I am a college freshman, meaning I recently went through graduation and transition from the life of High School to the life of College. If there are 5 things that I wish I knew coming into college it would be these 5 things:
1. Your best friend(s) now and the group you are with now are more than likely not going to be your best friend(s) and group you stick with after high school.
One reason you are close is because you spend so much time together. You live in the same town and see each other often. Once you move away to college or move out of town, there's a chance you may lose contact. Some people don't, but most do. Just be prepared to have your circles of friends change! And be okay with making new friends! It will open up new worlds to you that you never seemed to be possible. They're so right when they say that you meet your BEST friends in college!
2. 8 AMs in High school are much different than 8 AMs in college
I thought that I could take an 8 AM class in college because I always had morning classes in High School. I was wrong. If you are usually a morning person and feel like it's something you could do, go for it. But be fair warned that College 8 AMs are drastically different than High School 8 AMs. If you hated 8 AMs in High School, you probably will hate 8 AMs in College (and you might skip because this time no one's forcing you to go...).
3. Don't get too attached to the idea of never having to touch core again.
I feel like most people know this, but sometimes some people get excited that after they take their last math or science course in high school they never have to touch core again. That's where they're wrong. You still have to take core Science, Math, History, P.E., and English. (And depending on the college, Religion and Philosophy may also be part of core curriculum).
4. I know it sucks but yes, you do actually have to go to class
Many people think that once you get to college, you can skip classes and be free. Unfortunately, that's not the case. First of all, you're paying for every class so if you skip class, you're throwing away money. Second of all, you're more likely to not understand everything (hence having a lower grade in the class), and finally, if you're skipping class to avoid going, realize that if you fail, you're going to have to retake the course and pay more money to repeat a class you could have done fine in if you had just gone. So, JUST GO TO CLASS.
5. Although college seems hard, don't forget to just let loose and have some fun!
I know it seems like college is all about going to class, studying, and doing homework to earn that degree, but don't forget to have some fun along the way! Go see that movie that's showing for FREE on campus. Splurge and go get good food with friends. Go to that (clean and safe) party. Let loose sometimes and just have a little fun. Don't get so focused on school that you forget what it's like to have fun! Fun is the best way to destress and let loose when things get rough!
Overall, college is hard sometimes and the transition was difficult at first, but it gets easier. I wouldn't trade any of my experiences this last semester and a half for the world. I've made some incredible memories and learned a lot in this last year. College is a journey and I'm excited to see what great things I get to experience along the way.
