We all know how big a change it is to come to college; every single thing about your life changes. There is plenty you'll have to adapt to, but after the first few weeks, life begins to feel fairly normal again. However, there are a few struggles that remain for the school year, and most of us can relate.
1. Lack of Transportation
So long are the days of hopping in your car for a quick drive drive to the grocery store. College is when taking a "quick trip" to Walmart transforms into a day-long event. Riding the bus becomes a new adventure, and figuring out the loops can take some time.
2. Shower Shoes
Because everyone can expect to shower completely carefree, right? Wrong. Forgetting your shoes in the shower could result in some potential fatalities.
3. Laundry
You'd be surprised at how long laundry takes when you actually have to tend to it for the full amount of time. Almost two hours in the basement laundry room can quickly take away your afternoon (and, as is so clearly shown in this photo, your energy.)
4. Finding the Perfect Study Spot
Sometimes, your dorm room can be a pretty distracting place to get your studying done. With constant friends around in your hallway, it can be tough to buckle down. Finding the perfect building or study spot on campus can be difficult, but crucial, for a good academic year.
5. Going to Church
If you're religious at all, you understand how going to church becomes a bit different in college. Instead of going every week with your family, you have to make the effort to get yourself there on a weekly basis. Even finding a church for you on campus can be a difficult pursuit. It can be challenging, but always rewarding.
6. Dorm Room Food
Dorm living is when you find newfangled ways to make traditional foods. Typically, your only appliance is a microwave, but it's up to you to discover all the crazy concoctions you can make in your small space. (We made mug cakes...best worst idea ever.)
7. Keeping Track of Your Personal Belongings
Keeping your Purdue ID on you is pretty important throughout the school year. It gets you into most buildings, and not to mention--feeds you. In addition, your room key is also pretty important, and I'd be lying if I said I haven't already locked myself out of Room 359 already... In other words, it's a struggle to keep your items on you at all times.
8. Finding the Time (and Energy) to Work Out
Without designated high school practices, it is up to you to fit time into your schedule to hit the gym. Between studying and classes, even an hour out of your day can be a lot to give up sometimes. As you can see, sometimes you just have to make yourself do it, despite your exhaustion.
9. Eating Healthy
With a hectic schedule, sometimes the quickest food option appears to be worst for you. Even the dining courts' most delicious and unhealthy food can be tempting sometimes. Regardless, it is important to keep your diet in check throughout the year.
Throughout the late nights and even all-nighters, sleep can appear as a low priority. Sometimes studying just can't wait, and you have to survive off caffeine for the whole night and day. But the truth is, your brain can't function too well on such little sleep. Finding enough time to rest each day is tough, but extremely important.
11. Keeping in Touch With Friends
It can be a tough transition to college without all of your high school friends. Keeping in touch never fails to challenge everyone, but it is so important to maintain those friendships worth keeping.
Clearly, we all have some common ground on which we all struggle during our first year at college. Between the long nights in the laundry room, and finding time to hit the gym, freshman year can be a bit overwhelming. But regardless, all of the struggles and the amazing times make for a great year.
