The first week away from home is always much anticipated. It might be the strangest week of your life. It could be the best, or the worst. The only thing you know for sure is that its never like you expect it to be. There are a lot of things that no one tells you, things you can never know until you're caught in the middle. Here are a few things I realized in my crazy first week.
1. There will be an overwhelming amount of people.
Also, if your class happens to be like mine, girls are outnumbered two to one. It's easy to get lost.
2. You won't have a roommate horror story.
Your roommate is basically a free friend, and if you actually like each other it just gets better. It's having a best friend to do things with 24/7.
3. You sleep so so so good.
It's like you never get tired, until your head hits the pillow. If you have a nice mattress topper, there is nothing better than that small bed at the end of the day.
4. You will live off of snacks.
I have not consumed this much trail mix, chips, or salsa in such a condensed amount of time.
5. But dining hall food isn't as bad as everyone says.
Maybe it's just the first week, but I don't see myself getting sick of the food. There's always fruit and an extensive salad selection, and that can keep me going for months.
6. You have so much free time.
There is so much freedom! Pretty much you decide your own daily schedule.
7. But there's also so much to do.
The first weekend is a lot of information being thrown at you. The first week of classes is hectic, especially because you have no idea where you're going.
9. Naps are essential when you can grab the time.
The days are long, but go by so fast. You want to be up early and productive, but also want to stay up late every night. It's a hard life burning at both ends.
10. The showers aren't a big deal.
Usually they are kept pretty clean, and as long as everyone on your floor is respectful, it shouldn't be an issue.
11. Closets are small, but it works.
You'll find so many creative new ways to store things.
12. You won't constantly miss home.
For the most part, the first week is so exciting. By the time move in rolls around, you're ready to leave. The time is right and it makes everything so much easier.
13. Making friends isn't easy.
Everyone is desperately trying to find a group to fit into, and it really isn't easy. Adjusting to a new routine is hard enough without having to worry about finding a brand new set of friends.
14. Homework will go from nothing to everything in a night.
The first time you have a class will be easy introductions, but the work will come down hard by Wednesday.
15. You meet so many different people.
So many people are coming together from so many different places. You'll be surprised how far people come from home, or how close they stayed. You'll have noisy people on your floor, and you'll have exotic types in each class. Everyone is just trying to do their own thing and find their way. As unexpected as the new atmosphere is, you know that everyone's in it together.
