Samantha Santoliquido is a junior majoring in advertising management with a minor in public relations at Michigan State University.
When choosing to attend Michigan State University, I was anxious about one thing more than anything else: starting a new chapter of my life in a place where I knew no one. As a student from New York, I didn’t have the comfort of my built-in friend group from high school, and that scared me immensely. On top of it all, I chose a roommate at random, which added to my stress.
Looking back, taking this risk was one of the best decisions.
Now that I’ve found my way, here are four things I wish I had known.
Being open can lead to the best friendships
Choosing a roommate at random can seem intimidating, and I definitely felt that way at first. I wasn’t sure what to expect, and it felt like such a gamble. However, it helped me meet new people I might never have crossed paths with otherwise.
Some of the closest friendships I’ve made at MSU started simply by asking, “What’s your major?” or “Where are you from?” You never know who you are going to meet or how they can affect your life. College is full of opportunities to meet people, but those opportunities only happen if you stay open and say “yes.”
Social media can help you connect
Before move-in day, I started reaching out to incoming MSU students through social media. It felt awkward at first to message people I had never met, but it made a difference when I transitioned to a new place.
You would be surprised by how many faces you recognize and how comforting it is to have spoken to people before starting the school year. Even knowing just a few faces helped make MSU’s large campus a little more welcoming. You might not expect it, but those online conversations can turn into real friendships once you arrive on campus.
Not knowing anyone can be a good thing
At first, not knowing anyone was scary to me. But it also meant I could start fresh. Everyone was in the same position, trying to meet new people, find their way in a new place and begin this new chapter of their lives.
Because of that, people are often more open than you would expect. Many of my best friends today are people I randomly met during the first few weeks of school.
It's OK to feel nervous
Starting college can bring many different emotions, especially when you’re coming from out of state. Feeling nervous can be a good thing. It means you are stepping outside your comfort zone and allowing yourself to be open to new opportunities. This is how you grow as a person and become a better version of yourself.
Some of the best experiences at MSU come from putting yourself in situations that might feel uncomfortable at first, whether that means introducing yourself to someone new, attending events, joining a club or even going to a dining hall alone.
Final thoughts
Now, as a junior, I’m grateful I took the chance to start fresh at MSU. Not knowing anyone forced me to put myself out there, and because of that, I met my forever group of friends and had experiences I never want to forget.
If you’re coming to MSU and feel nervous about not knowing anyone or choosing a roommate at random, know that you’re not alone. Being open to new people and experiences might lead to some of the best friendships and memories of your college experience.
Before long, you’ll realize that what once felt nerve-racking was actually the beginning of some of your best years.
Remember: Once a Spartan, always a Spartan. Go Green!
