Is college a fresh start?

College is totally different from high school! High schools are small communities where most people have known each other since grade school. Friendships and cliques have been long established, and everyone is known by whatever image or reputation they've developed over the years.

In college, everyone starts with a clean slate. Nobody knows or cares what you were like in high school. You meet people, and if your personalities click, you become friends. There are no "popular" or "unpopular" people in college. Colleges are too big for that! There are just different circles of friends who enjoy hanging out together. And college students really are more mature. They're less judgmental and more accepting of people's differences. In fact, that's one of the things that people look forward to the most about college: meeting new and interesting people who are different from themselves.

It's easiest to make friends when you're a freshman, because everyone is in the same boat: lonely, homesick, and eager to form some friendships. But you won't make friends if you stay locked up in your room. You have to get out there and make an effort to meet people. Joining some clubs and activities is the best way to meet people who share your interests. Step outside your comfort zone and initiate conversations with people in your dorm, your classes and your clubs. Invite people to go eat or study with you, or to attend a social event together. You don't have to be super outgoing or the life of the party. As long as you're nice and friendly, you'll have no problem making friends.

Good luck!

I just attended a freshman orientation with my grandson, so this is fresh in my mind. The thing about any university, but especially one in a large city, is its diversity. The people, the ideas, the opportunities, the interests -- all are very diverse. You can connect with other people in your dorm, in your major, in your general ed classes, and, if you get a job, in your work on campus. You could join a fraternity or a club that has a connection to an area of interest to you. Universities expect you to be adult in your decisions to attend class and study. This eliminates a lot of the mindless "busy work" of some high school classes. Although you still do have to take general education breadth requirements, many of your classes focus on your major -- a field of interest that matters to you more than others. Anyway, I think you will love going to college. I hope you get the chance and that you make the most of it.

College is whatever you make of it. Go and live your life to the fullest no regrets. If you want to make it a fresh start, then make it a fresh start. No one is stopping you. After all, only you have power over yourself!

Cheers!