The second semester of my freshman year is about a week underway and looking back on the first semester I definitely learned a few things in my first few months on my own. Here are 16 things I learned in 16 weeks at OSU.
1. Roommates Can Make Or Break Your College Experience
These people kept me sane through this semester and I don't know what I would do without them. It is possible to have a good experience with roommates who you don't like but I promise that incredible roommates help.
2. You Never Knew How To Take Notes
You can't write every word the professor says so you just write the important stuff. But here's the thing... they don't tell you what's important so you just kind of have to guess.
3. You Have Been Taking Dogs For Granted
It wasn't always newsworthy when you got to pet a dog. Now, I send it in my group message if I even see a dog, so hug your dog today if you can.
4. You Don't Know How To Manage Money
This is a real screenshot of my bank account. Every time you get more money, you have eight things that you have to buy. The broke college student is a stereotype for a reason.
5. Privacy No Longer Exists
When you live in a dorm you don't get to change in private or really do anything in private. That's another reason liking your roommates is a good thing.
6. There's a Reason College Parties Have Their Reputation
They are trashy and wild and [sometimes] fun. But they are definitely something to experience.
7. Football Is Not A Joke
Football is like a campus-wide religion. The first thing I was told at orientation was "you can pretty much do whatever you want as long as you respond with I-O when someone yells O-H."
8. Being Able To Be Barefoot in Showers Is Incredible
These showers are so small and you're sharing it with like 15+ other people so you have to wear flip flops. Going home and showing barefoot is something that you never realized was a gift.
9. The Freshman 15 Is Real
This is the first time you have to pick what you eat with no one to hold you accountable. It's very easy to snack constantly/
10. Mental Breakdowns Are A Weekly Occurrence
Nothing wrong with crying in the middle of campus, I promise.
11. Moms Are Incredible People
I call my mom when I want to talk crap about someone, when I'm sad when I have to make an adult decision, or really any decision. My mom is an angel and I talk to her now more than when I lived with her.
12. One Mile Or Less Is A Short Walk
"Is it close?"
"Oh, yeah. It's just about a mile that way"
13. Classes At 8:00 AM Should Not Be A Thing
Yeah, high school started earlier than this. But for a reason that I can't explain, 8 am classes are worse
14. Naps Are Very Important
At least one a day. At this point, I'm on the sleep schedule of a baby. I take a mid day nap and go to bed whenever I want, wherever I want.
15. Pajamas Are Always Proper Attire
You can wear pajamas to class no matter what. If I'm going to wake up before the sun comes up, I can wear my pajamas out.
16. College Is Significantly Better Than High School
No matter the stress and early classes and scary adult decisions that you need to make. Everything is still better than high school.
