It’s that time in August when, like every year, the aisles of Bed Bath & Beyond and Target are jam-packed with nervous mamas holding packing lists and their future college kids trying to decide whether to go with the blue or the red body pillow. I remember just a short time ago, when I too was purchasing the last few items on my list and anxiously awaiting my first day of college. And so, here is a letter with a little advice and a lot of love for all those college freshman twiddling their thumbs and twirling their hair and wondering what’s in store.
Dearest Incoming College Freshman,
As I head back to campus tomorrow, to my last first day of school, my final year of college, I have a knot in my throat and tears in my eyes. College, my friend, will be the most beautiful, amazing, and life-shaping experience that you have yet encountered.
On your move-in day, you’ll feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re going to a huge school, a tiny school, on an in-betweener (like me!), the campus will feel like you’re never going to learn your way around, the school culture will feel foreign, and the students will feel like strangers. Don’t lose your marbles.
You will know your campus like the back of your hand in a short time. The school’s culture will become as much a part of you as the fingers on your hands or the toes on your feet. And the people–the strangers–they’ll become your best friends. Not best friends like “oh, BFF,” but real best friends. Like laugh so hard you cry and cry so hard you laugh and turn to them with anything and everything all day or night best friends.
However, knowing the campus and the culture and the beautiful people doesn’t come without a price. You have to stretch yourself. I mean reallllly stretch yourself. You can’t just take a step outside of your comfort zone, you have to take a leap. A running leap. Like you’re competing in the long jump.
But that’s not my personality, you might say. It wasn’t mine either.
When I arrived on campus my freshman year, I was ridiculously excited, but more than that I was insanely scared. High school had been okay for me, but it was really pretty bad my junior and senior years. My friends had gone in a very different direction than I wanted to take, leaving me for other things that I wanted no part of. I was nervous the same thing would happen again.
So as an incoming college freshman, I decided that by golly, I was going to make friends. And they were going to be fantastic friends who treated me well. And make friends I did. But it was not by accident.
I went to every orientation meeting, spent hours at the org. fair, went to all of the freshman weekend events, talked to people I’d never met, knocked on girls’ doors who I didn’t know and asked them to get coffee with me…the list goes on. I won’t sugar coat it: it was awkward. For me, very awkward. But the days passed and the calendar flipped to September and then October and it wasn’t awkward anymore.
It was an amazing little life that I had created on my campus for myself. I was involved, really involved, in many different groups and organizations on campus. “Plugged in” as college counselors say. And I had friends. In my classes, on my hall, and in the clubs that I was a part of. And for the first time in a long time, my soul was happy. And I was truly proud of myself. Because I didn’t sit back and watch my freshman year go by and wonder what could’ve been.
I lived a life I loved by choice.
So to you I say–jump in! You’re not the child you were going into high school. You get to make decisions about friendships and activities based on the type of people you want to be around and what you care about. It’s no longer about doing things so “it’ll look good for college.” Choose to do what you love with people you love. And don’t settle for less.
You joined a club that you’re passionate about, but the people aren’t rocking your socks off? Join another one. Talk to the person next to you in class. Be the first to ask your hallmate to lunch.
Let me tell you a little story: Over freshman orientation weekend, I was walking down the stairs in the business school, when I noticed that the girl in front of me looked oddly familiar. I remembered that we were Facebook friends since we were both in the incoming freshman group for our school. With shaky hands, I tapped her arm and asked her name. “Taylor,” she said, “This is weird–but aren’t we friends on Facebook?”…
It’s three years later and Taylor is my best (like best-best) friend at Elon. She and I have been roommates for two years (this will be our third) and are inseparable on campus. I thank God for a friend like her, and smile knowing that it all began with taking a breath and asking for her name. (July 2014 update: Taylor gets married next May, and I’m going to be her Maid of Honor!)
Taylor being a goober our freshman year in my dorm…don’t kill me Tay 😉
And school stuff? Ya know, like the “reason” you’re in college. To study and learn and get a degree. That’ll all come. You know what it takes to get the grade you want–do it. You know how long you need to study for your exams–so take time to study.
But above all, know that when you leave your school after four too-swift years go by, it’s not going to be the campus or the classes that you really miss; it’s going to be the people. It’s all about the people. (And PS–you’ll learn much more from your relationships than your classes anyway ;))
So throw yourself out there. Take a deep breath, exhale (but not too loudly, don’t wake your roomie!), and stand tall. You’re meant to be exactly where you are. It’s up to you to make it the experience you want. Choose to live a life that you love.
No matter what crazy-difficult classes or heart-wrenching breakups you go through in your four years, it’s going to be the people who carry you through.
I am so excited for you. I might not even know you. It doesn’t matter. I’m thrilled for you! Rock out your freshman year, because you’ll never get another one. And freshman year is the bomb dot com. Seriously, my favorite year of life to date.
Good luck and remember: this is only the beginning.
All my love and excitement for you,
Blair xoxo
PS–here’s the sequel to this post– What Every College Freshman Really Needs to Pack, with a free downloadable packing list! Check it out!
PSS-if you’d like to print out this post to share it with your daughter (or another incoming college freshman), click here.
thank you, thank you, thank you! my daughter is an upcoming senior and she sooo needed to read this (me, too!) — I read it and shed some tears. she needed to hear this sooo bad! <3
So happy she was comforted by my experience. Please encourage her to email me if she wants to chat about anything at all!
xo,
B
I’m sitting here crying. I have been so terrified for college, and your letter made me feel like it was all going to be okay. Thank you so much, I’ve been reading a bunch of your articles and they’ve really helped. I’ll be telling my friends! 🙂
Hey Kayli!
I’m so glad that you’re encouraged. NOTHING is too big or scary for God, and He’s always with you. You can count on that! Big hugs from TX!
xo,
b
After finishing your letter, I started tearing up. I’m in my last months of my senior year of high school and am nervous/excited/terrified/stressed about my upcoming transition. I’ve never been outgoing or particularly skilled at making friends, but reading this letter I feel hope. There’s other girls in the exact same position as me and you showed me that. All it takes is a bit of bravery and taking that “leap” to make college the best years of my life. Thank you for writing this letter and know that its given me a great deal of comfort.
-Meghanne
Meghanne (I like the way you spell your name!),
I totally know where you stand and how you feel. I’ve been there, too. You never have to be someone you’re not, and you will find great friends who will love you just for who you are. Guaranteed.
Best of luck to you!
xo,
B
I am the same age as you, and wish that I had had someone my freshmen year to tell me these things, so that I could have made friends like you and Taylor did.
It seems our vision is always 20/20 when we look back, doesn’t it? I wish the same thing.
I pray that God blesses you with true, beautiful friendships in the next chapter of your life!
xo,
B
Wow. Thank you so much! This is exactly what I needed to hear. I’m finishing up my last two months of my senior year in high school and DANG it’s scarier than I thought it was going to be. The last month or two it’s hit me really hard… the fact that I’m going to be in a new place with all new people in just a few months. And this letter is more perfect than anything else I could have read right now. I’ve always been the quiet girl… and putting myself out there has always terrified me. I’m better now than I used to be, but I have to admit that I was really scared for my first year in college. After reading this, I’m still a little scared (that comes with the territory haha) but I’m hopeful now. Maybe “leaping” into things will turn into the best decision I’ve ever made. Guess I’ll see… 🙂
Again, thanks so much for this letter!
-McKenna
McKenna,
Thanks for your note! I’m so glad that my experience could comfort you a bit. It’s normal to be nervous–it means you’re excited! Best of luck to you! You’ll be in my thoughts come August.
xo,
B
Blair,
I am just finishing up my freshman year at college, and I wish I had found this at this time last year. I put my self out there in the beginning of the semester and made many new friends, but i know that I was still very reserved. I thank you for sharing your experiences and am certain that you are going to influence many students who are about to embark on the next chapter in their life. I can relate to how nerve wracking it can be to leave home and venture out to this new place, where everyone says is going to be the best years of your life. I like your advice about going and knocking on doors, and randomly going up to people that you have added on Facebook. That is probably the best way to meet people as well as going to all the Orientation and New Student Events! Thats how I met my best friend, current roommate, and roommate for next year!
Thanks for your comment, Erin! I agree–“putting yourself out there” is really the only way to make new friends! It’s tough, but oh-so worth it. Best of luck to you!
xo,
B
This was amazing. Definitely could have used some advice like this going into my Freshman year of college because college has not been all that fun; yet (I hope). I’m glad there are people like you to encourage people to step out of their comfort zones. Giant gold star for you:)
Thanks for the encouragement, Mikayla! (Also, I love your name and spelling!)
Things do get better–promise–you just have to make a few changes! Good luck with everything & may God abundantly bless your time in school!
xo,
B
I really could have used this 3 years ago! I didn’t take that running leap and was miserable. So much so that I ended up coming home after the first semester 🙁 I will be passing it along to my sister who is a senior in high school.
I’m sorry to hear about your experience, Samantha! However, the next chapter of your life is waiting for you to dive into it. Now’s your chance…it’s never too late!
Best of luck to you!
xo,
B
Wow this was just what I needed! Thank you so much!
🙂
So glad! Thanks for your comment!
xo,
B
There’s only one comment I disagree with, the “And PS–you’ll learn much more from your relationships than your classes anyway”. You learn completely different things from the people you meet/experience in college and the classes (well, I guess unless you’re a psych major or something). The people help you grow emotionally, becoming a better person and more comfortable with who you are. The studies help you grow academically and expand your mind. Granted, there are times when they overlap – you grow more open and accepting through both the people and the studies and many other areas.
So, my point is – EVERYTHING will help you grow in someway, equally.
Interesting point. Obviously, I learned a lot from my courses. They prepared me to go into the work force. But nothing prepared me to go into the “real world” more than my relationships in college. I stand by the fact that the people in your life will always influence you more than courses; you’ll always learn more from interaction than lecture.
Agree to disagree? 🙂
xo,
B
Blair,
You are an incredibly articulate, inspiring woman. A breath of fresh air! You brought me to tears. I am a mom of a HS junior who is struggling with her so-called friends. I cannot wait to have her read your letter.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Kelly
Kelly–
I’ve been there. Oh, my how I’ve been there. Prayers for your daughter’s sweet heart during this time. How difficult it is.
I was volunteering at a high school prom last weekend, when I turned to another college volunteer and said, “I wish I could hug all these girls and tell that that it only gets better!” It’s the truth. It does get better.
Tell your daughter to stick to who she is…stand her ground when others don’t…and stand tall knowing that she is a beautiful individual!
May God bless her with wonderful friendships and a strong spirit!
xo,
B
I agree with everything she says, I had the same circumstances and semi-low confidence, with little leap of brutal awkwardness, college became the best years of my life!!
Thanks for your comment! Glad college was wonderful for you, too!
xo,
B
Absolutely love this! Giving me some hope for college this fall! 🙂
Thanks for your comment, Rachel! Best of luck to you at school in the Fall!
xo,
B
love love love this letter! i’m entering my junior year of college, and my experience has been just like yours. (i’m actually down at gardner-webb, so not too far away either, lol.) i was in the same boat with the friends in high school, and i’ve met some extraordinary people since i’ve been in college. it’s an absolutely life-changing place, and i wouldn’t trade my experiences thus far for anything.
good luck on your future past college! God bless!
Thanks for your comment, Kelby!
So glad you’ve had a wonderful college experience as well!
xo,
b
I am transferring to a different college to finish my degree, and I have been having many of the same Freshman year jitters that I had when I was an incoming Freshie. This just reminded me that it was ALL scary then, and I got through it. I loved my first year, and I know I will love this new school just the same and hopefully even more! What you said is so spot on, and a great reminder for me when I go back in August as the newbie 🙂
You’ll be great…again! Best of luck, Chrissy!
xo,
b
My experience was quite different, I went from a small town to a city and had a huge culture shock. My first weekend I was miserable at the dorm and wound up hating it. Only being an hour away from home I came to realize that it would be best for me to give it a full year for me to decide if I would live on campus or drive back and forth. I have chosen to live at home and drive back and forth. I didn’t like being in a city and would have rather been in the country I am great full for the experience but am very excited about being at my house everyday. I tried getting to know people but it always came off as the weird girl who was different.
I’m sorry to hear it didn’t work out for you at your first school. Best of luck in the future!
xo,
B
Im about to be a senior in high school and I am literally in love with Elon and you just made me 100x more excited to apply! Thank you, your letter really touched me 🙂
Thanks for your comment, Jenn! Best of luck to you! xo
Blair thank you so much for writing this! I’m starting college in the fall and reading this was so reassuring! I can’t wait for all that college is going to offer me! I am going to save this and read it again when I’m doubting myself! Thank you again!
Thanks for your note, Kelly! I’m so glad my experience could comfort you a bit!
xo,
b
I just finished my freshman year of college, and it literally felt like this letter was written by me, to me, in a parallel universe. Right down to having a hard time junior and senior years of high school, to having to push through the awkward first months of college. But it all was worth it, and its the dead truth that you meet the most amazing people in the world.
That’s amazing. Thanks for commenting, Miranda.
xo,
b
I know you wrote this a while ago, but this is seriously the absolute BEST advice I have heard. I am starting college this fall and what freaks me out the most is all the people. Now I have hope because if you could do it even though it was hard and awkward, then I can too. Thanks. 🙂
I am so glad that my experience could bring you hope! Glory goes to God!
xo,
b
I came across this on Pinterest and after just finishing my freshman year of college, I teared up at this because every word of it is so true! I was exactly like you, I was excited but very nervous about starting college. I definitely agree that you have to step outside your comfort zone, which was very hard for me but once I did, I made the best friends I could ever ask for. Thank you for putting all of my thoughts about freshman year into words!
That’s so sweet! Thanks Lindsay!
xo,
b
Loved your post! Any tips on how I should spend my senior year in high school?
Spend your senior year in high school b r e a t h i n g. Everything will fall into place in time. It’s all in His hands!
xo,
b
I’m entering my Junior year of high school, and am probably graduating early. (Yay homeschooling!) I’ve been thinking on college’s and I’ve been SO (emphasize on the SO) nervous. Because the colleges I have looked into, and the one I am super serious about is one that absolutely NO ONE I know is planning on attending. Sure, my plans can change. Sure, I’m excited to be on my own in the coming years. But, my socialness stems from having a friend alongside me. Kind of like a wingman/winggirl. (minus the flirting) I have no idea what I’ll do when I go off on my own– especially if I don’t know anyone there at first.
But this gave me confidence in knowing I can and I will be able to have a good first year!
Thanks! 🙂
Good luck, Cole!! You’ll do great!!
xo,
b
Thank you so much. I start school in 15-20 days and I am super nervous because just like you things changed for me during senior year of my high school. I faced a terrible ankle injury and my friends grew distant.
Apart from all of that, I just want to thank you for your kind ad inspirational words. I really needed this. Now more than nervous I’m super excited for this fresh new start.
-Sanjana
It really is a fresh start. Best of luck to you!
xo,
b
As an incoming freshman, I don’t think anything will prepare me for what lies ahead. I’ve lived under a rock, and I still do. I’m staying at home for the first year at the minimum, and I’m extremely shy. I was picked on since kindergarten to I guess my senior year for being such a nerd/geek and only hanging out with guys. Truth is, guys don’t bark/bite at girls, and all of the girls I have become friends with left within a year or two. I just don’t see how it’ll be any different. /:
I appreciate your honesty, Kelly, and I’m sorry to hear about your past struggles. Attitude really is everything, and I think if you go into college thinking that things are going to be different, there’s a great chance they will. College students are a lot less catty and mean than high schoolers. Praying for you!
xo,
b
Thank you so much for this. Im starting my freshman year in under 20 days and cried a little reading your story. I was lucky enough to be accepted early to my dream school so I really feel I wished my high school away. I’m very shy and reserved too so moving to a school 4 hours from home, from comfort, is really starting to hit me. Thankfully, I already took a “running leap” at orientation. Simply asking a girl where she was from opened me up and made orientation much more enjoyable. Turns out she’s living on my floor next year! It will be so nice to know a friend will be right down the hall next year and it’s all thanks to that one leap!!
Good for you, Emma! I’m so happy for you! Have a wonderful first year…it’ll be awesome!
xo,
b
This was amazing. I leave in a week and a half and am nervous and excited. This helped so much. Thank you
Good luck Caroline!!! I’m so excited for you!
xo,
b
Thank you for this article! I’m so excited for college to begin! 🙂 25 more days!
How exciting! Best of luck, Alyssa!
xo,
b
Hey Blair, I cannot thank you enough for posting this blog. I found this on Pinterest several months ago, but was too scared to read it until now. As the first day of college is quickly approaching, I am taking in any advice that people give me. Once again, thank you so much for posting this. I have noticed you have a lot of other entries on this blog, and I can’t wait to read them all. I hope you are enjoying the “real world” now that you have graduated, and I wish you the best of luck.
You are too sweet Riley! I am so glad you feel encouraged! Best of luck to you!
xo,
b
Oh my goodness. Your article is amazing. I am going to be a freshman at Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Broadcasting at ASU and I am so nervous. I am freaking out and when I talk to my other friends they are just excited. But after reading what you had to say, I am more confident that I can make this college year work out. I love how you say that “You’re meant to be exactly where you are”. Sometimes I feel like maybe I am not good enough, that I can’t do school. But you are totally right, I am where I am today not by accident. I am going to take chances and do clubs and make awkward moments trying to make friends. Like you said, it’s only the beginning.
You’re amazing, Kassey! I hope you enjoy your year! Thanks for reading!
xo,
b
loved this! I’m headed to college in a week and I’m having a lot of clueless moments on what to do. It feels so different, I just said goodbye to my best friend who is going to a different college and I’m not completely sure on how to make new friends. Thanks for posting this, it gives me a little encouragement and also great advice.
Thanks for your comment, Alisha!
I too had to say goodbye to my best high school friend because she was going to a different school (in Rome, Italy!). I know how difficult that is. But be comforted, the Lord is holding you in His mighty hands & everything will turn out just as it is meant to be!
xo,
b
Wow. Printed and stored for some re-reading while I’m at college. Heading out for my freshmen year in 2 weeks… I had gone to the same school for my entire life and college will really be the first change I’ve had – in every way. Needless to say, it’s quite the combination of exciting and terrifying. But this was exactly what I needed to read right now (and even teared up a bit reading it)!! So whenever I need a bit of encouragement while at college, I can just read it again! Thank you 🙂
You are so sweet, Ann! I’m so glad you feel encouraged! Best of luck to you!
xo,
b
Dear Blair,
Last year or early this year (I’m not sure), I stumbled upon this post and read it and really appreciated this. I thought it was interesting that you mentioned Elon. You see, a family friend had just raved about how much her daughter loved it and I was on the fence about considering it as a serious option (NC?! I live in PA!). But . . . I don’t believe in coincidences. So, after doing my research, I visited in May. I. Was. Hooked.
Tonight, I rediscovered the post.
Guess what? Tomorrow I’m leaving to visit Elon again, so I can see it again, meet my admissions counselor, and my mama can see it. I’m applying Early Decision and hope desperately and nervously to get in, though everyone says I will.
I will take this incredible advice from this post as it seems like it was written by myself (if I become a successful Elon senior) to myself. Thank you, <3 <3
HOW EXCITING MOLLIE! BEST OF LUCK!
I truly hope you are able to experience Elon the way I did. You’ll love it!
xo,
b
Blair,
I stumbled across this while searching through the “college” tag on Pinterest…and boy am I glad I did. I am currently a senior in high school in the middle of the college application process which honestly seems to be completely consuming my life at the moment. I often find myself letting the stress get the better of me thinking about standardized tests, application essays, living on my own, and all the emotions involving the end of high school …but then I posts like yours and it is like a breathe of fresh air. I was teary eyes the entire time. Thank you for your wise and reassuring words. This is going to be bookmarked for sure 🙂
Hey Hannah!
Thanks for your comment! I’m really glad you stopped by for a visit 🙂
Breathe deep during this stressful time–it’ll be over before you know it! Best of luck! Glad you’re sticking around!
xo,
b
I commented back on August 4th, I ended up getting into a dorm with four other girls, my roommate actually lives with her parents. All is well and I met a great guy! I also made a LOT of friends! College is great. 🙂 Thank you.
I love what you said at the end about the people who carry you through. I like live by that and you worded it perfectly. I will be useing that quote as me and my friends approach our freshmen year of high school and college next fall. Its so true and so many people need to understand that.I’m Shore that it will come in handy to know this for me and my friends.
Glad you were encouraged, Tayj!
xo,
b
Oh my, I’m in tears right now. You have NO idea how much I needed to hear that. I start college in a week and I’m pretty much freaking out.
Thanks for all your words, I feel so much better now 🙂
You’ll love it! Hold your head high. Good luck, Liz!
xo,
b
Love, love, LOVE this! I’m transferring from community college to a university in the fall, so it will be like freshman year all over again, but actually living on campus. Only this time, I’m totally going to dominate it! Thank you for your encouraging words- I’ll definitely be reading it again when the move comes closer!
Blessings to you
– Em
Best of luck to you Em!
xo,
b
Ah, this was just what I needed to hear, I’ll be a freshman at Texas A&M next year. The school is huuuge! I’ve been second guessing myself on whether I’ll fit in and considering how much I’ll be out of my comfort zone travelling 1,600 miles away from home but now at least I know it’s completely normal to feel that way! Much needed confidence boost! God bless you 🙂
-Savanna
A&M IS HUGE! You’ll do great–hope you absolutely love it!
xo,
b
So glad I just took some time to read this blog on college. I have two months left of my senior year in college, (the four years literally flew by). I am very excited for college, and new friends and adventures! I am also pretty nervous for such a huge life change though.
I ment four years went by fast in highschool! Oops, just so excited i guess for college!
Time DOES fly! Have a blast in college!
xo,
b
As a current high school senior this post was exactly what I needed to hear. Thank goodness there are people out there like you willing to share your experiences. Thank you so much for calming my nerves about college.
Best of luck, Marie! Have fun and hold your head high!
xo,
b
Did you have a roommate your freshman year and if so, how was that experience?
Hi Addison!
Yes, I did! We got along well as roommates although we weren’t best friends…I think it worked out best that way! Good luck to you!
xo,
b
WOW! Thank you SO much! This was so inspirational! I saw the post on Pinterest and was drawn in from there. I am a senior in high school right now . I literally graduate in June which is a month and a few weeks away! I am scared,nervous,excited,and all these emotions about college. Reading this just brought tears to my eyes and just opened my mind up to ” WOW I am going to be a COLLEGE FRESHMEN this upcoming school year!” I just had to print this out and I am definitely carrying it around with me until the first day of college. Thank you so much! This is truly inspiring and God Bless You!
I’m so excited that you’re excited! Best of luck!
xo,
b
This letter was so unexpected! I’ve been seeing the same “Don’t forget this! and Remember that! and Make friends!” So nothing overly personal or helpful. I love how positive yet realistic/honest you were with your experience! I’m about to head into my last two weeks of my senior year and I’ve never been too outgoing so your post has definitely inspired me to try! Hope your last year has been unforgettable so far:)
Thanks for the encouragement. I hope your freshman year of college is awesome!
xo,
b
Blair, thank you so much! Because of you I can feel a sense of relief rush over me as I await my freshman year of college. Thank you for the helpful advice and taking the time to help little worried hearts like mine! You’re the greatest, thank you. 🙂
Oh, I am so excited for you, Taylor! Best of luck! You’ll have a wonderful experience!
xo,
b
http://almostcollegegirl.wordpress.com I would love for my fellow almost college girls to check out my blog!
Love online community! Great blog!
xo,
b
I definitely teared up reading the end of this post, very inspirational! Makes me feel more confident going in as a freshman at the College of Charleston in SC. All your posts are wonderful!
Best of luck to you, Emma!
xo,
b
I absolutely loved this. It got even better when I realized that you were talking about your experience at Elon because I will be going there in a little over a month. Thank you so much. I needed to read this.
Oh my goodness, Annie, how exciting! Hope you love Elon as much as I did!
xo,
b
This is literally the greatest thing I’ve read in regard to my impending start of college! I feel like I’m talking to myself in the future- right now I’m only hoping and dreaming that my college experience will be as great as yours! Thank you for being real, being honest and truly making my heart happy as I grow even more excited for all that is to come in the next few months! High school wasn’t my favorite thing in the world (for the same reasons as you mentioned and this really reaffirms that many of the adults in my life are right- that life in college and beyond is still to come and can/will be simply incredible)! I needed to read this. Thank you so much! 🙂
Hey Sarah!
I’m so glad you felt encouraged. Best of luck to you!
xo,
b
By far my favorite freshmen blog about college! I’m going to be a freshmen this year and I’m super nervous but reading your blog just made me excited and less nervous for the school year to start! Thank you for sharing your sorry it is very inspirational.
Hey Marina,
Thank you for your comment. I’m glad you were encouraged!
xo,
b
Thank you so much for setting me at ease. I move into my dorm in t-minus 2 weeks and lately I have been trying to push it from my mind on how nervous I ACTUALLY am. I graduated from High school early and being a year behind everyone in age made me slightly nervous. After reading your blog post I completely feel better. Thank you so so so much!
Oh and Congratulations to your best friend 🙂
You’ll do great!!!
xo,
b
Thank you so much for writing this! I officially move Into my dorm in 2 weeks and after reading your packing post I stumbled across this “letter”. For the last month I have been scared out of my mind about making friends and getting to know people. I have a really close group of 3 friends that have been together for 8 years and I don’t really have anyone else. I am heartbroken to be leaving them and was worried about making a new connection like that, but your post gave me hope that if I put myself out there then everything will be fine. So thank you!
You’ll be great, Lacy!
xo,
b
This has been so helpful!!! I’m about to start college in a few weeks, and this made me so excited!! Thank you for sharing your experience. Is there any advice you have major wise? I’m undecided and worried about choosing the wrong path.
Thanks again:)
A lot of colleges offer an Exploring Majors class. I’d recommend taking that. Also, the career center usually has some pretty great tests and personality quizzes that can help you narrow down your strengths! Best of luck, Mary!
xo,
b
Great post. I was a freshmen orientation leader this past year & having experienced students share their stories and experiences was the most important part of the day for a great deal of the students so I’m glad that you were able to share yours (and probably reaching & calming countless restless minds!) Very nicely done.
Thanks, Tim!
xo,
b
Holy Cow! Blair, this is fantastic! I am just a couple days of actually moving into college for the first time. I am beyond excited just like you were but I am also a little scared/terrified! I went to a high school that was super small, like I seriously only graduated with 41 other people, and now I’m moving into a college that has a crap ton more people than that. I know you wrote this a while ago, but it was something that just showed up on my pinterst board lol. Thank you so much for writing this!
Thank you so much for reading, Abigayl!
xo,
b
I am just finishing my last year of high school, and I am so glad I found your posts because I was already starting to freak out about it.
I’m so glad you’re encouraged!
xo,
b
PS- Nice name 😉
I love all of your college posts! They are so helpful as I am heading into my freshman year of college in a few weeks. I have taken your tips to heart and I will be putting them to good use! I’ll update you on my college experience and how your tips worked! Thank you so much! I also love the rest of your blog. It is vert clean and simple. 🙂
http://www.sweetlysally.com
Thanks, Sally! I really appreciate the compliment on my blog, too…I spend a lot of time and energy keeping it as simple as I can! Also–your blog is adorable!
xo,
b
Blair,
I stumbled across this while scrolling through pinterest looking for college tips and dorm ideas! I leave in 7 days to begin my freshman year at Appalachian and while I am super excited, I am definitely feeling anxious and nervous as well. Reading this however is such a huge encouragement! Thank you for your kind words! Finding this was definitely a blessing.
Much love,
Laney
I’m SO glad you were encouraged!
xo,
b
I’m a freshman heading to college in four weeks and I am completely thrilled and terrified!! This post is awesome and super comforting. It’s a good reminder of what I want to do at college, to do well in my classes but have the best time of my life! Thank you so much!
Enjoy it, Cami! Best of luck!
xo,
b
Hello,
Just wanted to say thank you; I’m starting college in a week and this article definitely gave me some courage 🙂
-Sara
I’m so glad, Sara!
xo,
b
Omg, I totally cried. You have a gift for writing. Totally encouraged me to get out there.
Thanks, Meagan! I’m so glad that you were encouraged!
xo,
b
Thank you so much! It’s my first year of college!! This really helped me.
So glad!
xo,
b
You are amazing. I had the same experience in High school and I am trying to make good friends in college. I started out in a lot of clubs but have dropped out of most them be uses I realized I really didn’t fit in. Any advice for next semester?
Don’t give up on yourself and don’t give up on others. Sometimes people will surprise you–don’t write them off until you’ve given them a shot! Hoping your next semester is a turning point!
xo,
b
This made me feel so much better about starting college next year. I’ll actually be attending Elon myself and I was worried all of my fellow freshmen would be extreme extroverts. I see now we are all in the same boat. Thank you!
Best of luck and prayers to you! You’ll do great. I hope you love Elon!
xo,
b
This is kinda crazy, but this popped up on my Pinterest tonight and I read it because I’m an incoming freshman this upcoming fall, and turns out I’m attending Elon! So this post made me that much more excited about my next 4 years! Thank you
Love it! Enjoy your time at Elon–I LOVED it!
xo,
b
Hi!
I know you wrote this quite awhile ago, but I found this on Pinterest as well!
Anyways, I am going to college for the second time this September, and well, I am freaking out a little… My biggest fear is leaving my boyfriend behind… We will go from seeing each other almost every other day to seeing each other once every week or so. I know it doesn’t seem like a huge jump, but it’s scary, as well as trying to make new friends and living with three other girls you don’t know in the dorms. I lived in the dorms when I went to college the first time and didn’t have a great experience with my roommate, so I’m concerned that will happen again, but I’m also keeping an open mind, and your blog post helped me quite a bit. I’m very awkward socially, and have some mild social anxiety, so it freaks me out even more, but reading that helped me a lot.
Thank you. I’m really excited/nervous for school!
Hey Kelly! I’m glad you were encouraged. Take each moment as it comes, and breathe. You can totally do this! God bless.
xo,
b
Great read. Thanks 🙂
So glad!
xo,
b
This is brilliant and perfect. Sent it to my high school senior daughter because it’s advice I wish I had known when I was in college. Thank you!!!
Love it. I hope she’s encouraged.
xo,
b
This really was the exact thing I needed. I’m going to be a college freshman in August and senior year was pretty tough friendship-wise. I’m in the same situation you were in. I’m usually always the one being left out of my friend group and I never feel particularly close to any of them. I just hope I can make some really true friends in college; the ones I’ve been waiting for my whole life. Your post was really inspiring and I hope I can have a clean slate and finally be myself in college!
I pray that you meet amazing, Godly friends in college!
xo,
b
I wanted to thank you for writing this. I am moving to my campus in 3 days and as the days dwindle down, I get more excited and nervous. Your post put me at ease and brought things into perspective. I hope to be like you and not only step out of my comfort zone but leap out. Blessings!
Best of luck, Amanda! You’re going to have an awesome freshman year!! 🙂
xo,
b
I am so so happy I found your blog (thanks Pinterest :))
I am French and I am doing an exchange program this year. I am going to Norway. And even though I am already going to college in France, I was really scared about my new experience to come. I feel it is like my very first day in college two years ago, when I didn’t know anyone and was so shy to even sit next to someone in class (so stupid). Your article made me remind that I just need to be brave for a couple weeks, to talk to people and everything will be fine.
Be brave, girl! You got this! 🙂
xo,
b
Ahhh the feels! I just graduated, but can remember move in day perfectly. Terrifying, but I made my BEST friends in college and will hang on to those memories (and people) forever. Never again in your life will you live in the same place with all of your closest friends just a couple blocks (or rooms) away who are always down for whatever. Glad you wrote this, I agree. One thing: take the spur of the moment crazy opportunities (e.g. going on the snowboard club trip to Aspen over winter break even though you’ve never snowboarded before). You likely won’t ever have them so readily available again.
LOVE it, Chelsea! So true! 🙂
xo,
b
These are so great! Thank you for sharing!
-Johanna – johannalydia.blogspot.com
And thank YOU for reading, Johanna! 🙂
xo,
b
I just came across this and I would like to thank you for writing this post! 😀 I seriously cannot wait for college now even though I’m only 17. School is so dreadful at the moment and this post really gives me something to look forward to. I can’t wait to meet new people in college and to experience the school spirit there!!
I’m not a girl or a regular reader of this blog but thank you for this. I’ve been so ready for college the past year, but now that it’s almost here, my stomach has been in knots thinking about move in day. I definitely did not have the high school experience I wanted, and I’ve been worrying lately that the same thing might happen in college. Even though I already knew that I’m going to have to step outside my comfort zone and throw myself out there to have the college experience I want, your letter really reminded me of this when I didn’t realize I had forgotten it. Thank you again.
Thank you so much for reading, Luke! Best of luck to you as you head off to school–I hope you have a fantastic year!
I’m half way through my senior year, and having last game and pep rally really made me think about making friends in college. I just get worried that it would bothersome to the other person through talking or messaging on Facebook first. Thank you for the dvice of getting out there. It really does help. 🙂
Best practice is to ask the author. It’s never okay if you don’t ask first! Thanks!
xo,
b