Coming into college can be a scary time. I know I was basically terrified going into my freshman year of college. I only knew a few people, I would have to learn how to "adult," and I just knew that the classes would be way harder than what I was already used to. However, there is much more learning than just classes. You have to step out of your comfort zone. You have to realize that things are going to change as you go into this next chapter of your life. Just know that everything happens for a reason and you will get through all of it.
1. You learn who your real friends are.
More than likely, you and your friends won't all be going to the same college. You will make new friends in college and you will keep some of your high school friends, but you will realize that it is harder than it seems. Both sides have to make an effort to stay in touch. You are much busier with classes, jobs, extracurriculars, etc., than you used to be.
2. You learn a little more about who you are.
College is a huge difference from anything you have ever experienced before. YOU are in charge of what you do. YOU have to make sure you get your work done. YOU have to make sure you have food to eat. YOU have to do everything for yourself now.
3. You learn that you did not want to get out of your home town as much as you thought.
Or maybe you did. But if you were like me, you got a little homesick when you first moved in. To all of the people who were so ready to leave there parents, it is not as wonderful as you think it may be. You will miss them so much.
4. You learn that some relationships end for the better.
Like I said before, both people have to put in the effort. Some people drift apart. Some people are just too busy to keep in touch as much as they would like. Some relationships will end, but you will find some just as good, if not better.
5. You learn that you don't actually know what you want to do with your life.
Honestly I thought I knew what I wanted to do coming into college, but then halfway through I changed my major. More than likely you will want to change your major at least once if not more. That is okay. If you don't want to do it anymore, change it to something you will be happy doing for a while. You will be doing this until retirement so you do not want to hate your job.
6. You learn that it's hard to be on your own.
Maybe it seems easy at first, but trust me it will get harder. You are not used to be on your own and it will be a true eye opener.
7. You learn how to manage your money... hopefully.
You have to learn how to manage your money. You have to have money for food, for books, for gas, for utilities, etc. It may get really hard, but you can do it.
8. You learn that college is not as scary as you imagined.
Coming into college, I imagined having to study 24/7, being afraid to talk to my professors, and praying that I would pass with at least a D. Honestly, it is not that bad. You do have to study but as long as you manage your time well, you will have time to enjoy college life as well. Most professors are so understanding and easy to talk to. They WANT to help you pass.
9. You learn that you actually have to study for your classes if you want to pass.
You can not get through college just by studying an hour before the test. The tests are way harder and you will have to read your text book, along with studying the notes from class.
10. You learn that you are going to make it.
No matter how hard it may seem, you will make it. You will get the hang of it. You will be able to live on your own, pass your classes, and still have the time of your life!
