It's hard for me to believe, but my sophomore year of college is in full swing. Just last week I was a freshman in high school, and now I'm coming up on my 20th birthday. Entering adulthood is weird, but I'm lucky enough to be experiencing that weird transition in an even weirder place called college. So in this time where high school seniors are entering application season and college students everywhere are getting into the rough parts of the school year, here are 10 wonderful things I didn't think I would learn in college.
1. When you're at college, you miss home. When you're at home you miss college.
It doesn't make any sense, but it happens. Almost everyone I talk to agrees.
2. Public singing is perfectly acceptable.
I am a terrible singer, and as I write this article I am singing along to a cappella in the middle of a public place. No shame, if you feel like singing, sing without reservations. People will probably join you.
3. Public crying is also acceptable.
Everyone needs a good cry. I understand that now. My friends and I have taken to literally congratulating each other on a good cry.
4. Laying on the floor can be therapeutic.
It sounds uncomfortable, but sometimes it just needs to happen.
5. Bad photos are going to happen, and they are going to be shared. Accept it.
There will be terrible pictures of you everywhere. Your friends will make sure of it.
6. Everyone has an unexpected story to tell. And you should always listen.
Our original perceptions of people are probably wrong, and they all have cool stories to share that will completely surprise you.
7. Sometimes you should sacrifice homework for fun.
Stay up until ungodly hours of the night talking. Have an essay due tomorrow? Go play frisbee golf at midnight. Need to study for a test? Sometimes an ice cream run is more important. Always make time for fun.
8. Food is a powerful bargaining tool.
In college, free food defines how many people will be interested in events. People use it to campaign for office, to pay people back, or basically anything else.
9. Footie pajamas are cool.
Especially matching ones. Those are even cooler.
10. People are literally the best.
In college, people are everywhere, and sometimes that can be a bad thing. But in my experience it's been the best thing, because it also means there are good people everywhere. Someone cares, someone wants to hang out with you, someone is down for an adventure. People are great, and I am so thankful for all the people that have made my first year and a bit of college so special. They are the ones that taught me all these wonderful and hilarious things.
