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After perfecting your GPA, getting through the SATs, and meticulously filling out College applications, you've finally received an acceptance letter. Suddenly the College life you've dreamed of is about to become reality, but you're a little scared. Why? You're about to become the new kid on campus. Regina Largent, director of the Shepard freshman Resource Center at the University of Portland (UP), Portland, OR, helps hundreds of incoming freshmen adjust to their first year of college. "College is a new experience," says Largent, adding that it's completely natural to feel overwhelmed.

Dollar Dilemmas
If you're like many soon--to--be freshmen, worrying about  

Paying for college

  begins soon after the acceptance letter arrives. "It was a struggle to get here," says Stephanie Boettcher, a first--year student at UP, referring to the huge Financial commitment she had to make in order to attend the out--of--state school. To help pay for her education, Stephanie applied for several scholarships, took out student loans, and landed a part--time job.

Worrying about paying for college isn't the only financial struggle freshmen face. Managing money is often an even bigger scare, but Largent says it's never too late to learn. In addition to taking a personal finance class and asking your parents for pointers, Largent suggests you keep a budget in high school.

In fact, that tactic is working for Jeremy Francis, a high school senior in Sunderland, Ontario, Canada. Jeremy's employed at two jobs to help pay next year's tuition at Sir Sanford Fleming College, Peterborough, Ontario, and says, "I'm working on keeping a budget now so it will be easier once [I'm at] college."

Academic Angst
Having tackled one fear head on, Jeremy enjoyed college life but says he's still worried about acing his academics. Everything from getting Good Grades to finding time for homework is cause for concern. "I don't know where I'll fit it all in," he says.

Anxiety over academic performance is common, says Largent. She advises you not be afraid to seek help - ask professors questions about material you don't understand, or work with a peer in a study group. Largent also suggests taking advantage of on--campus tutoring and learning centers.

Major Worries
Becky Lundberg, a National Merit Finalist from Cherry Valley, IL, is confident she can handle the workload, but the high school senior is worried about picking a major. "I'm thinking of political science or international affairs with a minor in French, but I'm not going to commit to anything too soon."

According to Largent, most students change their majors at least three times before their junior year. Instead of focusing on a major strictly because it might lead to a high--paying job after graduation, Largent encourages students to pick an area of study they're passionate about. "This is the chance of your life to study something just to learn about it. [Plus], you're going to do it for four years. It's easier to make good grades if you care about what you're studying," she says.

Homesickness Hype
Somewhere between funding your education and studying, it's important to make new friends. Rhett Mitter, a freshman at Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY, says meeting new people was a challenge. "It was harder than I thought to be away from home," he says. "For the first couple of months I spent a lot of time calling home and making weekend trips to see my family."

Largent says it's normal to miss family and friends, but adds that creating a new support system is essential to your collegiate success. To do this, she encourages freshmen to stay on campus and get involved in activities like intramural sports or campus clubs.

That's exactly what Rhett did. He returned to school after Thanksgiving break and started making new friends with similar interests. "It's a lot better now," he says, admitting that he's glad he stuck it out.

Whether you're worried about getting good grades and paying the bills or making new friends and wondering how you're going to live with a roommate, rest assured that you're not alone. College is a whole new world and you've just earned your passport, so buckle up and enjoy the scholastic ride!

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