So, you're going away to college, huh? That's great, good luck! Here are some things to keep in mind while you transition and start a new life for yourself.
1. It's not your place to judge anyone on what they post or seem like on any kind of social media.
That weirdo or jock that lives in your suite or down the hall you think you might hate because of your Facebook stalking could end up being one of your new best friends.
2. While we're on the topic of friends - you're going to meet people you click with instantly before school even starts and during the first couple of weeks, but they might disappear after then.
But don't be discouraged by that, the ones still remaining after that are likely to stick around for quite some time.
3. Remember that meeting new people and making new friends is really scary.
It’ll be the second week of school and you’ll feel like you’re the only one without a friend group. News flash! Nobody else does either! Every person at school is in the exact same boat that you are. Seriously, walking up to somebody reading a book you love or playing a game you can’t stop playing could end up being your new friend, and their friends could end up as yours - just breathe and come out of your comfort zone a little bit. You can do it and it'll be worth it.
4. If you're living in a dorm...communal bathrooms are not your friend.
If you’re lucky they get cleaned once a day and after a while, you’ll forget how gross they are. Whatever you do, don't forget to wear your shower shoes.
5. Also, throw out your garbage. Really, though.
That stuff is stinky and it only gets worse when you forget about it and you come into your room wanting to puke because of the smell you could have gotten rid of.
6. The dining hall has some really, really questionable food but you just have to find what’s 'good' and make it work for you.
Cafeteria food will make you fat, but so will copious amounts of alcohol. There is no winning here, you just have to find a way to balance it out.
7. If you're living away from home, the first month or so is going to suck.
There’s no sugar coating it, and I'm sorry about that. You might not remember to put the detergent in when you do laundry the first time, you'll miss your room at home and your dog, and on an especially rough day, you'll cry over the smallest of things because everything seems so hard. But, you'll survive, and those things won't bother you so much as the days go by. It really will get better.
8. If you have a test in the morning, but you think you're going to die if you don't get sleep, it is okay to go to sleep.
You won't fail out of school and have no future, it's okay to get a few C's. Listen to your body.
9. DO NOT buy textbooks before the semester starts.
You'll learn this the hard way by spending too much money on books that you're never going to open. Talk to someone who has taken the class, ask the professor before to find out what you'll need, and then buy them used on amazon or chegg. You'll save so much more money than shopping at your school bookstore.
10. Actually get to know your professors.
One on one, not in front of the whole class. It really helps when you feel you're struggling in class or when you feel like you need some guidance and doesn't know what to do. Also, participation in class actually can make a giant difference in your grade. It could turn a B- into a B, and even though that might not seem like much you'll be thankful for it at the end of the semester.
11. College is meant to challenge you - this isn’t high school.
The easiest part about college is getting in. There are going to be days where you don’t understand anything in class, even weeks (maybe even a whole semester in my case), but if you’re trying your absolute best and doing everything in your power, then eventually it will click. And coming out of class with a B, knowing it’s the best you can do, could make you cry out of happiness. Don’t procrastinate with getting help if you really need it. Professors and TA’s are there to help you.
(On that note, get involved with clubs and extracurricular activities! It’s hard wanting to go to something, but not wanting to go alone, but you’re going to meet people who have the same interests that you have (I regret not joining anything freshman year, do it!! It’ll be worth it).
12. Things are going to be weird when you realize some of the people you've known your whole life aren’t the people you thought they were.
Sometimes the change is for the better and sometimes it's for the worse. Whatever it is, know that no matter how much it might hurt, it's going to be for the best.
13. Oh, also, buy a pair of rain boots, a pair of snow boots, and an umbrella.
Actually wear the winter hat, gloves, and scarf your mom made you pack. Walking to class in bad weather is miserable if you're not wearing the right things, and nothing seems to irk me more than watching someone walk 10 minutes in a downpour and then they sit in their soaking wet clothes for and hour and forty-five minutes because they are too stubborn or lazy to buy an umbrella. Don’t be stupid, go buy the damn umbrella.
14.- Right now, yes, right now, is the chance for you to be the person you’ve always wanted to be in high school, but weren’t because you feared you were going to be judged.
Nobody cares in college, nobody will judge you (literally zero people). This is your time to start over, to do whatever and be whoever you want. This is one of the only times in your life you’ll be able to do this.
15.You’ve probably heard this a hundred times by now.
But, it's normal to change your major a couple of times. It's also pretty normal to change your school once or twice, too. It's even okay to take a semester off if that's what you decide you have to do. Don't let other people's opinions influence you. Do what makes you happy because that's all that really matters (seriously, this is the start of the rest of your life). It might seem like the end of the world at first, but I promise it's not.
