Top 5 things I wish I knew as an Incoming Freshman.

5. College is not like a cliché high school comedy.

There aren’t bullies trying to push freshmen into lockers. Upperclassmen won’t throw food at you in the Caf. In fact, upperclassmen don’t bully you at all. Instead of being looked down upon for being the new kids on campus, you’ll be embraced as fellow members of the Tribe. You’re in college now, petty high school drama is a thing of the past. So don’t be intimidated! Be outgoing and approach upperclassmen. Trust me, we want to meet you!

4. Orientation is amazing.

The orientation schedule is intimidating. Your days are literally packed, and it can seem pretty draining. But orientation was when I met the people that would become my closest friends and future roommates. So be excited! Use the opportunity to bond with your hallmates and gain class pride. Stay enthusiastic and participate in all the activities- you only have one opportunity to go through freshman orientation!

3. A bad registration seems like the end of the world. But it isn’t.

There’s no getting around it- registration is one of the most stressful things you’ll have to go through at W&M. Some people will get every single class they want, while others will get just one or two classes. But before you give yourself grey hair, take a deep breath. If you can’t get the classes you want through add/drop, typically you can get into a class simply by talking to the professor. If that doesn’t work, it’s still not the end of the world. It’s an opportunity to take a class that you didn’t expect! Maybe you’ll absolutely love it; maybe you’ll find that it’s not really your thing. But the beauty of a liberal arts school like W&M is that you get to try your skills in a bunch of different fields. So take the chance to step out of your box and try something completely out of your comfort zone!

2.  You always bring too much from home.

I wore about half the clothes I brought. My iron and ironing board never made it out of the box. The measuring cups and bowls stayed in a Tupperware container under my bed. The dorm rooms are small, and space is precious. So if you’re wavering as to whether or not you’ll use that blender or wear that sweater, don’t bring it. Worse case scenario, you find you need it and bring it after Thanksgiving break. But when you can’t move because your floor is covered with all the extra STUFF you brought- you’ll wish you’d taken my advice.

1. Things work out.

You’re nervous- college is a big deal! New people, a new campus…there’s a lot to adjust to. I know there are a million questions running through your head, and you’re not alone. But the best advice I can give is to relax! Take a deep breath, all those things your worried about will work out. Every one of your classmates is going through the exact same thing, and you’ll all figure it out together. And get excited! You’re about to start the best four years of your life.

See you around campus!

Erin