The end of those long, hot summer months often marks change-- outside of the weather, of course-- for young adults all over the country. Come the end of August, hundreds of thousands of college kids move back into scrunched-up dorms, tiny apartments, and raggedy little houses that have most definitely seen better days.
Hundreds of tips circle the internet of what to do before making your way towards campus for the Fall semester. There's packing tips, grocery lists, how to's on doing laundry and sweeping the floor- hell, there's even guidelines on how one should act upon returning to school, whether it be your first time or your sixth time.
All of these to-do hints may seem helpful at first, but eventually, they becoming overwhelming and, frankly, hard to follow, especially consider that 18-22 year olds rarely listen and are practically indestructible (we live on four hours of sleep and jump off of roofs in hopes of landing in a Barstool post- case and point).
What there isn't, however, are do-not's. Despite the seemingly negative overtone, do-nots are much, much, MUCH fewer than the do-to's, and a lot easier to keep in mind when your feet hit the edge of campus. Check out these 6 things NOT to do when you go back to college this fall.
1. Don't hide out in your dorm room.
No matter how large or small your college is, there will ALWAYS be more people to meet and new adventures to explore. Don't stay in your niche just because it's comfortable; get out there and experience everything there is to offer.
2. Don't go out every night (trust me).
The parties and the people and the freedom are all fun and games at first, but the dehydration will soon set in and have you looking like a rag doll, only now you have a beer gut, too.
3. Don't stop exercising.
Sure, your sports game definitely peaked in high school, but just because you don't have 3 practices a day and a tourney to make doesn't mean you can lay off completely. We're all finding our adult weights, and there is nothing to be ashamed of with that, but the freshman fifteen is REAL and hits some people HARD. Don't give up the pizza- just jog it off.
4. Don't shy away from your professors.
Most of these people are doctorates, aka the best and the brightest. Their class may just be another dull and boring requirement, but I guarantee the lives they lead and the things they know are bound to blow your mind. Ask questions. Go to office hours. They're more than happy to help out on a difficult assignment or just have a chat. My professors have become some of the best people I know.
5. Don't pretend your family doesn't exist anymore.
I get that the first 4 weeks of your mom's daily texts might get a bit excessive, but about 2 months in, you'll be begging for her to bring you some soap (expensive) and buy you lunch (also expensive). Text your brother, and call your dad. Their lives are completely different now, too.
6. Don't be the person who doesn't participate in group projects.
Colleges love group projects, and you'll have actual TONS of them over your collegiate career. There's no doubting that if you're the person who everyone else has to make up for, you will forever be a lazy ass to everyone and their brother. Your peers might very well be your boss one day and they will remember that you can't even handle a glue stick, let alone a six figure salary.
