for people to find you. Go find them.
Go to your neighbors/hallmates’ rooms. Introduce yourself. These people could become your new best friends.
7.Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
If we’re being honest here, this was my biggest mistake as a freshman. Take advantage of every new experience, and every new opportunity because you never know where it will take you.
8.Be a good roommate.
Keep in mind; you’re living with a stranger. It may take some time to get used to each other. Talk about your differences. Make it work. You definitely don’t have to be best friends, but you do have to live together. Respect each other and each other’s space and you’ll be good to go.
9.Befriend your CA
Community assistants always seem to be students’ worst enemies. However, CAs are there to do more than get you in trouble.They can be great listeners and friends, and can be a great resource in navigating college.
-Except when its 3 a.m. and you’ve locked yourself out of your room; they might not be so nice then (:
10.GO TO CLASS
Like calling your parents, just do it.
11.Join a club or campus group.
Joining a club is a great way to meet people and get involved. The BU activities and involvement fair is a great way to find out what Bloomsburg has to offer.
This year’s activities and involvement fair will take place on August 26th 2018 from 1-3 p.m on the academic quad.
12.Lastly, You WILL find your place.
This may take some time. But you’ll eventually find where you belong.
College is weird; and I mean that in the best way possible. These four soon to be four and a half years I have made some of my best memories that I know will last a lifetime.
Live it up.
Sincerely,
-A senior who envies you.
