Before I went to school, I thought I knew everything there was to know about college. Boy, was I wrong. The truth is, anyone can tell you what you need to know to survive college, but to do it on your own is a whole different story.
You never really know anything until you are the one doing it. I have had the opportunity to do this thing we call "college" and come up with five little things that I have learned within these crazy few years. Whether you're out of college, enduring it, or about to enter it, these little reminders and tips are good to keep in mind.
1. Even if you think you're a morning person, you're not.
I don't care if you woke up at seven in the morning for four years in a row for high school, that was the minor league. College is a whole different ball game. Having to get out of your cozy bed and walk across campus at eight in the morning is the last thing you're going to want to do, especially after a long night at the bar. Aside from seeing the various people doing the walk of shame, there is really no other upside to an early morning class.
2. The Freshman 15 is REAL.
I could not advocate for this one enough. Except in my case, it was the Freshman 25. Even with working out almost three days a week, that was no competition for the constant fast food and drinking binges. You used to eat McDonald's every day and not gain weight? Say goodbye to that. Get ahead of the problem before it's too late, trust me.
3. There will ALWAYS be another party.
Fall semester makes you want to make up for lost time spent at summer jobs in your hometown, and that is totally fine. However, you have got to learn when enough is enough. Don't get me wrong, seven-day benders are great, but when it's Tuesday and you have a three-chapter exam you didn't study for in one hour, you will regret it. Remember, there will always be another Thursday night. Learning how to balance work and play is one of the hardest things, but if you can figure that out, you will be just fine.
4. 2 AM drunk texts does not mean he's into you.
Now, we all have heard the saying, "if he drunk texts you, you're the one." Let's get something clear, this saying does not apply to 19-year-old frat boys who get off by chugging Natty Lights and getting more than three kills in Fortnite. If he is hitting you up past the hour of 12, he wants one of two things: a ride home from the bar because he's probably been banned from Uber or he's trying to get in your pants. You deserve the morning text asking you where you want to get breakfast.
5. Just enjoy it!
Approaching my upcoming senior year, there is one thing I know for sure: you better enjoy every second that college has to offer you. Expand your horizons and step out of your comfort zone because there is really no better time to do it. You have four years to make memories that will last a lifetime and I know that sounds corny, but it's true. The past three years have been the most fun and exciting years of my life and I wish I could relive them all over again. Don't forget to take a step back and realize how lucky you are.
