By the time we get to high school, we’re dying to get out of the house and go to college. We’re dying to be an adult, to be on our own, to get away from our parents, and to have a new start. What the movies and TV shows don’t show you is that college can be what you least expected.
1. Being homesick is normal.
The summer before college, I was so ready to move out. I was itching to move out and into my dorm room with my roommate. What I didn't expect was to be horribly homesick. I was overwhelmed with being surrounded by complete strangers. I went home pretty much every other weekend because I miss my parents so much. It's okay if you're homesick. It's okay if takes you the whole year to acclimate to living on your own.
2. Friends come and go.
College is not like high school. You aren't stuck with the same people year after year. Most of your classes are much bigger than those in high school, so most likely you don't know everyone in your class. That one friend you made in biology may not be your friend next semester when you take geography, and that's okay. You will have plenty of opportunities to make new friends who have a lot in common with you.
3. It's okay if you change your major.
I'm jealous of the people who know what they want to do with the rest of their life and have a plan. I know people who have changed their major sophomore and even junior year. It's okay if you don't know what you want to do. College is a time, especially freshman and sophomore year, to take a wide variety of classes to see what your interests are.
4. Professors aren't as scary in real life.
In high school, my teachers would always say that professors won't help you and won't remind you of assignments or tests and that you're on your own. That is furthest from the truth. All of the professors I've had have been super friendly and helpful. They want you to succeed in their class and in life. They're not out to get you. They will remind you of assignments. They will help you if you need it. They will answer your emails. They're not like what they are in movies. Remember, professors are people too.
5. Schedule in some you time.
College is super overwhelming. With all your classes and assignments it's crucial to have some relaxation time so you won't lose your mind. Whether it's working out, going for walk, going for a drive, or watching a movie, it is important to be alone for a little bit. You're constantly surrounded by people, in your classes, in the dining hall, and in the dorms. It's time to take a break.
6. It's okay if you only have a handful of close friends.
It's impossible to be friends with everyone. It's more manageable to have a few close friends. You will have your causal friends but then you have your best friends. College is not like high school where you have to be friends with everyone. Campus is so much bigger that you most likely don't see the same people everyday.
7. You'll lose touch with people from high school.
It's inevitable. No matter how much you don't want it to happen, it will happen. Not necessarily to everyone but to some. It takes a lot of effort to keep in touch with friends from high school, especially if you go to different schools. It's tough because you both have different friend groups, different schedules, and different majors. Not all high school friendships have to die, but it's normal if you don't talk everyday like you did before.
College is the only time on your mind during senior year. It's time for you to move out and live on your own. It's a lot easier than it sounds. Between TV shows, movies, and high school teachers, there are a lot of misconceptions about what it's like to go to college.
