Were YOU miserable, too?

[pbpck]

Don't worry! This is an exciting and amazing chapter of your life. And as any transition goes, there is a required amount of anxiety. But as everyone has already told you, everyone is in the same position. I lived in a suite at a UC school my frosh year. I loved it. I loved that I had a roommate because she was my dning buddy all first week. I was terrified of venturing to the commons alone. Haha.

-Play your music and keep the door open.
-Cook some food with your roommate and invite your suitemates or the guys across the hall to enjoy what you have made.
-Make friends in your sections with whom to swap lecture notes with in case of absences.
-And since you have been posting on a greek message board, I assume you are not adverse to rushing, so I urge you to do so.

UC's can be a bit overwhelming and somewhat impersonal at first, but as at any college, it's the people you meet that make the experience.

Get exited. There are so many opportunities!

[Peaches-n-Cream]

In addition to all of the above advice, I suggest that you get to know the people in your suite, on your floor, in your dorm, and classes. Make an effort to meet one new person everyday. Push yourself to do it even if you feel shy or insecure. Believe me everyone feels that way at least once during freshman year. If you are having a particularly difficult time, many schools have workshops or programs through residential life or the counseling center to help students cope with homesickness, loneliness, and adjusting to college life. The college experience is a defining time in your life. Don't forget to enjoy it!

[juniorgrrl]

I was miserable my first semester of college. I missed home, I missed my boyfriend, I hated my roomate and my classes...it was overall a bad situation. Plus, my mom was only a local call away, and she was having trouble adjusting too, so we'd stay on the phone for an hour or two at night. Then I'd get online to talk to the boyfriend. I did have friends, but I just didn't feel like I belonged in that world.

When I transferred to LSU, I had a huge built-in social network - all of my friends from HS were there. We are all still friends to this day. Even still, though, I didn't branch out too much, until I got put into an on-campus apartment with two of the most wonderful girls who are now some of my best friends. They, too, were in long-term relationships so they understood what it was like to have a steady boy. I miss them soooo much.

I just started law school at LSU. But I still cry nearly every day. EVERYONE I was friends with is gone. Its like being in the twilight zone - I'm back in our old place, but no one else is. But I talk to other people, and they say they are doing the same thing.

Its all a big adjustment. But you will survive.

And don't let anyone discourage you on the long-distance relationship. If you want it to work out,a nd its meant to be, it will happen. Last night my boy and I celebrated 5 years together. We're talking about getting married in a few years. So, it CAN be done

[DeltAlum]

For whatever it's worth, our son (youngest child) just started college two weeks ago and is having the time of his life.

He absolutely loves it -- everything about it.

Of course, he is very social and gets along with everyone.

We've reserved airline tickets for him to come home for Thanksgiving, and he's making noises like he may not make it home.

When I was a Freshman, I lived about 75 miles away from home and had a girlfriend who was a year younger and still in high school, so I came home every weekend to get la......uh, to get laundry done.

What did you think I was going to say?

Actually, you've gotten some good advice. Get out and make new friends and you'll be OK.

[AOX81]

Originally posted by DeltAlum
When I was a Freshman, I lived about 75 miles away from home and had a girlfriend who was a year younger and still in high school, so I came home every weekend to get la......uh, to get laundry done.

DeltAlum: You crack me up!

[Peaches-n-Cream]

That's so AMISH!!!

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by Cream
That's so AMISH!!!

Actually, I think she was Catholic. Or maybe Druid.

Anyway, she came to Ohio U. the next year and found out how much fun I was having during the week.

I had a heck of a time getting la... uh, anything cleaned from then on. At least by her.

It was a tiny mistake that she made that got me my first date with a sorority woman. But I digress. Again.

I think all of the Amish girls went to Kent State.

(Shark, don't worry, you'll have fun, too!)

[Peaches-n-Cream]

LOL! Now I will never look at my neighbor the same way again. She asked me if I had any suggestions or tips for her son who was going off to college. I said make sure that he knows how to do his laundry. She said you mean a nice girl at college won't want to do his laundry for him. I won't be able to look her in the eyes again.

[DeltAlum]

Originally posted by Cream
I said make sure that he knows how to do his laundry.

I think you gave her excellent advice. Neatness counts! I'm sure he'll make a good impression on someone.