I survived my first week of college. It's crazy to think that it's been a year since I was gearing up for my last year of high school, that time flew by so fast. I was so excited going into college and I still am excited to see where the rest of the year takes me. As excited as I was, college was much different from what I expected, and not a bad way. Here's a list of 6 ways college is different from your expectations:
1. Living In A Dorm
Living in a dorm is honestly not bad at all. If you manage to pick your roommate soulmate like I did, you'll have no problem adjusting to living with another person. It is hot and stuffy in the dorms (during the end of summer, especially if you live in a building without A/C), but most nights you'll be so tired that the heat won't bother you. Showering in communal bathrooms seems to be everyone's most dreaded part of going away to college, but again, it's not that bad. You will quickly figure out the best times to shower. I know in my building, the best times are just before my morning classes, so between 7 and 8 in the morning. You'll find out what works best for you.
2. Food
Food is definitely something that's a difference. There always seems to be at least one chain on campus, so at Fredonia, people make multiple trips to Starbucks and Tim Horton's a day because those are the "safe" choices. But if you take the time to venture out, you'll find out that the dining halls aren't bad. On campus, Center Pointe (which is the grab-and-go food court) has quickly become my favorite spot, whether I'm grabbing a chicken finger sub, sushi or a made to order stir fry. If I go to Cranston (our all you can eat buffet), I head straight for the made to order pasta line. Freshmen here get 17 meals a week, so if you're like me and you don't eat breakfast, you're left with 3-7 meals at the end of the week which you can use to stock up on snacks and beverages for the coming week.
3. Classes.
Classes are great in college. Unlike high school, there's no real transition period, and for most of your classes, you'll jump right into the material. But it's okay, you actually are taking classes you enjoy. Everyone always tells you, "avoid 8 AM classes," but I actually like having a morning class. I enjoy starting my day early and being done by 1 in the afternoon, as opposed to some of my friends who start late, but don't end their day until 6 or 7. I know that I'm more productive after class before dinner, as opposed to trying to wake up somewhat early and getting some work in before a 1 or 2 PM class.
4. Making Friends
As long as you're not a 100% introvert, you'll have no problem making friends. I kid you not, freshmen are so friendly with other freshmen. My first day on campus, a group of girls on my floor had their room doors open and I ended up going to dinner with them that night. Later this week, a group freshman had gotten together and we just sat around in a circle talking and getting to know each other for hours. Now a couple of those girls and I go out together on the weekends. You'll quickly find a group of people you settle in with, like I have with my friends Michele, Sydney, Grace, Jon, Leah and Jordyn, but you'll also find that you're down to hangout with anyone else at any given time. It doesn't matter where you're from, or what your major is, you'll find people you click with.
5. Parties
I don't think I've ever met a single kid who wasn't looking forward to partying at least once while in college. Yeah the parties are great, whether it be a upperclassmen's house party, a Greek life pre-recruitment event, a Sports Team mixer, or an academic department's weekly ritual. There will be a party for everyone, and living in a small town, it's easy to hop from party to party and gauge what the scene is like at each. The best thing about partying in college is that you can party any time you want. If you're a party animal, there's seems to be one almost every night. If you're not, it's okay, you don't have to party. If you like partying, but don't like drinking, that's okay too. There is a such thing as "Work Hard, Play Hard," in college, just make sure to not play too hard.
6. Homesickness
Homesickness is definitely a thing that hits. I'm rarely alone or in my room when I'm not in class or sleeping, but I'll still see things that instantly remind me of my parents, or my friends from home. FaceTiming with my friends or my mom (and my dogs) makes it better, but there still is that little bit of homesickness that lingers, and it's okay. It's okay to be homesick. As long as it doesn't prevent you from enjoying yourself, it's perfectly okay.
The first week of college is definitely a rude awakening in the sense that it's a completely new experience, but the college experience will just keep getting better as time goes on I bet.
