<p>old but wise, thank you for all the great advice :)</p>
<p>I'm not a parent but a sophomore at the University of Michigan. I know exactly how you feel because I felt the same way when I first came to college. I was afraid to leave my family and knew very few people at my university. I was also afraid to create a new life for myself. During my first year (and especially the first semester), I was a mess. However, my home is only a little over an hour away from my university (by car on the express way) so my parents were able to drive me home every weekend for awhile, and they were also always willing to talk to me on the phone. (If you'll be living far away from home, I highly recommend frequent telephone conversations.) I think I stayed at my school two weekends during that first semester. In the end, I'm not sure if going home every weekend was the best choice (I wouldn't recommend it for everyone), but everything turned out well for me. You are not alone! </p>
<p>I also quickly got involved in two clubs that I knew that I would enjoy (Dance Marathon and Squirrel Club), and I am still involoved in both of them. I highly recommend getting involoved in some activity that first semester. These activities will help you meet new people as well as save you from becoming too caught up in academics. </p>
<p>I believe that a potential friend can be found quickly, but good friendships (and especially trust between friends) take a lot of time to build. However, they will happen. A good way to meet new people is to leave your room door open when you're in your dorm and be social. (I originally met several of my friends at my orientation during the summer before my freshman year. We hug out a lot during our free time and remained in contact when we returned to the university in the fall.)</p>