If you’re anything like me, you were dreaming about going to college before you even graduated elementary school. I always anticipated my next small taste of independence, like sitting in the front seat of my mom’s minivan or staying home alone, and these things never seemed scary until I experienced them. The first time I stayed home alone, I paced on the curb outside my house until my mom came home.

College always seemed like the ultimate taste of independence and for much of my life, I had been eager to experience it. It wasn’t until I arrived that it started to seem scary, just like staying home alone did 10 years prior.

If you are scared right now, just know every other freshman is a little scared too — even if they don’t look like it. Whether you are 10 minutes or 10 hours from home, going to college is a huge adjustment, and you probably won’t feel at home the first day. I know I didn’t. The tile floors were cold, my mattress felt different and, of course, I didn’t know anybody. The first month will likely be the hardest, but there are some things you can do to make it a little easier.

I wish I could have told my freshman self that everything probably won’t be perfect right away. Maybe you will get incredibly lucky and your entry into college will be smooth sailing. However, this is the experience for a minority of students. It’s easier said than done, but try to remind yourself that things will get better. The first month will be a whirlwind of “What’s your name? Where are you from? What dorm do you live in?” You might be overwhelmed with classes, new people and your new environment, but once things settle down, you will feel more comfortable.

If you see big groups of people walking around campus the first few weeks, don’t feel like you’re behind. Find comfort in being alone and do things by yourself. Maybe find a new favorite study spot or discover the best coffee in Columbia. It’s so easy to feel lonely right when you arrive, but as I have reminded you before and will remind you again: things get better.

Use social media to your advantage in meeting new people. I met one of my best friends at MU via Instagram direct messages, and she introduced me to multiple other people who are also now my best friends. In 2022, we have countless ways to meet people digitally. So, reach out! Try to meet as many people as you can the first few weeks. Without social media, I wouldn’t have some of my favorite people in my life right now.

Getting involved on campus can make your new environment feel more like home. Try to go to as many events and activity fairs as you can when you arrive. The Welcome Week events may seem silly, but they help build community with your fellow first years. Try out some different clubs. You might just go to one meeting or find an organization to stick around in. If anything, you might meet a few new friends.

The social part is hard enough, but, in reality, we are attending college to get a degree. College requires increased time management and organization. In high school, you had seven hours blocked out for school, with the rest of the day left to spend how you wanted or needed. In college, classes can be at any time of the day with any amount of time in between them. I urge you: use those times between classes to your advantage and get as much work done before classes are done for the day. This way, you will have the evening to spend time with friends and relax. This will obviously not always be possible; know a late night study session at Ellis is sometimes inevitable.

My other academic — and general life — saver is time blocking and using a planner. I time block my days hour by hour using Notion, and it has kept me incredibly organized as life gets busier. I know this is cliché, but my planner and calendar genuinely keep me sane.

College is hard, and the first month will not be without some bumps in the road. It is harder for some than others, but whether your entry into college is fairly smooth or very rough, I’m going to remind you one last time: things always get better!

Edited by Ever Cole | ecole@themaneater.com