Here are some things I wish I had known before starting my freshman year of college:
1. You might miss your parents. Or you might not. That's okay. They'll always be there to welcome you home during breaks. If you mess up and need their help, don't be afraid to call them. After all, family is family.
2. The Freshman Fifteen is real. Especially if you stress eat. Buy a refrigerator and stock it with healthy options for late night study snacks to fend off those dreaded pounds.
3. You probably won't get straight As. Try not to panic about it. If you need to withdraw from a class two, it's really not the end of the world. I know everyone wants that perfect transcript but honestly it's nearly impossible. Try to accept the fact that you're not perfect, even if you desperately want to be.
4. Some professors will make you want to give up on life. Keep doing you and try to get through it. Remember, it's only one semester. Just channel your inner Blair when you turn in your final exam. ;)
5. When the going gets tough, be thankful that you are no longer in high school.
6. Don't bring up high school achievements, AP/IB scores, SAT/ACT scores, or other colleges you were admitted to.
7. Don't be the person who asks 100 questions everyday in a large lecture class. Go to office hours instead. It'll save you from having passive aggressive yaks and WashU Confessions written about you.
8. Don't commit floorcest. It will haunt you for the rest of the school year. (Floorcest: n. the act of hooking up with someone who lives on your floor.)
9. Pro Tip: When one must make the Walk of Shame, try to leave as early as possible before the rest of the world wakes up. This will save you from judgmental eyes staring at you in last night's dress with your smeared makeup.
10. On the topic of romance, it's okay to fall in love and have your heart broken. It's all part of the learning experience, and you will survive it.
11. The first weekend of college isn't when you should test your drinking limits for the very first time.
12. When you see someone who needs help, help him/her. Good karma is a thing. Help save a fellow classmate, it could be you one day.
13. Don't have FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out). As Ted's mom says, nothing good happens after 2 am. Having a chill night-in might be exactly what you need.
14. You don't need to explain your choice of major to anyone besides yourself and it's okay to be undecided. Just make sure you choose something you're passionate about.
15. Be yourself. People often view college as a fresh start, which can be rewarding, but trying to project an image of someone you aren't in order to impress others won't do you any favors.
16. You might feel lonely at first. Sometimes it takes a while before you find a solid group of friends, but you'll get through it. Even Queen B felt like she didn't belong at one point.
17. Take the time to really get to know your peers. Friends will celebrate your best moments and lift you up during your darkest ones.
18. Sometimes you'll feel like everything is falling apart, and you should know that it okay to feel this way. Admitting what's wrong to a friend is usually the best thing you can do for yourself.
19. You will make mistakes; it's an inevitable part of life. Just make sure you learn from them.
20. Time will fly by like nothing you've ever experienced. Take lots and lots of pictures. Embrace these four years with open arms and enjoy them.
21. And remember ladies:
