If I could tell Freshman year me one thing… actually make it ten. A love letter, a roast, and a pep talk all in one.

Packing for college can feel overwhelming—especially if it’s your first year and you’re unsure what to bring. To avoid the mistakes I made, read this story and learn what you’ll really need (and what to leave behind).

We’re unpacking the tension between wanting alone time and craving connection. From drained social batteries to campus FOMO, here is a shared story with tips on how to find balance.