Going into freshman year, I thought I knew what I needed to know. But, as I finish up the year, I realize there's things I wish I knew going into the year. Your teachers and parents prepare you as much as possible for college, but I say, go to college with an open mind, not knowing what to expect. Here are 15 things I wish someone told me before freshman year, just to keep in mind!
1. In college, people don't care how you act, what you wear, or what you do.
In middle school and high school, people are so judgmental, but once you get to college, you realize people really don't care what you do.
2. It's fine to change your major or minor.
I've changed my minor four times in one year; it's okay not to know exactly what you want to do.
3. Use an agenda.
Trust me, I've missed online quizzes and assignments because I didn't write down the due date. Agendas are super helpful in remembering what you need to do.
4. Always have a phone charger on you.
It's annoying when your phone dies and you and your friends have one charger between the four of you. You never know when you might need one!
5. You will lose some high school friends.
Only your true friends from high school will remain your friends, and that's really okay. You'll make your fair share of friends in college.
6. And on that note...making friends can be hard.
In high school, I had TONS of friends. When I got to college, I had forgotten what making friends is like, and it can be hard. I promise you'll make some, though.
7. Going into college, you think you'll always go to class, but really, you won't.
You'll also tell your parents you do go to class when they ask, even if you don't. Don't skip too many classes, though.
8. FOMO is so real.
You'll always be concerned you will miss out on things, but you have to learn that sometimes it's okay not to do everything.
9. DO NOT wait until you have no clean clothes to do laundry.
It's a pain to have to carry your whole wardrobe plus towels and sheets to the laundry room and try to find enough washers.
10. You actually have to study.
I didn't realize this until the middle of the first semester. College isn't like high school, you really do have to study.
11. You will get sick.
Learn how to take care of yourself and what medicines to take because you will not have your mama.
12. You don't need your entire closet.
Seriously. You think you will, but you won't. I haven't worn half the clothes I brought with me.
13. Not having Friday classes is bomb.
If you can get your schedule to have no Friday classes, you'll really thank yourself later.
14. Your dorm will become your home.
When you go home to visit, it really won't feel like home anymore.
15. Freshman year goes by fast.
The year will be over before you know it. So enjoy it, you're only a college freshman once.
