The first month of college is a whirlwind of new experiences. Everything around you changes in the blink of an eye. Living on a college campus can be an exciting, overwhelming, and fun experience - if you allow it to be. Change is hard for everyone at first, but after a month, you start to realize and accept these changes are now reality.
1. You're on your own.
This might seem obvious but actually experiencing it is much different. For many people it's the first time not being with anyone they know. Sure, you might know some people from orientation or your high school, but for the most part you only know a handful of people.
2. College is full of opportunities.
There's so much going on at a college campus for every type of person. If you have an interest or talent, chances are your school has a way for you to express it. This is a huge difference from high school where most people stuck with what they were comfortable with; whether that be a friend group, sport, or activity. In college you can try something new and it isn't weird at all.
3. There is no judgement.
People always said this about college but I didn't understand it until I saw firsthand. People really don't care what you do with your life or how you do it. Want to ride a scooter through campus? Or wear a snuggie to class? Completely normal. Everyone does their own thing in college.
4. The importance of saying "yes".
Ok, obviously don't say yes to everything. But, if someone asks you to go out, whether that be exploring your campus, college town, or city, or going to a party, it's more than okay to say yes! These are all part of the college experience. t's easy to say "no" and stay in your bed watching Netflix... but that's not going to help you make friends.
5. The dining hall is hit or miss.
Some days are great, others not so much. Of course, the dessert is always delicious.
6. You learn to live with the space you have.
Space is limited everywhere and for everyone in college. Especially for freshmen. If you're like me, you probably came to college with way too much stuff but by now, somehow, you've managed to make it work.
7. Freshmen dorms are ugly.
To be blunt, they are just plain ugly. However, adding your own decorations can really make a difference. I'm currently living in a building designed by a guy who also designed prisons. The walls literally look prison walls. But with a few pictures and lights - goodbye prison feels, hello cozy bedroom!
8. You learn to live with the condition of the bathroom.
There are about 20 girls sharing the bathroom on my floor and when you have 20 girls you have a lot of hair. Everywhere. It's gross but you learn to deal with it. I mean, hey, that's what flip-flops are for.
9. Alone time is a different concept.
Alone time is important and totally different in college. It's not weird to do anything alone, whether it's eating, walking around, or running errands.
10. Headphones are an essential.
I almost never used headphones in high school. In college, headphones are just as essential as my phone is. I live with 3 other girls so I need to use headphones for everything - watching TV shows, listening to music, or Skyping my family and friends. They are also handy when you want to get work done but are around other people. Since you're using headphones all the time, it's important to have a pair that are comfortable.
11. Hours aren't the same.
In college, the day as you know it changes. 8:00 p.m. is now like 5:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. is like 10:00 p.m. The library stays open until 2 a.m. and you can always find a dining hall open past midnight. The days of eating and sleeping on schedule are over.
12. You always have work.
People aren't kidding when they say college is hard. But it's more work than anything else. And even when you think you've finished all your work, you remember you have that Spanish quiz in a few days and a midterm next week. There's always something you could be doing.
13. Naps take on a whole new meaning.
I think every college student learns the importance of naps within the first few weeks. I sure did. Chances are, you, like most college students, aren't getting enough sleep at night. How do you make up for that? By napping during the day, duh! Unlike high school, you probably have huge blocks of time in your day when you don't have classes. This is prime nap time. Also, it's 100% acceptable to nap for any amount of time and anywhere you please. No judgement.
