As high school seniors, we ran the school. We bragged about our ACT scores, posted pictures of our acceptance letters to our dream schools, and flew through the “movie days” at school. We knew everyone, and everyone knew us. Whether you were the quarterback or the band geek, you developed a sense of superiority over the four years you spent in those halls. Most likely, you had an idea of what you thought college life would be like. Also very likely, you were wrong.
You were so used to walking into the hallways of familiarity, and you now drive into your new town, onto your campus. It’s new, it’s exciting, but it’s absolutely overwhelming. Chances are, it’s really scary. That first semester is going to sweep you off your feet. So, here are 5 things I wish I knew before I started my freshman year in college.
1. Every freshman feels how you feel.
Through the “icebreaker” games, and the desperate attempts to make friends, you probably will feel very alone, but you’re not. Every single freshman is in the same position. If someone is snooty or rude, it’s a front. This is scary, and you need to stick with the people who you will be with for the next four years (or more!).
2. Don’t wear your lanyard.
I know its convenient. Your keys, your id, and everything important can be carried around your neck and you don't even need your purse or wallet. However, this is the undeniable mark of a freshman. Upperclassmen can go from questioning if you’re a transfer student to knowing without a doubt that you’re “fresh meat” with one glance at your polyester neckwear.
3. You actually have to study.
Whether you went to an “easy high school” or a school that was deemed academically superior, you probably thought you excelled in your studies. What high schoolers think is “studying” is a re-read of your notes in the 5 minutes before the bell rings and the test begins. You could exchange answers with your BFF in the commons before school and never had to try very hard. Let me assure you, this isn't gonna fly in college. Long nights, lots of coffee, and getting a 70 after a 12-hour study session are the things that lie ahead. With experience, it gets easier, so don’t freak out too much.
4. Don’t spend all your money on food.
The food in the cafeteria is gross, and they expect you to be done eating for the day by 7, when that’s just when your night is getting started. So yes, the crunch wrap sounds like the perfect midnight snack, but it adds up. When it comes time to buy that club T-shirt or pay for the million things your sorority or fraternity makes you pay for, you will find yourself short of money because you ate it all away. Do yourself a favor, and just eat one of the thousand instant ramen your mom packed for you before you left.
5. You’re not a college expert, but you will be.
The seniors at school are clearly intimidating, and I won’t even mention those fifth-year seniors or graduate students. The important thing to remember is that the only difference between you and them is age and experience. You may not be as smart (or as cool) as you thought you were, but you’ll get there. The only thing standing between you and being top dog again is four years and lots and lots of maturing.
