Preparing for my freshman year of college was one of the most exciting, but nerve-racking summers of my life. I had no idea what I was in for and whether I would be miserable or have a great time. Luckily, it was the latter. I moved on with a bunch of tears, but I learned some of the most important things on the way and, without hesitation, would do it all over again if given the chance. Here are 15 things you will most likely experience your freshman year in college.
1. Move-in day will be awkward.
Despite your attempt to lighten the mood, you may just be meeting your roommate for the first time, so it's still uncomfortable. This is a stranger you have to live with now for months. In a few weeks, you'll either hate them or learn to love them. Plus, there are strange people with crying moms all over this dorm that is your new home.
2. You'll meet tons of people.
You never thought you'd be friendly to this many people in your life, but it's happening. Now look, you have a group of friends!
3. You'll go out.
Being a freshman, you won't know too many places to have the most fun on weekends. Just follow the loud music, and you'll eventually find your favorite weekend place.
4. You'll have a designated "Mom" of your group.
Guilty. That was me. You need someone to take care of the kids and stop the way-too drunk kids from being mean to each other. And you'll always call them "Mom," even loudly...across campus...and in public.
5. You'll probably get homesick.
No matter how quickly you were dying to get away from home, and no matter how much fun you're having, there's nothing like home. Call as much as you can! Especially when the stress starts to really kick in.
6. You'll just get sick.
Really sick. Your immune system will take a hit like it never has before. Take those vitamins!
7. You will eat too much ramen.
I definitely stocked up. It's cheap and it's an easy go-to after a long night. You might make new kitchen friends while you're at it.
8. You'll think you can have one more drink.
Then that fun night turns into a nightmare with only a hangover to remember it by—but trust me—"Mom" remembers it all.
9. You'll spend too much money.
And then you'll realize you're a broke college kid and should stop ordering a pizza and wings every weekend.
10. You won't learn your lesson.
You'll keep taking those extra drinks and you'll keep ordering that pizza because, let's face it, you're in college and it's so much better than the school food.
11. You'll gain weight.
Yep, the good ol' Freshman 15...or 20. Lay off the stress snacks, the pizzas, and the beer, if possible.
12. You'll make so many mistakes.
Probably obvious from what I've already said. Remember though, it will always be okay. We all do it and you'll grow from it.
13. You will lose friends.
As quickly as you gained them, they're gone just like that. Things happen. It's a new environment, new people, and new freedom. It's a chance to start over, and people may not act like themselves at first and when you finally see their true colors, you won't always like what you find out. My best advice, the thing you always hear, is to just be yourself.
14. But, you will find the greatest friends.
Whether it's freshman year or later, they're the ones that you know are stuck with you until the end, because no one could be better.
15. You will learn so much about yourself.
As I said earlier, you're thrown into a new setting and it's up to you to decide how to handle it. Situations will arise that you never thought you would have to deal with, but how you come out of it in the end is what matters.
