The Freshman Experience: The Summer Limbo

Yesterday was significant for two reasons: first, because it marked the end of an era in my life, and second, because it marked the beginning of the last two months of life as I’ve known it. Condensed, decoded version of that statement: I am now a high school grad, precisely two months away from move-in day…and I have so much to prepare for. For us, the incoming freshman of the Class of 2015, we’ve got less than a season to primp ourselves, prep our minds, and broaden our horizons enough to give a great first impression on that first day of classes. (And if we plan on rushing a sorority fall semester, that pressure is basically quadrupled.)

By Leah Kuttruff

Now, as excited as I am to immerse myself in a completely new part of the country and whore my friendship out to anyone who seems halfway genuine, I’m also (understandably) somewhat apprehensive. While I embrace the fact that my classmates will be in the same awkward, n00bish and painfully freshman situation that I will be drowning in, to no degree does knowing this dull my nerves. It’s common knowledge that first impressions carry weight in relationships of any sort.

So here is my proposition to my fellow freshmen-to-be: take these last few months to become the younger version of the person you see yourself being as an adult. Let go, free your mind, go crazy (within reasonable, mostly-legal, bounds) and enjoy the summer. Immerse yourself in culture, as well; attending exhibits (recommended: Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty at the Met), securing an occupation in a new environment (jobs are hard to come by right now, but internships and volunteer positions are perfect for bulking up your resume! Don’t be afraid to work for free, for now), and going to music festivals are all great potential conversation topics. And personally, I know I’ll be needing a lot of those.

Summer is also the opportune time to switch things up looks-wise, so experiment freely with your hair/makeup/clothes. Unleash your inner beauty by tweaking your outer beauty, while keeping in mind that your aesthetic is one of the first things your new classmates will notice about you. Let it out, and come away with a unique, finished product by August. And don’t forget to take advantage of the broiling sun and awesome beach weather!

No longer a ______ , but not yet a _______. Fill in your own blanks this summer. Take some time, figure it out (or don’t) and make the most of this pre-college pause without labels.