Justine Betschart

Hello Ivy Leaguers!

I hope you all are enjoying your summer and gearing up for another year of high school or your first year of college. For you rising college freshmen, I hope to provide you with some insight into what to expect in the fall.

First off, your living arrangements will likely provide you with your social circle. I highly suggest that every freshmen lives in a hall their first year. Communal bathrooms can be awkward, but the social factor is worth it. I didn't live in a hall style dorm my first year and regret it in that a bulk of my floor had little interest in socializing. So aim for a hall!

Also, if your living situation is substandard, clubs and student organizations are the next best thing. Everyone enters college concerned if they will find people similar to themselves, and clubs provide the gateway to those people. So put yourself out there! You will be very happy that you did.

Freshmen year is a learning experience, and it is really difficult to prepare for. However, keep an open mind as you will meet a wide variety of people. Put yourself out there in order to meet new people. Lastly, soak in every moment because it flies by. However much fun you have, be sure to find that balance between academics and your social life. If one outweighs the other, your freshmen year may not be memorable.

Good Luck!
Justine Betschart
UCLA '14