10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Into College
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Into College

A guide to help you prepare for college.

23
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Into College
http://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2016/04/01/635951516633357368898705777_welcome%20to%20college.gif

Going into college, I wish I had something to prepare me for what was ahead. There was a lot I didn't know before I started, and I wish I had a guide to follow that would have saved me tons of trouble.

So here is your guide: these are just some of the things I wish I knew beforehand. I hope it's helpful.


1. DO NOT BUY YOUR BOOKS FROM THE CAMPUS BOOKSTORE!

Trust me, buying the books you need for your classes at your on-campus bookstore will hurt your pockets more than anything. It's all about finding the best deals online. According to the National Association of College Stores, college students spend an average of $655 dollars a year on textbooks. Getting used books can save you a fortune. Also, buying them off of websites such as Amazon, E-bay, and chegg.com will save you money to use for those late nights when you want to order some pizza.


2. AVOID FRIDAY CLASSES (AND 8 A.M. CLASSES IF POSSIBLE)

There is just something about Fridays that make you want to just stay in bed all day and catch up on all the shows that you've missed for that week. I didn't appreciate not having Friday classes until I actually didn't. This one free day in the week actually makes a difference.

Lets not forget about those 8 a.m. classes you signed up for thinking it's no big deal and you would wake up for them with no problem. Well, think again. This would be your first 8 a.m. class and if you actually had a choice, depending on your major, it would be your last one too.


3. MANAGE YOUR MONEY

I cannot stress managing your money enough! There is nothing worse than being a broke college student. One way or another, you need to have some type of income coming in, and just know, half of that income will be spent on ordering food. There are gonna be times when your friends want go out but you will not be able to join because you either spent all your money on food, going home, or buying your books.


4. READ NUMBER 3 AGAIN!

Having money in college is so important. You will have one less thing to stress about. So save up beforehand!


5. NETFLIX IS EVERYTHING


I don't think I've watched so many seasons of shows on Netflix until I came to college. I was even watching season from shows I've seen years ago from start to finish, with half of them having more than seven seasons. I have watched shows like "Desperate Housewives", "Grey's Anatomy", "Weeds", and more. You may or you may not have a television in your room but I guarantee you that you will spend more time watching Netflix on your laptop or cell phone than watching TV.


6. COLLEGE WILL FLY BY



College is flying by way faster than I expected. I remember my freshman year like it was yesterday. Now, I'm about to go into my junior year. It is very bitter-sweet, so I would say, make the most out of those years. I mean, when else will you be able to wear sweats every day, not do your hair, and attend crazy themed parties without getting judged?


7. YOU WILL TAKE LOTS OF NAPS.


I promise you that you will find yourself taking naps so unexpectedly and at the absolute worse times. For example, in the middle of class, while doing your homework, on the phone with your parents, etc. Just know that if you do not get as much sleep as you want, you end up staying awake way longer than you expected. If there is any chance you can fall asleep, you take it.


8. DON'T FEEL BAD ABOUT SUDDENLY CHANGING YOUR MAJOR


Relax. People start thinking they don't have their life together once they switch their major. But that's not true at all, it only means that you are growing up and experiencing new things that you are interested in and enjoy in the world. Finding new dreams is never a bad thing.


9. BEING AWAY FROM HOME IS HARDER THAN YOU THINK.

I was so excited to leave the house and be on my own, but no one told me how much I would miss my mom, my dad, and my sisters. There is not one day I am not on the phone with my mom telling her how much I miss her. I spent many of my nights the first weeks of school crying myself to sleep because of how much I missed my family and friends. It's nice to get away from home but being away really makes you appreciate it all and going home after months of being at school is truly a blessing.

10. IT'S OKAY TO BE YOURSELF.

.,

Going into college meeting new people, and being in a new environment, know that it is okay to be yourself. It is probably the best thing you can do. Please do not try to change yourself just to fit in and to be friends with others. You are perfect the way you are and if they can not accept you for you, just find a new group of friends that will.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

91818
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?

69722
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments