There will come a time in everyone's college career where the light at the far end of the tunnel you so wished would appear closer is now glaring at you, right in the face. Now, there is a new scary journey that is about to go down, such as a being a post-graduate and having to take on a new set of responsibilities that are even worse than forcing yourself to go to class.
I used to be grateful that I am going to finish college in only four years, but now that I am enrolled in my last semester, I keep wishing and pretending that I need to take an extra year. Although I am excited and feel ready (or I at least keep telling myself that) for the next chapter, this is a list of ten things I am most definitely going to miss the most from my undergraduate years:
1. Freshman Year
The first year of college is one that many can relate to. How young, innocent, and stupid we all were... some more than others. No matter where you fell on the "stupid freshman" spectrum, you can all relate to the first college friends and experiences you made. Aside from the social aspect, I had NO idea what to expect during my first semester of school. And quite frankly I fell right on my face and earned myself a steady C, or three. I won't miss feeling like I don't know what I'm doing, but I will miss the experience of figuring it all out with a good group of friends.
2. Meal Plans
I remember it like it was yesterday, falling in love with the "HC" and their unlimited supply of pizza, french fries, and ice cream. My love was soon spoiled after I began eating the same exact unhealthy meal day after day. Sure, there were specials for lunch and dinner and hell yeah, sometimes they were great, but nothing beats the default meal of something fried with no veggies and unlimited soda. For those who are fortunate enough to have had a meal plan, then you know how amazing it was to not have to buy groceries and cook every night. Nothing beats the feeling of your roommates bringing you a To-Go-Box of food on their way out when you are tired.
3. Exams
Exams suck, but I'd rather be worried and stressed over an exam rather than an actual life conflict, like a family member's health status or not having enough money to pay for bills. Exams are probably the least favorite part of college for many, but you will most likely miss them when you're making mortgage payments, putting your mother in a nursing home, or trying to figure out your 401K.
4. Free School Functions
The power your UCard has is amazing, even though some towns have way more deals and specials for college students. Like the CatCard in Tucson, our university still puts on some cool events that are free because of your enrollment. For instance, who can forget their first Crimson Night? Even if you don't remember the night (for obvious reasons), you probably remember meeting up with all of your friends to go to either Crimson Night, RedFest, or the Grand Kerfuffle at some point during your years at the University of Utah.
5. Discovering Your Freedom
What a wonderful time college is, especially when you aren't living at home anymore. You get to make most decisions on your own without having to weigh in what your parents might say. You discover to be your true self. College is so much better than high school because you have the opportunity to study whatever your heart desires. Moving out of my parents house and leaving my home state has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have learned a multitude of life lessons that will surely help me during independent adulthood.
6. House Parties, Back-2-School Parties, and Theme Parties
I'm not even finished with college and I already miss these parties. What happens for most college students is that they turn 21 sometime during their last two years of school (normally) and it changes the game along with their friends game. Most of us are not always trying to find a house full of underage kids to drink with. But luckily, we now have the freedom to experience night life at the bars and clubs and reluctantly burn holes in our wallets every weekend. Now the only way to convince people in their early twenties to go to house parties is if they know for sure there is going to be a lot of people there and that they won't be forced to engage in awkward social situations. Back-2-School Parties are also going to be something greatly missed, because most likely there won't be another opportunity where you and all of your college friends pick up where you left off after a long summer apart. The weekend before school starts is always fun way to kick off a new year of memories.
7. Dorms
Living in the dorms could either be the best or worst experience of your college career depending on your roommates and willingness to make an effort to meet new people. Some of the best friends I have ever had are the guys that I lived with in the dorms my freshman year. You will also notice and recognize the community you lived with on campus for the rest of your years in school.
8. Pretending To Be An Adult
Being in college means that you want to be treated like an adult but when you have to deal with actual real world problems you want to play the "I'm only a college student" card, and avoid all responsibilities at any cost possible.
9. Athletics
Graduating from high school, I had to make the decision to either go to a state college in Arizona along with the rest of my friends, or choose a different school out of state to join their swimming program with an athletic scholarship. I listened to my intuition and decided to create my own path in another state. Not many get the opportunity to compete in a sport they love, while representing their university at the highest competitive level. For those that do, we know the huge time commitment and sacrifice we make to be able to compete. It isn't easy, but the life skills we gain compare to no other work experience.
10. Friends
The last but most important thing I will most definitely miss about college is how connected you are to all of your friends, teammates, classmates, or Greek brothers and sisters. No matter what social path you take during your undergrad years, you can always find your niche and a group of friends you begin to call your new family and support system at your home away from home. These people and connections you make during your years of school are what make the whole college experience worth every second.
