Whether you decide to stay close to home or a plane ride away for college, it is always important to remember that this is a special part of your life. While you should make the most out of your time in college, you should also be smart and remember one thing- college is not high school.
1. Not making more friends.
Making new friends is one of the best things about college. It is amazing to interact with those who share similar interests or needs. This is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and how to become a better friend and a better person.
2. Bringing too much to the dorms.
Everyone in God's green earth has made this mistake. We take things we probably do not need and repeating "just in case" in the back of our heads. You'll never know when you might need your 10th grade winter ball dress!
3. Not going to more campus events.
If you've made it all the way to your first week of freshman year of college, there is definitely reason to celebrate. Most college campuses make it their first priority to welcome the first years onto their new life in the dorms. During the first week of this welcoming week there are events on campus such as concerts, pool parties, food trucks, and contests.
4. Overdecorating my room.
That moment when there is way less space than you thought there was... Packing light is the key to moving into the college dorms. They are designed to fit more than one person and most of the space is understood to be shared by the students. Bringing too much small trinkets and wall/desk decor can just clutter up space that could have been used for a better purpose.
5. Procrastination.
You thought you could do it all. Well, eventually have to go back to your room and do something about that 3,000 word research project for psychology.
6. Forcing friendships.
While college is a really awesome place to meet people, there may be those select few that cross your path that were not meant to stay in your life. A perfect example is the relationships with your roommates or suite mates. Just because you live with them, does not mean that you are best friends. Pro tip: always remain civil with your roommates. Always think before you speak, because you still do have to live with this person until the end of the year.
7. Not planning enough day trips.
A quick Google search and you can find such fun and unique places to visit in an area not too far from campus! Trust me, it will be way better than blowing half of your paycheck at the mall.
8. Not calling off work to study.
Most jobs as a student worker are flexible when it comes to school and homework assignments. That being said, there is nothing wrong with calling off the day before a shift, because you need to finish up a project. Not calling off, because you want to get paid is not worth it. School should always come first.