Even though I really thought I did, when I left for college last fall I truly had no idea what I was coming into. My idea of college as a high school senior was equivalent to what I saw in every "I'm Shmacked" video that appeared on my Instagram feed. I assured myself that this would decidedly be the "best four years of my life", as my parents always said when they reflected upon their college experiences. However, I had quite reality check my first semester as a college student that I am beyond grateful for.
1. You will miss your parents.
Even though they're your worst enemy in high school, there will be times where you just need a hug from your dad or advice from your mom. Independence is great and all, but sometimes you just need some unconditional love from your parents.
2. Having roommates is incredible.
Every kid comes into college with a mindset that being stuck in a tiny room with four people sounds miserable - and yet, having roommates is the best thing ever. These are the people that will see you at your best and your worst and will love you for it. Plus, you have three extra closets to raid.
3. It is not easy to take an 8 AM class.
You think that since you started high school at 7:25 A.M. that taking an 8 A.M. class will be a piece of cake! This is a common mistake, it sounds much easier than it actually is and there is a good chance you will miss it.
4. Seeing animals that resemble your pets will make you want to cry.
Growing up with pets makes the transition to college rough because life without pets isn't a life one should live. Whenever you see a dog on campus you feel the sudden urge to just go and pet it no matter what - you'll probably catch yourself staring at the dog and it's totally natural, just let it happen.
5. You can and will stay close to your high school friends.
There is a common misconception that when you go to college you drift apart from your high school friends. However, the friends you had in high school are people you've known for years and those friendships will last a lifetime. These are the people you text if you need to talk trash someone; the people you FaceTime when you're a little too tipsy; and the people who will let you crash in their place if you want to take a mini vacation to their college.
6. The "freshman fifteen" is a real thing and it's totally okay.
You don't realize it till around Thanksgiving break but the dreaded "Freshman Fifteen" is real, but nobody really cares at all. It could be a result of your metabolism slowing dow or the unhealthy food at the dining hall, but it's probably the alcohol (and all the junk food you eat when you're drunk as hell). Honestly, don't stress about gaining a few pounds because you're probably the only one that notices it and because drunk munchies are freaking awesome.
7. You will start to say the slang of your college town.
Whether it's "hella", "y'all", or even "siiiicccccckkkkkkk bruh", you will catch onto the sayings of your college town and start using them without even thinking about it. You know you've hit a low point if you go home and you have to tell to your parents, "I promise 'hella' is just a NorCal thing."
8. You will miss some big moments in your friends' and family's lives.
The best friend who you've celebrated every birthday with since you were 2 is now celebrating hers 300 miles away and a little piece of your heart hurts knowing that:
1. You're getting OLD.
2. She is celebrating without you.
3. She probably got really good wine that you won't be able to mooch off her.
9. A twin bed sounds much smaller than it actually is.
Except when you have to share it with someone... ;)
10. Sororities and fraternities are so much more than parties.
Greek life is vastly different from what you see in movies and read about in magazines. The people in your sorority or fraternity can consist of a group of people who consider you their family even though you've only known them for 3 weeks. It's a small community of incredible people who really care about grades and you as a person. Yes, the parties are a nice touch, but the people you meet are the ones who make your college experience extraordinarily better.
11. Your legs will get nicely toned from walking and biking everywhere you go.
And you'll be all like:
12. Food is EXPENSIVE.
You have no idea how expensive groceries are till you have to start buying them yourself. You'll check your bank statement at the end of the month and tear up because you see the amount you've spent on food. But then again, those four tacos you bought at Chipotle were extremely necessary; otherwise, you would have starved!!!
13. College is incredible.
You don't really realize how great college is till you leave for winter break and you are in dire need of your crazy friends, independence, and the rooftops of frat houses. It's a complete learning experience for which you learn make the best of the things that kinda blow and treasure the moments that you love. The number one thing I've realized from going to college is that leaving such an amazing place will be miserable.
