I think we all have a general assumption about what college is going to be like when you start: endless freedom, partying, interesting classes, etc. I think I speak for quite a few college students when I say, college is actually very different than I imagined it to be. That being said, there are a few things (I have learned a lot of things, but these are some of the most important ones) I have learned so far, so I thought I would share.
1. You will miss your family.
Okay, yeah, I know that is kind of a given, but a lot of us get excited to leave the house and live on our own. You don't really realize how much of an impact your family had on your life until you don't live with them anymore. I have always been an independent person, but I cry sometimes because I miss my parents. It happens. It's inevitable, but it happens.
2. Office hours are SO important.
Most of your classes will have about 200 students. so one-on-one time with your professor doesn't happen anymore. You don't have the same relationship with college professors that you had with high school teachers, so it is up to you to create that relationship. You are on your own in college classes. They aren't going to be reminding you that you have something due, so telling you exactly what to study for an exam, so it is up to you.
3. Class is also SO important.
I know it can be tempting to skip classes, especially because a lot of them don't take attendance. Unless you really have to, it is in your best interest to go to class. You (or your parents) are paying for your classes, so try to go to class.
4. Living is expensive.
Now that you have to grocery shop for yourself, buy clothes, and other things you may need, you will probably catch yourself saying things like, "$15 for a shirt? Yeah, maybe if I was rich." One of your biggest excuses to not do something will be "I'm broke."
5. You are never going to feel like you're actually in college.
To this day, I still can't believe I am in college. Life feels so much different during this time and I sometimes have to stop myself and say, "You can do this. You're in college now."
6. Everyone is basically going through the same thing.
Whether you are struggling with a class, homesickness, or something else, we are all in this together. No one is judging you for wearing your pajamas to class because they are probably wearing theirs to. College is way different than high school. It isn't easy for everyone, but we are all working through it.
