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I remember moving into my dorm as if it were yesterday. "First-day-of-school jitters" doesn't even begin to describe the momentous occasion. My sweaty palms were evidence of how scared I was at the prospect of walking the halls alone for four years. Unbeknownst to me, everyone was just as nervous as I was (but probably not as sweaty). Apparently, making friends, avoiding lonesome campus treks, and eating lunch solo are common first-year fears. My advice? Freshman year won't be so bad if you just get out there and be yourself! Here's some advice from students who have been there.

Enhance Your Social Skills
"There are always plenty of mixers at the beginning of the year that allow freshmen to get acquainted not only with each other, but upperclassmen as well. Don't be afraid to approach people and introduce yourself. One of my friends made friends by sitting with random groups of people at lunch," says Clint Buck, sophomore at Austin College (Sherman, TX).

Step Out
"Everyone is in the same boat as you; we all look for friends. Don't be shy about going up to your peers. The first month, everyone is looking for acquaintances," advises Aaron Blank, Quinnipiac University (Hamden, CT) alumnus and former orientation leader.

Participation Is Key
"Hartwick offers a program called 'Awakening.' Participation in this six-day outdoor experience meant that I started college with a few faces that were already familiar to me. I came away with a base of people I could sit with in the dining hall and who would sit with me if I was alone," recalls Jennifer Bezanson, junior at Hartwick College (Oneonta, NY).

A Dating Don't
"Don't get attached to a significant other as soon as you get to college. He or she will become your crutch. You won't be motivated to meet other people," says Jan Morrison, recent graduate of the University of Missouri (Columbia, MO).

Get Out There
"Join clubs that fit your interests, and you'll find your niche. I moved 3,000 miles from home to go to college -- from hippie Oregon to somewhat-stuffy Boston -- and felt severely out of place and lonely until I joined the Ski and Snowboard Club," attests Kelly Brashear, senior at Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA).

Go With the Flow
"You'll be out of your element on several occasions, but go with the flow. Be open to new experiences, but don't settle for taking part in an activity that goes against your morals and what you stand for," advises Billy Brennan, recent graduate of Saint Louis University (St. Louis, MO).


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Ysolt Usigan is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.

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