1. The "Freshman 15" is REAL.
Seriously, when I first got to college I assumed the whole "freshman 15" thing was a myth. Trust me--it's not. Especially at a school surrounded by amazing food places-- Chipotle, Jimmy John's, Noodles & Co... it's hard not to gain weight. But fitness memberships are your friend! Don't be like me and wait to realize how much weight you've gained after the first few months.
2. Your "Month 1" friends will not be your lifelong friends.
In the first few months of college everyone will be trying to make new friends. We're all in a new environment trying to make friends ASAP so we don't feel lonely. You will meet so many new people at first and immediately add them on Snapchat and Twitter...only to delete them a few months later and never talk to them again. But give it a few more months and you WILL find some of your best friends.
3. You will get homesick.
When I first got to college I was so excited to have freedom and be on my own. But after a month or two, you will miss the home cooked meals, the hugs from mom, and having someone else do your laundry. But a phone call to your parents will make all the difference when you're feeling down.
4. There will be times when you want to be alone.
If you're like me and you're used to having a room by yourself all throughout childhood, there will be times when you want to just be alone. Living in basically a prison cell with a stranger you met online is not always the best time. You will get annoyed, you will want to be alone and cry, and you will wish you had a single room sometimes. Try to find a quiet spot on campus where you can be alone with your thoughts.
5. Ration your money.
Whether it be real money or meal points, learn how to manage it. This took me a while to learn because I have no concept of saving money at all. You will be tempted to buy so many things but (sadly) you can't. Don't end up like me and spend the last two weeks of the semester surviving on just ramen and cereal.
6. Boys will not change.
You may think that since you're now in college, all boys will be mature. Wrong. Boys still suck just like they did in high school. I'm sure there are some good ones out there, but it will take you a while to find them.
7. You will change.
Although I've only been here for a year now, I know I've already changed. And that's okay! Change is good. College is the place where you discover who you really are, what you truly like, and who you want to surround yourself with. You can become a completely different person here--no one knows who you are.
