If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’re either about to start your first year at Duke, or you’re a few weeks in and wondering what is going on. Either way: Hi. I was you not too long ago, and I’ve made enough mistakes (and some decent calls) to hopefully offer you something helpful. This isn’t a checklist or a “10 ways to college harder” kind of thing. It’s just the stuff I wish someone had told me back in the day.
1. Everyone is faking it at first.
I remember walking around East Campus thinking, Everyone has a friend group already, Everyone understands their classes, Everyone knows what to wear to Shooters. None of that was true. It just looked that way. Give it time. Some of your best friendships won’t start until October or even second semester. In fact, I met one of my best friends as a sophomore. So don’t worry. You’re not late to anything…