Moving away and going to college is going to be scary, that part is inevitable. However, you can (kind of) prepare yourself for the journey you are about to embark on. From the day you move in to your closet-sized dorm room with your best friend or the roommate you found on Facebook until you say your final "see ya laters" on your last day of finals before packing up your room and wondering where the time went, you are going to be learning. Well, of course you are, that's what you pay an outrageous amount of money for, but you will be learning things about yourself and others that you didn't even realize were possible. One of the best ways to prepare yourself is to let change in, it can be scary but let it. You won't be sorry. Here are the top four things I wish I would've known before my freshman year:
1. Seriously, change is a good thing.
You hear this all your life but college is the best time for it. You're on your own, like, actually on your own. You're meeting new people and you're starting a new journey in your life. Don't be afraid to get out of your shell and show the real you. College is a time for growth and finding out who you want to be. Let change in!
2. Sometimes you will feel guilty, and that's okay.
This one's harder. However, it's just as important. You're not going to stay in touch with all your friends from high school, at least not as much as you may want. You may at the beginning, but trust me, life happens. You can't feel guilty for being a busy college kid and trying to stay afloat. Between keeping up grades, making it to chapter meetings, going to work and club meetings, you're going to have your hands full.
3. The "Freshman 15" is real.
Okay, this one, not as serious. But look out, I always thought this was a joke and never believed people actually gained 15 pounds in nine months. Get a rec buddy and go every once in awhile! Plus, working out is a great stress reliever!
4. It is okay to miss home, but don't give up on college.
We all say we just want out and we can't wait to leave, but saying it and leaving are two different things. You're going to have some culture shock and wonder if you chose the right college, if you should have done things differently, but just hold on. Don't give up on college, it'll be four of the most exciting years.
In just a few short weeks you will begin your new journey; get excited and good luck!
