Dear College Freshman

Dear College Freshman,

I think that it’d be most appropriate to begin this letter by saying congratulations. You’re starting a new and exciting journey! You’re probably thrilled about your upcoming adventures at college, like meeting new people, taking new classes, and trying new activities.

But if you’re anything like I was as a college freshman, perhaps you’re also crazy scared—about meeting new people, taking new classes, and trying new activities. Though there’s often a freshmen orientation to address the basics of college life, no one tells you how to make friends in a new setting or how to master statistics or when Mr. Right will enter the picture.

My freshman year wasn’t long ago, and I can relate to your concerns about starting college. However, I believe it’s possible to worry less about starting college if you don’t put so much pressure on yourself.

About Friends

I wish that I’d had lower expectations about making friends. Even though I was (and am) a hardcore introvert, I still thought that I’d make a ton of friends in college. I believed that these friendships would come naturally and easily, but I was wrong.

Friends won’t just drop in your lap. Forming friendships is hard work, but it’s worth it.

Make meaningful friendships while you’re at college. Form relationships that are built on a shared faith in God. Even if you don’t have as many friends as you’d like, it’s sometimes better to have a small number of friends so that you can truly invest in them.

About Grades

I wish that I’d had lower expectations about getting good grades. College can be incredibly demanding, but I still wanted to excel. Unfortunately, B’s, C’s, D’s, and F’s still ended up on my assignments, quizzes, and tests.  

The truth is that you’re going to get bad grades sometimes, even if you work really hard.

Perhaps you had straight A’s through high school or got an academic scholarship for college. While it’s a gift from God to succeed academically, getting B’s, C’s, D’s, or F’s doesn’t make you a failure. Some classes are just crazy hard, even for brilliant students. Doing your best—whether that produces an A or an F—is the most important thing.

About Marriage

I wish that I’d have lower expectations about dating. Though I didn’t necessarily expect to meet my future husband at college, now I really don’t expect to meet my future husband at college. Honestly, I’m not ready to get married—and I’ve met few people at college who are.   

There are so many opportunities awaiting you, and I’d hate for you to miss out them because you’re too focused on finding Prince Charming.

Yes, it’s possible that you’ll meet your future husband at college—but you may also meet some wonderful friends, professors, and staff. You may not be ready for marriage, and he may not be ready either. Don’t pressure yourself to find your future spouse at college because you might miss out on other valuable relationships.

Closing Thoughts

I hope the verse below encourages you as you prepare to start your college journey:

But now, thus says the Lord, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!” (Isaiah 43:1 NASB)

College Freshman, the adventure awaits. And the best part is that God will be with you through all of it.