1. Seeing a lot of unfamiliar faces

I came from a pretty small high school, around 120 in my graduating class. Almost everyone in my class knew everybody else. In college, not so much. Expect to see a lot of unfamiliar faces. In fact, since this semester started, I can count on one hand the amount of people from high school I’ve seen on campus. College is full of diversity. You will meet new people, possibly even your soulmate.

2. Choosing when you want to go to class

Perhaps my favorite part of my college experience thus far. I love the fact that I get to design my own class schedule. I have two or three fifty-minute classes every day. I personally chose to set up my schedule so that I have long breaks in between classes for studying, finishing homework, or grabbing some Starbucks. However, since there is nobody breathing down your neck and forcing you to come to class, it can be very dangerous. Make sure you keep up on attendance.

3. Independence, and a lot of it

For people who have never really been exposed to wielding their own independence, it can be a bit of a shock to your system, especially if you live on campus. Unlike high school, there are no legal ramifications if you don’t go to class. You’ll waste a lot of money, but you won’t have to go to court. Depending on what kind of person you are, this can be the biggest blessing or the worst thing to ever happen to you.

4. Academic rigor

In most of your classes, you will not have an assignment every night, maybe not even every week. However, this is partially because the assignments you do receive are bigger, harder, and worth more points. Your professors will also not be shepherding you every step of the way. They will not stand in the front of the class and tell you to pass last night’s homework to the front of the room. It will be entirely on you to submit your assignments on time.

5. More walking than you’ve probably ever done in your life

No matter how big your high school was, your university campus will most likely be much, much bigger. College campuses could be compared to small cities, so walking around campus all day in stilettos is not recommended. Not prohibited, but not recommended. Your professors will also probably not cancel class simply because it’s raining cats and dogs, so a good umbrella is essential.

Overall, college can either be the best time of your life or the worst four years ever. It’s all about what you make of it, so since you’re spending thousands of dollars in tuition, why not make it the best?