You've probably been told that college is going to be the best four years of your life. You've probably been told that college is harder than high school and that you'll lose some friendships from high school and gain some as well. Your acceptance letter can get you hype to finally move away from mom and dad. But, I bet these are things it doesn't tell you.
1. You are going to have to take care of everything yourself.
Yourself, your laundry, your class registration, even your friends at times, especially if you're the friend who's the "mom." Get ready to kiss your parents, teachers, school counselors, and people who have taken care of you goodbye. It's now all up to you. You're not going to have teachers who are going to tell you when things are due; you're not going to have counselors who help you pick out your classes, and you're definitely not going to have mom there to do your laundry for you. Take in these blessings now while you have them and get ready to be an adult.
2. College is a business.
You will be paying back loans for years. For the love of your mom and dad, apply for as many scholarships as you can! The school you're going to may seem like they're doing you a favor by "giving" you free t-shirts and such, but really, they just want to make money off of you. Don't forget about tuition, room and board, the meal plan, parking (if you're lucky enough), and other miscellaneous costs. Start saving as much as you possibly can!
3. You are no longer at the top of your class.
Your dream school is no longer just your dream school. There are plenty of other people who are more skilled, more advanced and smarter than you are. This is especially true if you're going to a large, competitive school. You have to remember that everyone else who was at the top of their class got in, too.
4. Your professors are not people you can be rude to, ridicule, or treat like crap (But I hope you don't do this to your high school teachers now...)
These professors have your grade in their hands. These are people who could possibly be helpful in the near future (recommendations, networks, etc.), so you need to have professional etiquette with them at all times.
5. Not everyone will have the same perspective as you do, respect that.
Just because someone has a different political, religious, or social justice belief than you do, doesn't mean they are a bad or weird person. This could open your eyes to the whole world from your narrow, small home-town world. This doesn't mean you have to agree with everything they say and change your beliefs. It just means that you should learn how to communicate with someone who thinks differently than you do and learn how to discuss your disagreements respectfully.
6. College is what you make it.
It could be the best four years of your life or the worst four years. It's all in what you make out of it. It is true that college isn't for everyone, but for who it is for, make the most of it. Learn as much as you can, take various classes outside your major, and make friends with people you never thought you would. As long as you grow and become a better version of yourself, I'd say you had a good college experience.
