College is this amazing time for self-exploration, new-found freedom and a hell of a lot of fun. But, there are a lot of things about college that no one tells you about before you step onto campus for the first time, and these are things I wish I would have known.
1. It's not partying 24/7.
College can be a blast, but it can also be really mentally taxing. The academics are way more difficult at University than in high school, and this can create a hyper-stressful environment.
2. Living at college means never living at home again (hopefully).
When you move to college, you are so excited about being there that you forget that you will probably never live with your parents full-time again. For me, this was a really sad reality and meant a major transformation in my relationship with my parents.
3. You don't necessarily have concrete goals anymore.
In high school, you know what you are working towards: graduation and getting into college. In college, this is not such a no-brainer. You have no idea what your career should/could be, and this is kind of scary.
...Which leads me to...
4. You have a ton of responsibility.
Your mom isn't there to make sure you take care of yourself and get stuff done anymore. You have to manage your studies, health, appointments, and finances all on your own.
5. You may not live with others (even good friends) well.
You've likely never lived with someone who is not a member of your family before, and you may not be one of those people who does this well. You may be great friends with someone but horrible roommates, and that's okay.
6. You will be exposed to a lot and have to make smart choices.
You will be faced with a lot of choices that include serious things like: should I drink underage, should I try drugs, should I go home with this random guy/girl, should I sneak into this bar underage, etc. Again, there are no parents to tell you what you can and can't do, and while this can be liberating, it can also be dangerous. But, at the end of the day, the decision is yours to make.
7. You won't see your family for every holiday anymore.
Whether it's because you have a lot going on at school, the plane ticket is too expensive, or you're on Spring Break with your friends, you won't make it home for every birthday or holiday, which is an adjustment.
8. You realize just how much living in the real world costs...
The cost of living becomes all too real, as your parents are no longer there to foot the bill at dinner, and you may have student loans piling up that you now realize you are going to have to pay when you graduate. The reality of your financial world is why most college students consider themselves poor.
9. ...And you respect your parents so much more for paying for you all those years.
This new-found financial transparency makes you miss your parents and value all they've done for you.
10. Your college experience will never be what you imagined.
You may not meet that guy you dreamed of in your Accounting class. You may not graduate with a 4.0. You may not be the life of the party, and you may prefer staying in with friends. Whatever your college experience ends up being, it won't be what you thought, but that doesn't mean it won't be amazing. Don't compare your experience to what you thought it should have been.
11. It will go by way quicker than high school, so you need to enjoy every minute.
This is so cliche, but I really feel like I was just a freshman in college. It flies by so quickly, and you will be done and graduated before you know it, so seize every opportunity and enjoy it while you can!
