By Kaitlyn Welch
Photo Editor
W e have all had them, you guys know what I am talking about: First year fears. You’re new to this college thing, you might be 1,000 miles away from home, and your wallet is looking really empty. Have no fear, your fairy god-mother is here with your first year of college survival guide.
Fear #1.) Will I be okay without my parents, or worse, my pet?
The answer to this question, at first, is no, most definitely not. You will be homesick, you will want to curl up in your own bed with your fur ball, and you will want a home cooked meal. You will even miss your parents nagging at you 24/7. However, once you begin to get to know people and start to get involved with your classes, on campus activities, and keeping up with your homework, the year will come and go and summer will be here, along with getting to return home.
Fear #2.) What if I am not smart enough?
Okay, pause. 1.) You shouldn’t be asking this question. You have made it this far, you can do this.
2.) College isn’t about being smart enough. It’s about learning, taking in what you learn, applying old knowledge, and using the information you have. If you don’t slack off and you do your homework, you will be just fine.
Fear #3.) Will my roommate be weird?
While this is always a possibility, it’s very unlikely, due to the fact that this is why Mark Aubucon and Lori Kelly had you fill out a personality form when you applied to live on campus. Believe it or not, they did use those to match you up with someone they thought you’d get along with. However, if that isn’t the case, you can always go talk to one of them about it, or if you are a trooper in situations like that, a semester is only about 4 months long- Hang in there.
Fear #4.) Where the heck is my money?
This is the big question. College is not cheap, especially when you’re living on your own. Gas, groceries, bills, books, emergency funds. These are the words that swirl around in your head and cause you to panic. There is a solution to this, but it might not be ideal. It’s called budgeting. Buy cheaper groceries, buy cheaper school books from online, and don’t be scared to save, save, save. Try to spend a few weekends in having a movie marathon or something, because, inevitably, you will spend money if you go to town. Get creative in your dorm or apartment.
Fear #5.) How do I balance so many things at once?
Two words: Time management. I know what you’re thinking: “How do I manage a full-time job, being a full-time student, spend time with my friends and family, and have a decent sleeping schedule all at the same time?”. Well, the truth is, you don’t. Some weekends you will have to choose between catching up on sleep, or seeing your family and friends. Some weekends you will have to go straight back to your dorm from work and spend a fair amount of your time on homework. It is far from fun, but sometimes you have to prioritize and do things that you’d rather put off and possibly not do at all.
Coming from a second year, I can promise you one thing: College is not easy, but it is worth it. You are here for a reason, so don’t dwell on the things that make being here seem like a bad thing. Just take one day at a time, put your priorities before your wants, and know that there are people here that are more than willing to help you out, whether they are your friends, or your professors. With that being said, good luck, and have a great first year!
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