10 Things To Do Before Leaving For Your Freshman Year of College
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Things To Do Before Leaving For Your Freshman Year of College

How to make the most of the months before you leave for your freshman year of college.

67
10 Things To Do Before Leaving For Your Freshman Year of College
Wikimedia Commons

The last few months before leaving for college can be the most emotional, stressful, and joyful months of your life. It’s hard to know how to prepare yourself for school, so here are fifteen things to do before leaving your nest.

1. Cuddle your pets, more than usual.

If I could go back to the summer before I left for school, I would spend so much more time with my dogs. You’re going to miss coming home after a long day and being greeted by your tail-wagging best friend, so give your pet an extra treat and love every second you have with them.

2. Eat at your favorite restaurants.

This one is very important. Dining hall food is nothing like the food you would have at home, and if you're anything like me, you'll be sick of that food after the first week of school. So go crazy and eat all the foods you want before you leave because you’re going to miss your local sandwich shop lunch before you know it.

3. Make reckless decisions with your friends.

This is your last summer without any real adult responsibilities, so make the most of it! Stay out past curfew, go to places you’ve never been before, and try new things. Take advantage of the fact that this is the last summer you’ll still be a kid, and make the most memories possible.

4. Hug your mom and dad.

The first time you get sad or sick at school, you’re going to wish you had your parent there to hug. You’re going to miss the way they smell and their hugs, so take the time to really show them you love them and give out hugs religiously.

5. Spend time alone.

Being in college, you will rarely have any time alone, with the exception of showering and going to the bathroom. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes you’re going to want to just have your own time without having to interact with anyone. Take advantage of your bedroom and your car at home where you can just hang out and be with yourself.

6. Go for long drives.

When I was home, one of my favorite things to do was go for long drives blasting my favorite music. Most likely if you are a freshman at college, you will not have a car and will rarely be in one, with the exception of the occasional Uber. Take a drive through your town, take in the familiar streets and houses, and appreciate your surroundings.

7. Get rid of the drama.

Towards the end of high school, you learn who your real friends are and become extremely close with them. Don’t waste time with drama, and don’t spend time with people if you don’t want to be with them. Be with the people who make you happiest and care about you.

8. Learn how to do your own laundry.

This is very important. There are no classes in high school that teach you how to do your laundry, which is a complex process. The next time your mom is doing the laundry, watch what she does and remember it because doing laundry is not as easy as it seems.

9. Appreciate how little responsibility you really have.

When you’re in high school, the average person’s responsibilities are going to school, participating in clubs sports, and working at a job. Usually, you have a parent to cook your meals, do your laundry, call the doctors, take you shopping, etc; the list goes on. At college, you’re on our own. Being away really makes you realize how much you took for granted, so don’t, and appreciate how much others do for you.

10. Don’t freak out.

If you’re like me, college would be the first time you had ever left your nest beside sleepovers and the occasional vacation. Personally, I spent a lot of time through junior and senior year of high school with anxiety about college. I worried that I would be too homesick, that I made the wrong decision of schools to attend, and that I wouldn’t make friends. Now, only about three months in, I have never been happier. Worrying does no good, and everything works out the way it is supposed to. So spend less time worrying, and more time getting excited for the new change in your life.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58925
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

38043
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

959553
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

195771
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments