I start my sophomore year of college in just a few weeks, and I absolutely cannot wait to get back to my friends and the beautiful southern city I now call home. As I head into this new year and new experience, I want to reflect on the things I learned throughout my nine months as a freshman. At this time last year, I had no idea what I was walking into. I didn’t know what to really expect from college, and now, just one year later, I’m truly confident about my new lifestyle.
1. People don't give a sh*t.
One of the most refreshing things I’ve experienced since coming to college is that most people really don’t care about the stupid stuff that went on in high school. Of course, some drama is inevitable, but overall no one really spends that much time talking about who goes to what parties or who is hooking up with who.
2. I have to advocate for myself much more than I did in high school.
I attended a very small high school where everyone knew everyone. My classes were about 12 students. So I always had a lot of attention from my teachers, whether I wanted it or not. In college, I’ve found that you have to show your professors that you are engaged and care about being there, and you have to seek out help when you need it. No one holds your hand in college, but plenty of help and resources are readily available if you make the effort.
3. It’s quite possible and often normal to pay upwards of $300 for one textbook.
And then end up not even really needing it to do well in the class. Ouch.
4. It's normal to feel alone.
My first few weeks of college were not easy. I loved my new school, but I missed living in the dorms at my boarding school and coming home at curfew to freshly baked cookies from my dorm parent. However, as I branched out, I realized basically everyone in the freshman class felt the same way. I’m still homesick every so often, but I’ve gotten used to relying on myself for day to day things.
5. Money doesn't exist.
One of the rude awakenings I had in college was realizing how much of a difference it made in my finances to now have to pay for everyday things like toothpaste and milk. Very often I find myself trying to plan social outings with my friends surrounding our combined funds of $20. The one good thing is pretty much everyone is in the same boat. The ramen noodle stereotype is very, very real. Shout-out to Top Ramen.
6. It's the perfect time to try out different identities.
One of my favorite parts about college is it’s specifically a time in our lives to figure out what we’re passionate about and how we want to incorporate those things into our lives. I feel so lucky to have been given the opportunity to try different things and find a major I am excited about, as well as meet people from vastly different backgrounds. College is truly the time in my life that will concretely form my future.
