You've become a connoisseur of Instant Ramen
Before coming to college, you may have had instant Ramen once in a while, as an after school or late night snack. But now that you're in college, it's become a staple of your diet, and you know which brands and flavors you like and which you don't. For me, Nongshin Hot and Spicy noodles take the cake-Nissin Cup noodles, or even the sacred and beloved Maruchan simply can't compare to the flavor and noodle texture of Nongshin's Hot and Spicy.
You get used to the 2 A.M. fire alarms
When you had your first middle-of-the-night fire alarm freshman year, it surprised you.You laughed it off, maybe you texted your friends about it. But then it happened again. And again. And again. At this point, you've become immune to the piercing, high pitched shriek of the fire alarm. Whether you're sleeping, studying, or watching Netflix, you hear the alarm go off and a little piece of you dies, but you're numb to it at this point. And if it's cold out (let's be honest, it probably is), you grab your coat and slides and mentally brace yourself for standing in the cold for 10 minutes, waiting for the second that the alarm stops so you can hurry back inside.
You're surprised when there ISN'T hair in the shower
Every morning or evening when you're getting ready to shower, you mentally brace yourself. What will you find in the bathroom today- a wad of hair on the shower floor, or strands clinging to the walls? You've wondered how, exactly, hair can get on the toilet seat - but then instantly realize that you don't want to know.
You know how to get of bed at the last possible minute
This one is both an art and a science. It starts the night before, when you set 5 different alarms on your phone so you can get up in time for your 10 am in time. Of course, you hit snooze on the first two - and then when the third one goes off- you do some quick math in you head. If it takes you 30 minutes to get ready, 10 minutes to grab coffee (because let's be honest, you didn't enough sleep last night), then 10 minutes to walk to class, you can stay in bed for seven more minutes before you absolutely HAVE TO get up. Maybe freshman year your math was off, but by now you have it perfected- and you know how to get to class just in time.
You've learned to appreciate home cooked food
After months of eating unseasoned food- many nights spent subsisting solely off of french fries, sup-par pizza and cold salad, you miss parents' cooking more than ever. When you do visit home, the food tastes better than it ever did in your 18 years living at home. And if you're a commuter, you know the commuting time is well worth the seasoned, delicious food you have waiting at home.
You're an expert at half paying attention in class
This one is also an art and science. You know how to pay just enough attention so that you can answer a question if you're called on in class. You're sure to make eye contact with the professor once every couple minutes so think they have your full attention.
You've discovered every possible sleeping routine
Sleeping at 3 pm after class and waking up at 8 pm. Going to bed at 9 pm and waking up at 3 am to study. Falling asleep at 7 am after pulling an all-nighter and then waking up at 2 pm. You've done it all.
You have the thought "I should've just stayed in bed" at least twice a week
This one's pretty self-explanatory.
You finally begin to understand your parents
Whenever you go grocery shopping, you finally understand those times when you picked up a pack of cookies as a little kid and they told you to put it back. If you shop at your school store it's even worse. Food is so expensive - five dollars for a pack of Oreos? You're kidding me, right?
You're in a constant state of existential dread
The final and perhaps the most universal experience of all college students is the feeling of existential dread. You may be doubting yourself, you choice of a major, your choice of a college, and just your purpose in life. Just remember that you're not alone - and that we're all in this together. From one college student to another, I wish you good luck.
