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.
