When we were seniors in high school, we had many things on our mind: graduation, senior pictures, our “lasts” and most importantly, college. For some, we knew where we wanted to go since the moment we were freshmen. For others, we decided as high school went on. Some of us were dying to get out of our hometowns and move away, and some of us wanted to stay in the towns that made us who we were.
For me, moving away for college was one of the best decisions of my life. I have learned some things about myself I never got the chance to learn about in high school.
Here are some things you learn about yourself when you go to college.
1. Even if you aren’t at home, you seem to never miss out on the things happening.
With the way technology is now, it seems like you never can miss out on anything. My parents never fail to FaceTime me when my dog does something cute.
2. You become the cheapest person ever.
“How much extra is Guac?”
“$1.80”
*feels nauseous*
“OK, no, put it back, please.”
3. Going to bed before midnight is considered a blessing.
Whether you are up studying for a big exam the next morning or doing mountains of homework, going to bed before midnight never happens. And if it does, considered yourself blessed.
4. Eating by yourself is considered a norm.
Because in high school you wouldn’t be caught dead eating alone, you better learn to love it.
5. If you want to get anywhere, you better learn to love to walk.
How easy was it to just hop in the car and drive wherever we wanted in high school? Or, walk across the hall to your class?
6. Getting mail is comparable to Christmas morning.
There truly is no better feeling than getting a letter or package from back home. Even if it just contains your contact lenses, it is still from home, and that is all that matters.
7. You actually do need to study for that test.
That’s all I need to say.
8. How sad missing someone really is.
Whether that someone is your parents, friends, boyfriend/girlfriend or dog, missing someone just flat out sucks. It is even harder when you know you won’t be able to see them for a while. Sometimes FaceTime just cannot help shake the feeling of missing someone.
9. Meeting new people at first is a lot harder than you think.
When you were in high school, meeting people was so much easier because you more than likely can start off the conversation with “Oh, you know him, too? That's my friend’s boyfriend’s cousin!” But in college, your awkwardness peaks up a little bit when trying to make new friends. Don’t worry, it happens to all of us.
10. Getting involved in clubs/activities really does help you meet new people.
Every college has its different clubs and activities to get involved in, and there seems to be groups for all different types of people to join.
11. Procrastination will come back to haunt you.
12. Bringing an umbrella with you places isn’t lame.
It could save you from showing up to class soaked, but it won’t save you from slipping in rain and falling in front of a tour group, cracking your phone.
13. The library will become your second home.
Have you ever wondered what the smell of dust and books smells like? You will.
14. If you like Ramen, it will become another food group for you.
There is nothing better than fast and cheap food, especially when you’re a broke college student.
15. If you didn’t already know how to do laundry, you are about to learn.
Mom can’t do your laundry for you, unfortunately, so the last resort is yourself.
16. The appreciation of time.
Whether the time is spent with your family for a day, a significant other for a night or your friends for a weekend, time is limited.
17. There really is nothing better than a home-cooked meal.
Sometimes, dining hall food just gets really old.
18. Naps can make or break your day.
Even five minute power naps in your room with your shoes still on can be what keeps you through your next classes.
So, who says you learn everything
during your college years in the classroom?
