College is one big dumping ground, full of people trying to find themselves. When you are finally left alone in your dorm room, with family waving their goodbyes, uncertainty fills in the silence. Yet, you have the world at your fingertips, and you should never settle for what you see or who you meet during the first weeks.
The first people you meet are probably your college neighbors. Whether you leave your door open or explore the building, the first friends you make in college could live nearby; however, do not let this be your end-all, be-all.
Involvement outside the dormitory is vital to success in every aspect of college. According to the University of Houston, around 93% of first-years who interacted with the Student Affairs office saw a positive correlation between involvement and a likelihood to continue their academics.
Additionally, joining clubs caters to a better experience and elevates a positive environment. An article from The Daily Cardinal says, “Chances are, most people are just as nervous as you are, but taking the first step to joining a club can lead to life-changing friendships and experiences that’ll stay with you forever.”
Working for The Post has changed my journalism career in so many ways. Yet, I was still a nervous freshman, scared of the unknown. My vulnerability and just “going for it” helped me discover friendships, success and a step in the right direction.
From one college student to another, clubs matter. After three months in school, the honeymoon phase can wear off. The people you surround yourself with during that time may or may not show their true colors, and it is very easy to lose that friendship spark.
At the end of the day, you only have yourself. Independence in college is important and healthy when building friendships. In a TED Talk from Valentina Madrazo, she discusses the importance of encouraging independence in college students.
In her speech, Madrazo explains how independence begins in youth. “Parents must integrate autonomy into their youth to enhance future generations,” she said. Although not every person comes from a household that encourages this, that doesn’t mean independence is impossible.
For example, all your friends are busy, but there is one activity you have been dying to do. Do not wait for them to say “no” or “I am busy” and just go do it. There are so many regrets from my freshman year, including not taking the chances to do something by myself.
The dangers of dependency are real. Madrazo addresses this, emphasizing how children and young adults have no idea how to fold laundry, cook for themselves or how to socialize. In a Substack article by Steven Mintz, he notes how college is no longer a transition into adulthood, but rather an “extended period of developmental incompleteness.”
Instead of coping with dependency, put on your headphones, listen to your favorite album, grab your student ID and take a walk. Possibly extend your walk to grab coffee from Starbucks or Donkey Coffee. You don’t need someone to be by your side 24/7 to have friends. If your friends cannot have distance from one another, chances are they do not know how to be alone.
Additionally, exercise of any kind is important. Whether it’s a brisk walk on the bike trail or heading to Ping Recreation Center, moving your body is great for mental health.
Also, never set standards that are not realistic goals. By this, do not set up a version of yourself that is not the true, vulnerable person you are. These “canon events” pushed by our social media algorithms are not what college is about.
There is no “perfect college experience;” rather, be happy to be a mess. The more you explore and engage with, the more fun college can be.
So, join the random clubs you see at the Involvement Fair, but do not let people hold you down. Make sure to check your BobcatConnect for different clubs, meetings and organizations you can join. Freshman year is the time to explore more than just your dorm room, because friends come and go, but your best memories of your adventures never will.
Natalie Saddler is a junior studying journalism at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Natalie about their column? Email them at ns505423@ohio.edu.
