Let’s be honest: your first week of college will be exciting, overwhelming, and—yes—a little awkward.

Between meeting dozens of new people, figuring out where everything is, and trying to look like you have it all together, there are bound to be cringeworthy moments.

Here’s the good news: Everyone else is feeling just as unsure as you are. So when these things happen (and they will), you can shrug, laugh, and move on.

Here are 10 awkward moments you’ll probably experience in week one—and why they’re totally normal:

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🏷️ 1. Forgetting Someone’s Name 2 Seconds After They Tell You

“Hey, I’m Sarah!”
“Hi! Nice to meet you…uh…”

How to Laugh It Off: Just be honest: “I’m sorry—remind me of your name?” People appreciate the effort, and most are too busy worrying about the same thing to care.

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🗺️ 2. Walking Into the Wrong Classroom

You sit down, unpack your stuff…then realize everyone’s a senior and the professor is talking about a class you didn’t sign up for.

How to Laugh It Off: Quietly pack up and slip out. Nobody will remember 10 minutes later.

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🍝 3. Eating Alone in the Dining Hall

The first time you grab lunch solo can feel intimidating, like everyone’s watching.

How to Laugh It Off: Remember: tons of students are also eating alone, and nobody cares. Bring a podcast or scroll your phone. Soon, you’ll have friends to join you.

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🏠 4. Getting Lost on the Way to Your Dorm

Every building looks the same, your key card won’t scan, and you’re sure you’ll end up sleeping on a bench.

How to Laugh It Off: Ask someone for help. Everyone has been lost at some point—and it’s a rite of passage.

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🙋‍♂️ 5. Answering a Question Way Too Confidently—Then Realizing You Were Wrong

You blurt out an answer in class…crickets.

How to Laugh It Off: Smile, correct yourself, and move on. Professors love participation, even when you’re not 100% right.

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🚪 6. Holding the Door for Someone Who’s Too Far Away

You stand there awkwardly as they jog to catch up.

How to Laugh It Off: Give a friendly grin. This happens to everyone—and you look polite, not weird.

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🧼 7. Struggling to Do Your Own Laundry

Shrinking your favorite shirt or realizing you don’t know how to use the machines is humbling.

How to Laugh It Off: Text a parent, roommate, or Google. You’ll be a laundry pro by midterms.

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💬 8. Mixing Up Roommates’ Names

Calling your roommate by the wrong name—or your pet’s name from home—is more common than you think.

How to Laugh It Off: Apologize and make a joke. They’ll probably do the same thing at some point.

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🧭 9. Wandering Around Looking for a Class…While Everyone Watches

You’re clearly lost, map in hand, and a little panicked.

How to Laugh It Off: Take a breath, ask for directions, and remember everyone was new once.

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🧃 10. Attending a Club Meeting You Thought Was Something Else Entirely

You show up to what you think is a hiking club meeting…and it’s competitive origami.

How to Laugh It Off: Stay and see if you’re into it—or quietly leave. You might discover a hidden talent.

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🎯 Final Thoughts

The first week of college isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, trying things, and figuring it out as you go.

Everyone around you is just as nervous and awkward. So when these moments happen, smile, take a deep breath, and remind yourself:

This is how you grow—and it’s how you’ll find your people.

Soon, you’ll look back and laugh at how far you’ve come.

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Have any funny first-week stories? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear them!