The first semester of college is out of the way. Figuring out which routes to the cafeteria are the fastest, learning where every building is located, how finals work, and all in all understanding the flow of college. There's been a lot of ups and downs of the college life and you start to realize a lot of things. But, there are a few key things you learned my throughout the first cycle of earning my degree.
1. Meet as many people as you can.
There is such a variety of people on a college campus, don't seclude yourself to the point that you don't meet anyone new. There is much to be learned from those you do not know!
2. You and your high school friends will not talk as much as you thought you would.
Especially if you go your separate ways to different schools. But, this is nothing to be upset about. You will make new friends, they will too, and just because you don't talk every day like you used to, doesn't mean that you both aren't still the great friends you will.
3. You will find "your spot."
Whether it be in your room, the library, your building's lounge room, etc. You'll find a spot that you will go when you need to study or just have some time to yourself.
4. Procrastination is still easy to fall into, but harder to get out of.
Don't get me wrong, you can definitely write a paper the night before it is due. In high school, you could even pull off an A doing this. But no more. Time management is the most important part of college, learn to stop waiting until the last moment to do your school work.
5. Partying is great, but not always a necessity.
A large component of being in college is going out and partying. But, it's totally okay to seclude a Friday or Saturday night here and there to just have a good movie marathon night.
6. But at the same time, get out and enjoy yourself!
As a college student, your weekdays are consumed with classes, homework, and exams. Therefore, let loose on the weekends! Don't overdo it and find yourself constantly stressing about schoolwork, you're allowed to have fun, too.
7. You definitely should've taken advantage of homemade meals when you had them.
Campus food seems awesome at first. There's so many options, good food chains, etc. But trust me, you'll be over it quicker than you thought. You learn to eat every single thing your mom makes when you come home due to the hatred formed for the college meal plan options.
8. You're the only one responsible for your grades now.
9. Everyone you met and thought they'd be your best friend will not be.
Again, this is nothing to be upset about. Everyone at college has a lot of responsibilities and are most likely here for one reason, graduating. Therefore, you might meet some awesome people along the road that you didn't get the opportunity to hang out as much as you'd like to. But that's okay, you've got stuff to do, too.
10. Living in a dorm room is a struggle, but worth it.
Yes, you're living in a tiny room with another person and have to share a bathroom with multiple people. But through living in a dorm, you meet a lot of people you wouldn't have gotten the chance to if you hadn't. Also, you learn to be responsible within your tiny space and easily can adjust to a larger one.
11. Your family is so important.
You literally wouldn't be here without them, so remember to thank them. Your parents, siblings, grandparents, etc. You will miss them terribly, but not as much as they will miss you. Make sure to set aside a few trips a year to visit home and see your family (and dog).
12. College is so much better than high school.
These four years are filled with amazing opportunities, people, and experiences. Don't waste it.
