For the last 2 years of high school, I anxiously awaited the day where I would say goodbye to my parents, my hometown, my bedroom, and my dog (unfortunately), and say hello to my own dorm room, challenging classes and the bustling social scene that college was going to bring me. Junior year of high school was all about scoring high on the SATs, studying for AP exams, and doing as many extracurricular activities as I could so I could assure my acceptance into the college of my choice. As senior year rolled around, I would sit in my bedroom for hours and research different colleges and majors trying to find the right fit for me. I started to apply to colleges and universities and ran around frantically trying to get all of my materials in on time. College was all anyone ever talked about. “What schools did you apply to? Where did you get in? What is your major? Did you get any scholarships?” were questions that I answered more times than I could even count. My friends and I would dream about how many friends we would make and how much fun we were going to have in college. Little did we know; college is quite a bit different than we thought it was going to be. We didn’t account for the days we were going to spend slaving over our laptops, trying to get an essay in before 11:59pm that night. We didn’t account for all the laundry we were going to have to do, or how we actually have to go to class, or how much coffee we were going to guzzle just to get through the morning. So, after a month of being moved in to college, I can officially say that I have learned many things about how to be a functioning human.
1. Domino’s is both a blessing and a curse.
The Freshman 15? It’s real, and it doesn’t only come in the form of cupcakes and chicken patties from the dining hall. There is always that one friend in the group who will suggest ordering pizza at midnight, and before you know it, you have 2 party-size pepperoni pizzas, buffalo chicken wings, and an order or cheesy bread in your small college dorm room. The food is so bad, but oh so good.
2. Crying is okay.
Generally speaking, humans aren’t always as adaptable as we wish we were. College is scary. You no longer see the people you would see every single day, you actually have to do your own laundry, you have to take charge of your own life entirely. You will miss your friends and family. You will most likely miss the set schedule that you had in high school, where you knew what would happen every single day. Starting college can be overwhelming, so it is normal to cry once in a while. The first time I cried in college is when I skyped with my dog back home.
3. You will not always find a huge group of friends to do everything with during your first month of college.
Don’t worry, you will find your people.
You may find a big group of friends on your floor or in your building to hang out with all the time, or you might not. Some people find a big group of friends their first week of college, but if you’re not that kid: don’t worry. You will find your people eventually; it just might take some time.
4. Upperclassmen aren’t scary anymore.
As a freshman in high school, the upperclassmen were made out to be very intimidating. They were older and more mature and there was an inherent power imbalance between a freshman and a senior. In college, however, this is not the case. Upperclassmen are generally approachable and are willing to help you out. No more being shoved into a locker, kids.
5. If you have the opportunity to do something off-campus, take it!
Many colleges are placed in exciting and historic places. Life can get pretty boring if you stay on campus all the time, so don’t be afraid to explore what your college town has to offer! Getting off-campus and exploring is essential to your college experience.
6. If you are struggling in a class, tell someone.
Go to a professor’s office hours. Talk to an adviser. Seek out a tutor. There are so many resources there to help you and these people only want to see you succeed.
7. You don’t always have to go out on the weekends.
Going out can be fun, but after a long week of studying and homework, it can be nice to stay in and watch movies. There’s no shame in having a lazy night to yourself or with a few friends.
8. You will be broke. (But so is everyone else).
The stereotype that college kids are always broke is real. Getting a job on-campus or in the area can help, but there is no escaping the grasps of the ramen noodle lifestyle. Just embrace how broke you are, because you aren’t alone.
9. You can’t escape the plague.
You will catch the plague, everyone does. Whether you catch it the first week of school (like me) or you catch it later in the semester, the sickness is out to get you and has no sympathy. As much as you are going to want mom’s homemade chicken noodle soup, you are going to have to put your big-kid pants on and suck it up, buttercup.
10. Don’t forget why you’re in college, but don’t forget to have fun.
You’re here to grow as a person and to get your degree. Life is all about balance, so it is crucial to find a balance between work and play. When the going gets tough, just remember your goals and keep looking forward. These are going to be some of the best years of your life, and you’re only getting started.
