As a recent graduate of college-- a whole 7 days-- I already feel the hole forming inside of me as I settle back into my mundane life and begrudgingly prepare for the "real world" ahead. Some of us have a bit of time before starting a new job or beginning grad school, which sounds nice in theory, but really just means that we have more time to think about how unique and magical those four years were. The brutal reality is, real world doesn't hand out free t-shirts and pizza just because it's Tuesday. College arrived and left in the blink of an eye, but will never be forgotten. Here are some things we grads miss about college that should be taken full advantage of by those still in session:
1. A campus
Let's start broad and general. A college campus is what houses your college community. It's like a socially acceptable commune meant for people your same age with your same interests. Unless you went to a gigantic city university, all buildings are relatively close together and you constantly feel a sense of community and protection from the outside world. A very attractive backdrop for your college instas.
2. Being five minutes from your best friends
3. The luxuries of dorm life
You may not realize it while you're living in a dorm because you may only be focused on the negatives about it (communal bathrooms, little privacy, etc), but dormitories possess little luxuries you don't even realize until you live in your own space, like having clean bathrooms and living spaces which you didn't have to worry about and consistent replenishment of toilet paper... a little necessity you didn't even realize you had to worry about in the real world, get ready.
4. Meal plans
Love or hate the food, there is something comforting about having a "meal plan," a certain number of "points" or "dining dollars" set aside just for food, available essentially whenever you want and right down the road from you at all times. Welcome to the less than glamorous life of planning your own meals and food shopping.
5. Pizza
While we're on food, let's talk about pizza, the food most associated with college students. It's just so accessible to the average college student and oh so good, especially when you need a late-night fix.
6. Free food
More on the food. Free food is a college kid's crack. If an organization or study club advertised free food, you can bet everyone would be there. Not so easy to find in the real world.
7. Free events
Free speakers, concerts, luncheons, etc. College was full of free events for students every week if not multiple times a week. Take advantage of these while you still can!
8. Free shirts
A lot of these events and organizations you belonged to handed out free shirts. You're never wanting for a gym shirt in college.
10. Professors
Let's not forget why we are in college in the first place. Most things listed are additional perks, but let's not forget the people who taught us what we need to know to survive as intellectual people in this world. Many of them will be life-long mentors. No more walking five minutes to their offices to melt down about life. Good thing email still exists.
11. Acceptable to not have life figured out
You could argue that it is still acceptable not have life figured out post-grad, but it was more acceptable while you were going through college. Now it is unfortunately expected to at least have somewhat of a plan of action for your life, since you're an adult now.
12. College bars
They are just fun. Everyone your age having a good time, plus free or very cheap entry fees. And this is the only time when it's acceptable to drink a lot and look like an idiot because you're just a "college kid." You lose that excuse once you graduate, you've been warned.
13. Greek life
14. All nighters
Something you really only do in college. While you may hate your decision the next day, they can be fun, especially if shared with other people.
15. The gym
You had a free gym membership for four years! How many times did you use it? Not enough, probably. Take advantage of this.
16. The ability to do everything you love
In college you were able to be a part of clubs and organizations that meant something to you. You can still do this in the real world, but they may not be as accessible.
17. Breaks
Hours during the day depending on your class schedule, and remember summer?
18. The library
A huge library full of all the resources you could ever want right at your doorstep.
20. Sweats
No one looked twice if you strolled into class in leggings and an oversized sweatshirt. Now it matters what you show up to your internship in.
20. No adult things to worry about, like insurance, bills and taxes
Yeah.
There are so many more things to miss about college, but this is the number I got to before breaking down in tears. Life is exciting, but sometimes it's hard to let go.
