1. That super close group of friends you had senior year probably won't last forever.
During our last year of high school we all realized who our real friends were and who only talked to us because we had classes together. But, eventually you'll start to grow apart for reasons other than fighting. Living in different places, someone not keeping in touch, forgetting a birthday are all factors that could make even the best of friends part ways.
2. You and your high school boyfriend will break up (especially if you go to different schools).
I'm sorry in advance. You've probably heard this one a thousand times over, but it's the truth. Most high school couples don't make it through college, and the select few that do really work at it or go to the same school. It's almost inevitable because you learn more about who you are and what kind of person you want to spend the rest of your life with, and sometimes it's not the person you thought it would be.
3. You will miss your mom and dad more than you thought you would.
It's a huge reality check when you go to bed and can't say goodnight to your mom or dad. Or when you get sick and no one is there to take care of you besides your roommate (if they like you).
4. No one gives a shit about who you were in high school. I can guarantee it.
Oh, you were captain of the volleyball team? You were starting quarterback and partied all the time? Well, that's great but no one is going to ask you about it. Once you got your diploma, your status went out the window and you became a normal student.
5. You'll learn more about yourself in one year of college than you did during four years of high school.
I'm not the same person I was when I graduated from high school and I love that. I used to be scared to talk on the phone or go up to someone and ask for help, which seems ridiculous to me now. By the end of your freshman year, you will be on the right path to becoming the person you've always wanted to become. You won't be as reserved or frightened by new things, and it'll open up so many doors.
6. The food at the cafeteria will always be sort of bad no matter what.
The dining hall food takes some "adjusting to" no matter how many brochures about on-campus dining tell you other wise.
7. That key attached to that lanyard around your neck could easily fit in your pocket or backpack. So take it off.
I'm telling you in advance so you avoid the laughing and whispering behind you in your first lecture.
8. Joining an intramural team or any other student group/ organization is a good idea. So...
You'll meet so many cool people and actually have friends that didn't go to the same high school as you, so listen to Shia.
9. Slowly but surely you will appreciate the fact that you don't have a car.
It's convenient to have a car when you need things like toothpaste or aspirin, but it's not convenient when you get parking tickets that add up quickly because the parking people are RUTHLESS. Just walk, bike or take the bus. If you have a car, people will mooch rides off of you. Don't get mooched off of, just be the mooch.
10. No matter how badly the year starts, by the end you'll realize you wouldn't trade the experiences you now have for anything in the world.
College is FUN. The classes might be difficult, but the down time is where memories happen. So make the most of it because you don't get to be a freshman ever again.
