In roughly four short months, you’ll begin the next chapter of your life. You’re about to head off to college, completely on your own for the first time.
While this thought may terrify some of you and excite others, here is some advice I wish I knew the summer before I left for college.1. Spend time with your family
As cliche as it may seem, you will miss them a lot more than you think once you're hours away from them. They won't be there for you when you're sick, to help on that assignment, to make food for you or to just be there for all those things we took for granted. Coming home and seeing my parents is my favorite part of going home.
2. Don't worry if you and your roommate get along
I'm sure you all have heard many horror stories of people not getting along with their roommates. Don't worry if that terrible roommate turns out to be yours. There are so many people around campus and in your hall that you will be friends with. I was fortunate enough to become best friends with my roommate, but at the start of the year we barley talked or hung out. Just give it time. Things will work out for you.
3. Friendships may fade away
I can tell you first hand that your high school friendships may not last. I know that that's a scary thought but it will be OK. I went to the same college as my best friend but we are no longer friends, and I'm doing just fine. You meet so many new people in college that you realize who your true friends are. You don't need to talk to them everyday to know that they still care.
4. Close the yearbook
You don't want to be the one in your hall going home every weekend, or constantly gossiping on what's happening back home. What is happening at home, really won't affect your life. Truthfully, nobody really cares about that girl's friend's sister's ex.
5. Enjoy yourself
College is supposed to be the time of your life, so live it up. Living in the dorms sounds awful, and for the most part it is. But, it was also an amazing experience. There are always people around you to talk to and share memories with.Go out of your comfort zone and do things you normally wouldn't do. You'll make memories while having fun too.
6. Don't over pack
While you may think you need that shirt that you bought last fall that still has the tags on it, you don't. Odds are, if you don't wear it now, you won't wear it at school. These closets aren't very big, you need as much space as you can get. You build up so much new stuff over this nine month period that you won't even miss that shirt.
7. You have to grow up fast
My first sign that I grew up was when I had to take my car in to get fixed alone. I was terrified and had to look like I knew what was happening. You learn pretty quick that you're almost fending for yourself. You prioritize when you want to go to Target for groceries, you go to the doctor alone, you even make your own appointments. Thankfully, your parents are a phone call away to help you through it.
8. Save your money
I can't stress this enough. Between groceries, that new shirt you want, college night at Buffalo Wild Wings or the movie theater, your money goes quick. If you have a car at college, money goes even faster with gas. You really have to think about what you want to spend your money on. Maybe that $10 trip to Sky Zone wasn't needed, or that trip to the new movie that came out. Don't be ashamed to say "I can't afford that tonight" because odds are, you aren't the only one.
9. People change
College is the time to find yourself, and if that turns out to change someone, who cares. As long as they are doing what makes them happy, then good for them. Don't sit and judge the girl who did nothing in high school but now goes out and parties every weekend. As much as you hate watching someone change, they really need to do what's best for them.
As weird as it is to say, I envy you guys. My freshman year was an amazing experience that I wish I could do again. I could truthfully look at every single one of you and tell you that college is the time of your life. It may be a terrifying yet exciting thought, but you will be loving every second of it. Live it up and party hard because you earned the chance to have the time of your life.
