Heading to University: A Guide for Freshmen Students

Leaving home for the first time for University can be a scary and overwhelming experience. It can also be an exciting time in your life that will help shape you into who you are in your future life. The life you build at your Univerisity or College will be filled with many adventures . You will make lifelong friends who will be there for you through thick and thin. They will become your second family. This will help make you who you are, and you will learn from this new found independence. However, it's always easier and helpful if you get a few tips and secrets from others who have already gone through such an experience. Each years people from all over leave home for the first time in search of a University of College degree, so it's important to remember that everyone does leave home at some point, so you're never alone in this new adventure.

1. There WILL be an adjustment period! You won't feel settled in and comfortable right from the get-go. Everyone is different and it may take you longer or shorter than others, so don't compare yourself to others, but do make sure you talk to people about how you feel. You will miss home at first, and if you expect to go through this adjustment period and talk about it with others who are also experiencing it the transition will be much smoother.
2. Get Out There! Now is the time to experience your new surroundings, meet new people, and if you're in a new city explore. There will be other people in your boat so take this opportunity and meet some new friends; this is the time that will solidify those relationships.
3. If you have made the decision to live in Residence (on campus housing) for your first year, you've chosen well. This is a great way to be near everything you need and you have ample opportunity to meet a bunch of new people and make some long lasting friendships. Everyone in Residence is feeling the same way you are and they are looking to make friends just like you are.
4. Have fun but don't go Crazy! Alot of people take for granted their new found independence. Just because you are no longer living under your parents roof doesn't mean you need to go crazy. So although, you can eat as you want and drink, remember to keep it safe. You can still have fun within reason, and you won't regret anything the next morning.
5. Work out a monthly Budget! Money worries are a huge stress for many people living away from home for the first time. If you put together a monthly budget and track your spending this will help to keep you in line with your money so you won't have to stress about it halfway through the year.
6. Call Home! Your parents have gone through the same thing and they know you are probably homesick, so talk to them about it, and maybe even plan a visit home. It will help them as much as it will help you!

Moving out on your own to begin your journey for a higher education is an important step in your life, and it will be up to you to take hold of your life and shape it. However, always remember that although it will be frightening at first, it will soon become the best and most amazing time of your life where you will make some life long friend who will become like second family.