Well, you made it. You’re here at UTM and ready to start the rest of your life. From all of us who’ve been through this before, welcome! All around you are strange and exciting things: a new school and campus, new faces, and new ways of doing things. You’re on your own as an adult for the first time in your life and you probably can’t wait to dive right in and get started with your classes. Maybe you’re even looking forward to proving yourself on that first exam. Okay, I was pushing it with that one.

Freshman year is filled with new experiences that are both exciting and scary at the same time, and even though not many will admit it, most new students also feel anxious and stressed. So relax and take a deep breath. We’re all here to help you. In the time I’ve been here, I’ve not met one person who was rude when I asked a question or needed help in some way. And if you do meet someone who is, remember, they aren’t God’s gift to the campus and what goes around comes around.

With that said, there are some things that you can do to help ease the stress and homesickness that you might be feeling now or in the future. First, just because you’re in college now doesn’t mean you have to grow up in one day and cut yourself off from family and old friends. Call, e-mail, and visit them and encourage them to do the same. If you haven’t brought some favorite things from home, have them sent. And talk to your roommates because they’re going through the same things.

Yes, you’re going to be surrounded by parties and clubs to join. Great! Have fun, but remember to take care of yourself, too. Don’t go off and do something stupid just because mom and dad aren’t here to check on you. Try to eat something healthy, at least every now and then. Go out and get some fresh air and exercise, and God knows you’re going to need sleep.

As for the nitty gritty of college life, i.e. classes, you’re going to have to do some planning here. The first couple weeks are going to go fairly slowly as we all ease into a new semester. Then the professors are going to let you have it, with assignments, papers and exams, and they’re not going to hold your hand and guide you through it all. They’ll tell you what they want and when they want it and expect you to have it ready. Get a planner and write it all down. Break it down day by day if you have to. Just don’t wait until the day it’s due to suddenly remember and then try to come up with some stupid excuse. They’ve heard it all before and aren’t buying any of it. UTM is a great school with people who really care about you, and now you’re one of us. Let the journey begin.