<p>Some of us on here are current first years; others graduates; others upperclassmen. I created this thread because I think it would be very helpful for prospective college students to know some things about college that would help them so they don’t freak out and come here after their second day of college with the “I’M TRANSFERRING NEXT SEMESTER!” Now I know that one person’s experience isn’t necessarily going to be another’s experience but nonetheless, the thread is still helpful.</p>
<p>You don’t have to be Best Friends Forever with your roommates: I learned this lesson the hard way. I know I have only been with my roommates for a week but almost instantly you could tell if you’re going to click or not; sometimes you won’t know instantly. For instance, I don’t really talk to my other 3 roommates because they all drink and I don’t. I’ve tried making small talk and being nice but they still decide to do their own thing and not interact/involve me which is completely fine with me. I don’t say nothing to them; they respect my space and I respect their space and we leave at that. Which also leaves me to add this: just because you don’t get along with your roommates or don’t interact/like them doesn’t mean you have the right to disrespect them. Though I don’t like/click with my roommates (and I’m sure the feeling is mutual whether they admit it or not) we all respect each other (i.e don’t blast music, when out late keeps noise down, turns light out when I’m in bed,etc).</p>
<p>Give it some time before making the decision to transfer!: I’m probably being looked at as the biggest hypocrite by making this statement but after reading the responses people made on the subject, they’re right. You can’t expect to make 43904909 close friendships (or not so close friendships) in 3 days. It is common to feel lonely, be alone in the early stages of college but most likely things will get better. Join clubs; form study groups; join a sport; sign up for a job; volunteer; go to school events; go to parties (you don’t have to drink to go to a party). Orientation and Pre-O and your floor aren’t the only way to make friends (however, people tend to clique faster this way. Just saying). If the first week of Orientation you’re feeling alone make sure that in upcoming weeks you try to put yourself out there. You can’t expect for everything to come to you; if YOU want friends YOU are going to have to put the work in to find some. Don’t expect everyone to flock to you on the first day of school or you’ll be in for a rude awakening. </p>
<p>Please, Please, PLEASE Be Yourself!: Drinking doesn’t make you cool. Smoking doesn’t make you cool. If you don’t drink, don’t drink on the first day just to fit in with the crowd. Peer pressure can be a you-know-what. It’s easier to be yourself than change yourself 498374590745 times over the course of 4 years.</p>