When they tell you that college is nothing like anything you will ever experience in your life, your mind can dream up crazy things. From the older siblings that tell us stories to the dramatics of the crazy college movies, you never knew what to expect. Here are some things that I learned so far from my freshman year that I wasn't exactly expecting.
1. You truly do learn who you are.
While I knew already that I was loud, proud, and unashamed, college only strengthened those feelings. However, it also showed me the reasons I am those things. I don't like when people tell me to be quiet and my immediate response is to get louder. You find out what you believe in and what you care about. And don't be ashamed of it!
2. There is a 99.9% chance you won't be friends with the people you met at the beginning of the year.
For some reason, there is this dire need to find an immediate group of best friends. It doesn't matter who they are or if you even like them: you just need friends. And that's ok! It's normal! But don't feel the need to keep those friendships if you believe it's hurting you. There are so many more people in college to meet and get close with. Join clubs that you find interesting and you will meet other people with the same interest.
3. Don't do things just because other people are doing them.
If you feel uncomfortable going to a frat party or underage drinking you don't have to. Never feel pressured to do anything you don't want to do because there are plenty of people who feel the same way you do.
4. Don't not do things just because other people aren't doing them.
If there is a club you want to attend or a sport you want to play and there is no one to go with you don't let it hold you back. Don't be afraid to go out there and try new things and explore on your own. It's the best way to meet people and most of the time you get the best stories out of it. And then you can brag to your friends on what they missed out on.
5. You might not be best friends with your roommate.
Even if you tried to find someone you get along with before school started to room with they may turn out different in person. It's impossible to get a perfect match over the Internet on a college's roommate search site. If it happens then you were lucky and you should appreciate them! If not, than try your best to work out any issues you may have. However, sometimes it really is just out of your hands. Don't feel like you have no options because switching rooms could always be one!
6. Face new challenges.
You already took the first big step by leaving home to go and continue your education. Don't stop there. College has a lot to offer and there are so many opportunities that you don't want to miss out on! Whether it's a job opportunity or a chance to lead your favorite club embrace it with open arms. Don't be afraid. You can do more than you think you can and when you look back on your first year of college you don't remember the projects you stayed up all night for or bad grade you got in one class, it is the memories of the chances you took and the people you met along the way.
