1. You're going to be terrified.
But the good news is, you're going to be OK. You're going to meet an amazing group of people that are going to make your college transition so easy and you are going to LOVE it! Just pack your bags, hug your parents and be prepared for the best year of your life!
2. Invest in a good mattress topper.
PLEASE for the love of all that is good, BUY the mattress topper. It might be expensive. But, when you come in late from studying (hanging with your friends) you will be thankful for this!
3. Get a Planner.
I can't stress this enough to you. This is going to be HUGE for you. You are easily distracted and your planner is going to save your (school) life one too many times.
4. Study. At least a week before your tests.
You are the PRO at procrastination and I hate to break it to you...you're going to learn the hard way on this one. But, after about the fifth time you finally learn! Unfortunately, you were NOT blessed with the gift of studying an hour before a test and getting 100 percent. (P.S you're going to make some C's in your college career. It's not the end of the world. You'll be OK.)
5. Apply for scholarships.
You just left high school with quite a bit of scholarship money. But trust me, after you buy the first two books you are going to reaaaally wonder where the heck it went! SO I can't stress this enough to you. Even though you are in college, there are still a ton of scholarships available. Apply for them. All of them!
6. Be confident.
In yourself, in your life, where you are from and who you are. Most of the people that come into your life this year are going to make a huge impact on your life. However, some of them are temporary and are going teach you big lessons. Don't let anyone try to steer you in a direction you don't want to go. Stay true to who you are.
7.Don't forget to read through people's B.S.
Whether it's the guy you think you like or your roommates, don't forget to read through the BS. You also might think you have found a long lost best friend or two. But unfortunately, they're going to be temporary people in your life that are going to teach you a whole lot about yourself. The main one is to see people for who they really are and not for who you want them to be.
8. It's OK to be different:
Its okay not to go out every night. This one is going to be hard for you because you might feel left out at times. But believe me. You are going to save a lot of money and make even better grades. It's okay not to spend money every day, it's okay to want to stay in, it's okay to not want to get dressed up and put makeup on your face, AND IT'S OK TO BE DIFFERENT (OK, rant over.)
9. Don't be afraid to go home:
Yes, I said pack your bag and enjoy the year. However, it is important to find time to go home as well. It might not be the "cool" thing that everyone is doing. But I promise you will love a little home time. Also, your mom, dad and grandparents DO actually miss you and this whole college thing is actually a little harder on them than it is you. Just go home little. Regardless of all your new friends you make this year, your family is who will be there through everything, and you are going to need them more than ever. So, just go home.
10. Your best guy friend is NOT just your best friend and you know it.
This one is a little tacky but really sweet. You know that guy best friend of yours? The one you told a hundred people you didn't like, or that you are "just friends" with. Well just go ahead and quit lying to yourself. He's your best friend for a reason and its okay to like him (like that). You are going to get some backlash for it because all of your girlfriends are single and they don't want you to date anyone. Just ignore them and date that best guy friend of yours because it might just be the best decision of your life...three years later. (P.S you may or may not have a pretty little ring on your hand as you write this article).
