It's hard to believe I am already through my first month in college. In saying that, I have learned so much about my classes, however, I have learned even more just by being here and experiencing the life of a college student. Here are 5 things I have learned that I hope other freshman and high school seniors can take advice from.
1. Your Campus Is As Big Or As Little As You Make It
Whether your campus has less than 5,000 people or more than 50,000 you ultimately decide how big or little your campus is. Throughout my first month of being in college I have come to the conclusion that not everyone you see will become your friend and that is perfectly OK. It is true that college is nothing like high school, there are no cliques, and zero pressure to fit in. This is the time to meet people and experience new things. There are always activities and events going on around campus, go to them, I promise you will thank me later. Getting involved on campus will help you to figure out who you are and who you want to surround yourself with.
2. 8 AMs Are Not Your Friend
You may be think an 8 am is a good idea at the time you are registering for classes, because why not get classes out of the way right? Wrong. You may think you love the mornings until you're sitting in calculus evaluating your existence. Most important thing learned from this is that naps are in fact your best friend. Although an 8 am is a horrible time for class, let's be real, so is every other class time. There will always be something you want to do, but can't because a class got in the way.
3. Find A Balance
While academics are very important, so is your sanity. It is important to find a balance between your social life and academic life. It's OK to take a break from school and go out every now and then. It is also OK to stay in the library till 2 am, trust me it will happen. You will figure out how to balance between the two all within good time.
4. Take Advantage of Home Cooked Meals
Eating dining hall food everyday will make you realize how much you appreciate home cooked meals. You will come home and your family may ask where you want to go to eat, you won't want to go anywhere, you're going to want your mom's famous homemade mac n' cheese, or your dad's homemade sauce and meatballs.
5. You Learn Who Your True Friends Are
Making new friends is one of the first steps to adjusting into college. However, you learn rather quickly who your true friends back home are. I am so thankful for the friends who have kept in touch with me since we have all gone our separate ways and started our new lives. To those who I have lost touch with, I wish the best in your new adventures. Your true friends are those who text or call you after going days without any communication and you pick up right where you left off.
