You finally made it, you graduated high school. You survived those four years of asking to use the restroom, prom, and all the useless drama you got dragged into. You went through all of that just to receive a document that has your name on it and will forever determine your career path. Now you're heading off to college and you don't know what to expect, I'm sure you've had tons of people give you advice but you can't help but worry about it. Well here are 7 things that you should expect to prepare for your first year of college:
1. Parties. It's college, so there is 100% going to be at least one party. Now just because you're finally in college does not mean that you have to party. A lot of people make the mistake of going to parties just because they're in college now; if that's not who you are, then you don't have to go. Don't let anyone try and convince you that you need too, some people just want to focus on their studies or just don't like partying. It's totally acceptable to not party.
2. Homework. Every high school is different, for me I rarely had homework. My first year in college, I had a good amount of homework. Homework depends on the classes you enroll in. One of my best friends had homework every single night because of her business classes, while on the other hand, I had homework maybe every other day.
Tip: It's very rare that you'll have homework "due the next day at 8:00 a.m", it's usually due in a week or so. Knowing this, it's completely up to you to use your time management skills and get it done either early or last minute.
3. Professors. Professors can be really amazing or actually really terrible. Some are very relaxed and calm about their teaching and others are uptight. In the end, the professors don't care if you turn in the paper late, it doesn't change anything for them. YOU are the one paying for your education, if you turn in something late or not at all, it's entirely YOUR fault.
4. Friendships. College is about growing and finding yourself. Its a hard truth but you will lose friends you never thought you'd lose. Just because you don't talk anymore or see each other doesn't mean that you guys aren't friends anymore. You just grew apart, changed into different people and are finding yourselves during your time at college, it's completely normal. On the bright side, with the loss of friendships, you'll gain new ones.
5. Family. Your family is going to miss you. I started at college about 3 1/2 hours away from my hometown and it was super hard for my family. Later, I transferred to a college only 45 minutes away and they still called me at least every single day. If you're the oldest child be prepared for the emotions your parents will radiate about you going to college. If you're the baby, your parents probably won't be as emotional, but I have no experience with that being I am the oldest in my family. Either way, your parents will miss you, and you will miss your parents. Going to college is the first steps into adulthood; it'll be tough but worth it.
6. The first week of college. Usually the first week of school is designated to the freshman and helping them get acclimated. This can be quite stressful. You're shoved into activities and groups you're not comfortable in at all. My first week was super awkward. Everyone is trying to be someone they're not just to make friends and not feel alone. The real fact is: about 99% of the people you talk to during that week, won't end up being your closest friends you depend on during the year. Just be who you are and you'll make it through the week and find your real friends.
7. Cost. Lastly, you should be prepared for how cheap you will become during your years in college. You won't be splurging on food every night, you won't be shopping, and you definitely won't be driving as much as you'd like. On top of the horrible student loans you'll need to buy groceries, room decorations, laundry, parking passes (if you have a car), school supplies, textbooks, and occasionally stuff you'll think you "need." All in all, you'll need to be savvy with your money otherwise you'll be out before you know it.
In the end, college will be the best years of your life. You've probably heard that a million times, but it's true. The nervousness you feel will fade away and college will be an amazing experience that you wish will never end.
