Mahitha Kunamneni

Leaving home, whether to 1000 miles away or only 10, can be difficult. There are new faces everywhere on your first day at college and nothing feels familiar. Turning your college campus into a second home seems daunting, but it is extremely natural, and there are many ways to start off on the right foot.

First Day

It is your first day away from home, and you might have only toured the college at this point. It is completely normal to feel out of place, but there is one extremely important thing to remember: everyone feels the same way you do. In terms of mental prep for arriving and getting comfortable, remembering that everyone has the same amount of experience as you can be comforting.

To ensure you have a good start, however, it is essential to look into what the school offers for new students. Pre-class orientation days are a great way to explore the campus and meet people before classes begin. Even if you are a student who is driving from home, it is very easy to sign up for an orientation and use that opportunity to meet people. Getting on campus before classes start can also be a great way to learn the layout and know where to go on your first day. If you are from home, and you are not able to participate in orientation, due to COVID restrictions, for example, the next best thing is taking advantage of your first classes. Everyone will be in the same “first day of classes” mindset as you, and it will be the greatest opportunity to bond with others around you, especially if you are taking an intro course.

Activities

Nearly every college campus offers hundreds of activities, which gives each student more opportunities to find what they want to participate in. Within these organizations lie sororities/fraternities, clubs, sports, and school-affiliated jobs. All of these can lead to a more immersive experience at school. Getting involved in an activity you are passionate about will allow you to get accustomed to campus much faster.

COVID and Uncertainty

Although we are all hoping the pandemic will not significantly affect the college campus experience, it is important to be prepared for an adjusted level of experience. Most commonly, the restrictions have increased loneliness and decreased a healthy mindset. However, remembering that everyone must follow a similar set of rules only adds to the level of comfort you can receive from your peers. It is exciting to know that Fall 2021 may be better than the current semester, however, for the time being, another way to get a similarly immersive experience is by befriending people and making sure you get a contact. Sometimes texting is easier than talking so take advantage! Use social media and have fun doing it knowing that the in-person option is not as accessible!