Looking back on the beginning of my Freshman year, I really wish I would have known the reality of College. There are a few basic things we go into College not knowing. Hopefully the years you spend while in College will become the best years of your life. Here are some important truths apart of the whole College experience.
1. EVERYONE drinks coffee.
Coffee is honestly what keeps the majority of college students going. Without coffee, there would not be enough hours in the day to handle all of the studying.
2. Not everyone parties or drinks.
Going into college I thought "how am I going to get all of this studying done and fit in?" But surprisingly, I have seen more students in the library on a Saturday night than I do on a Thursday. After Freshman year, more students start to crack down on their education.
3. It's normal to sit alone at lunch.
In High School, you would rather die then sit alone during lunch. But in College, it is completely normal and surprisingly very common. No one cares or is judging you. They have enough on their plate rather than to be thinking about why you are sitting alone in the cafeteria.
4. Pulling all-nighters 2-3 times a month are a thing.
It is guaranteed that every college student will pull all-nighters at least 6 times a semester. With only 24 hours a day, college is having two tests the next day, papers due, and studying for all 12 hours or more for your classes. I promise you will become familiar will all-nighters.
5. Class attendance is crucial.
To all incoming Freshman: GO. TO. CLASS. I can't stress this enough. It is actually so important to go to class, even if you don't think your professor takes role. Missing one class period is equivalent to two weeks of classes.
6. You should get at least one phone number from each class.
Not having a classmate to contact about questions with assignments or what you missed in class really sucks. I highly suggest branching out and gettin' them digits because it will help you in the future.
7. You really need to check your email.
Most professors communicate via email. I promise you that the ONE day you don't check your email, it is probably when he sends out a notice that class is cancelled or there will be a pop quiz. I can't even count the number of times that I haven't checked my email, shown up to class, and realized that I hurried to class just for it to be cancelled.
8. Talking to your professor is beneficial.
Get to know your professor. Each professor has over hundreds of students, so it is good to get to know he/she. If you simply talk to your professor about a question or just to let he or she know you are trying hard, then he/she will become more familiar with whom you are.
9. Try to stay far away from 8 am classes.
Every student will have at least 8 am classes more than once. Being a Freshman, I'm sorry, but you definately will have them. It is hard to wake up after a long night out or studying and make it to class in time. If you end up taking 8 am's, then try your hardest to make it and survive.
10. Getting packages in the mail feels like Christmas.
This is probably the greatest feeling any college student has while college. You suddenly get this wave of excitment when you get the text or email saying "you have recieved a package".
11. More parties are on a Thursday, rather than on the weekends.
I honestly can't explain why this is, but yeah, it happens.
12. You call your family more than you thought you would.
Before college, I told myself that I was never coming home or I would not call my family as much as I did. You will learn quickly that calling your parents becomes a daily thing.
13. Wait to buy your books.
Syllabus week, every professor says that the textbook is mandatory, but in reality you will probably only use it once. Maybe not at all. Don't waste hundreds of dollars on a book unless you know for a fact you will use it.
