We've all become familiar with the daily grind of the school routine - it's the getting back into it after a few months of summer relaxing that takes the getting used to. Even before classes start, there are the struggles of moving back in, reacquainting yourself with campus, and figuring out how to fit everything into your schedule. Before returning to school, all you can think about is how great it will be to get out of your parents' house and back to "independent" college living... but after the first day of moving boxes and scrounging for free food, there are a few things you remember about living the college life.
1. You can't go out without seeing someone you know.
Whether you're on a giant campus or a teeny one - the chances of walking outside in your slouchy sweats and "I woke up like this" hair without seeing anyone you know are remarkably low. Especially if you haven't been back for long, I would prepare yourself for a whole lot of unexpected meetings on the sidewalks and stairways. The "How was your summer?" smalltalk is about to get real, people.
2. There are new Freshmen, and they're everywhere.
The older you get, the fewer familiar faces you can find on campus. Not only did all the seniors you knew graduate, but your college replaced them with roughly double the number of new baby freshmen. Get used to seeing hundreds of new faces that don't know what they're doing, and give them a break too - we've all been there.
3. You'll probably have to look up a building or two.
No matter how many years you've been on the same campus, there's always that one illusive building that trips you up every time. My school, Eckerd College, is barely two miles across, but I still had to look up the name of a building I'd never had class in before. Something about being away for three months (and I was abroad for six) seems to wipe out all those unimportant details - like mailbox combinations, cafeteria hours, and building names.
4. Feeding yourself is hard.
Whether you're on a meal plan or not - remembering to stop and eat amidst the craziness of moving in and getting settled is tough. Throw in the fact that your schedule is totally dependent on cafeteria hours and/or class times, and your friends all have different schedules, and it's a wonder you don't end up eating granola bars or Ramen for every meal. No judgement if you do though.
5. Your friends are still your friends.
While it may seem like there should be a perfunctory "I haven't seen you in half a year" reacquaintance phase between you and the people you shared nearly every waking moment with - from classes to late night studying, eating every other meal together and living down the hall - there really isn't. The friends who are meant to stick around will be waltzing in and out of your room as usual just as soon as you both get your keys.
