Expect it to be Unexpected

First off, welcome to UCSD! You are all about to have a wonderful experience at a wonderful college in a beautiful place. Be very thankful that these days there is so many helpful hints on how to successfully transition into college life because it used to me that everyone was sort of on their own other than advice by word of mouth.

My advice is to get as much advice and insight that you can, and then remember that the experience for each individual will be very different.

Everyone is their own person coming from different places and will experience college life their own way. This is the great thing about college! It allows you to grow up and find out who you are in the way YOU want to live. Let new challenges and experiences shape you, even if you don't see them coming. Something unexpected could be exactly what you need right now without even knowing.

I came into college trying not to have specific expectations about college life, whereas one of my friends had the "perfect" image of college in her mind. Throughout our first year, we both talked about our new lives, and we began to realize she was frustrated because college wasn't EXACTLY as she imagined it. Once she became more open minded, everything became easier and more enjoyable. Don't beat yourself up if things end up different than you expected. Just embrace life as it comes at you. Like I said: different can be great!

The one thing I really, really want you all to do is to break out of your comfort zone this year. This doesn't mean do anything stupid or reckless, but step out of your normal social boundaries. If you are normally shy, try to talk to more people. A simple hello could be all it takes to meet a lifelong friend. If you usually are very outgoing, try to help out the shy ones and initiate a conversation. In my experience shy people tend to open up once you get to know them. (Trust me, I've been the shy one in many situations.) Anyways, make an effort to really, truly enjoy yourself. :]

I will mention school, but I think at this point most of you should know about what it takes to keep on top of school work. Remember to keep working hard--school is the reason we're all at UCSD. :]

Good luck and enjoy your first year!

Victoria Payne
Freshman OL, Group #26