You've heard the saying; Your college years are the best years of your life. Well, overall, that is quite true. You've moved out of your parent's house (at least for about 8 months a year!), have your independence, are studying something you genuinely care about and are pretty much free to be yourself. It's also the prime time to discover new interests and develop skills you never thought you could. But college is also the most confusing time of a person's life. One day we are still considered children who don't know anything about the world, and then the next day we are supposed to have our futures figured out. It is quite unfair, to say the least, to expect someone who was never allowed to go anywhere without a hall pass to suddenly wake up and become fully-capable, mature, and mentally-stable adults. Your parents and teachers will try to prepare you and give you the best advice for success in college, but school is so much different nowadays that the only way to really be prepared for college is to not know what to expect. That being said, here are a few pieces of advice and some helpful things that any college-aged person should understand during this time of growth and discovery.
1. You don't have to have a plan.
Some people know what they want while others don't. But don't be afraid if you're someone of the latter description. You are going to be more likely to try new things and have experiences than someone who has a strategic plan for college.
2. It's okay to change your major once... or twice... or three times.
Trust me on this one. I'm a junior in college and I've had a different major/focus every semester. I'm still settling into myself and trying to find out what I want to do with my life.
3. Your friends at orientation are not going to be your friends freshman year.
You can try, but chances are you'll grow apart before the semester even begins. You'll find new friends in your classes.
4. Your friends from the first semester probably won't last either.
Let's be honest here, everyone is scared and jittery. Likely, you will latch onto the first person who speaks to you. It'll be great for a few months, but you guys are eventually going to branch out and find your own little group(s) and they won't necessarily cross paths.
5. Make friends with your adviser and program director.
These people are your best tools for success. Unlike most high school teachers, they actually care about you.
6. Scope out restaurants in town.
Campus food sucks. Especially when you've got special dietary needs or restrictions. Good luck being vegan or gluten-free on a small campus. Salads get boring very quickly.
7. If the food doesn't look right... IT IS PROBABLY NOT GOOD!
This should be a no-brainer. Not every college has the ability to provide a 5 star meal to its students, but use your judgement. That being said, inspect your food before you eat it.
8. Don't be afraid to switch rooms if you and your roommate aren't compatible.
Feelings will not be hurt. They're probably thinking the same thing as you but doesn't have the strength to do anything. Get out before something bad happens.
9. Go to parties.
Just do it. There are so many positives to going out besides just getting free alcohol.
10. Join a club for something you've never done before.
Avoided sports like the plague in high school? Great! Time to sign up for club soccer. Think the drama kids are absolute freaks? Get yourself over to a Shakespeare club and audition for the titular role of Hamlet and invite all your friends to the show.
11. Don't call home.
Okay, so maybe you shouldn't avoid calling Mom and Dad completely, just don't do it too often. You've got to learn how to detach. Plus, if you're calling home all the time, you're going to get homesick. Your parents might get annoyed, but if they care about you, they'll understand. Besides, you're going to be really busy.
12. Do NOT take more than 18 credits. Ever.
You'll hate yourself. There's not reason to overload on credits, no matter how smart and diligent you are.
13. Clean your room.
If not for yourself, for your guests.
14. Wash your sheets once a week.
This is college. You need to wash that bedding, man. You know why.
15. Don't hang onto high school friends/relationships.
I know you think you won't grow apart, but you will. Especially if one of you is still in high school.
16. Don't hoard food in your room.
Keeping an obscene amount of food in your room is actually a pretty terrible idea. The freshman 15 is no joke. Plus, if you're keeping full-course meals on the reg, you'll never go out to the dining halls with your friends.
17. Do something your parents would frown upon.
Some parents are stringent Don't let your parents' rules keep you from having adventures. Be smart and safe, but do what makes you happy.
18. Go to a concert of a band you don't know with a friend.
Just because you can.
19. Attend a protest or march.
If it's your future, why not participate in it? Stand up for what you believe in!
