When you first walk on to campus as a freshman, all the activity and people may seem big and overwhelming. In addition, it probably seems like all the upper classmen are more confident and self-assured.

But don’t worry, we’ve all been where you are.

Starting college can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know anyone else on campus. That’s why you will probably constantly hear about the importance of meeting people.

For some of you, that will be no problem, but for others, the prospect of introducing yourself will scare you; make you sweat a little.

Don’t worry, the good thing about this experience is that it’s new for all your peers too. All the other freshmen are nervous about meeting people too, so be the one to go up and introduce yourself.

Be the outgoing one and start a conversation. And more than that, take the extra step and get involved in an organization that interests you.

Bring a friend along to a new event or group meeting and meet even more people with a buddy.

Remember that the worth of meeting people with similar interests can be invaluable to your time on campus.

Past the obvious benefit of making friends is the benefit of making connections that will help you later, when looking for a job after school, not to mention the extras that will eventually fill out your resume.

But that’s a different editorial entirely. As for now, being a freshman affords you the luxury of not having to think about the future … at least not yet.

For now, just enjoy the fact that you can do anything you want. You can meet anyone, join any club, take any classes until you find the ones that make you happy, the things that you’re passionate about.

You can even start your own club, for people who are also interested in things you are.

If you’re not sure what kind of organization you would be interested in joining, Campus Fest on Sept. 12 [from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. on the University Lawn] features more than 300 student organizations set up offering information about who they are, all in hopes of getting you to join.

And, bonus, there’s usually candy and other free stuff. But remember, don’t let anyone pressure you into joining a group that doesn’t fit your true interests. Don’t stretch yourself too thin.

Get involved in what you want and give it your all.

College is a time for exploration and new beginnings. There are no rules about how to do it. You have to find what works for you, and then own it.

Whatever your interest, you can be nearly sure that you are not the only one with that interest. Let your interests connect you to other people, and, by doing so, you will also become invested in your new school, your new community and your new home.

It may sound cliché, but the lessons you learn here will last a lifetime, and not all of those lessons are learned in the classroom.