My first year of college was a rollercoaster of early mornings, late nights, math tests, 12-page papers, and most of all, good times. Make the most of what you're going through, even if it is stressful. It'll all pass in a few months, and it will most definitely be worth it in the future. You'll love the random moments of seeing your friends scattered around campus, sitting outside in the warm weather, random ice cream trips, and the countless Uber rides. Smile more and worry less, life is too short to be anything but happy. Your first year of college will be the beginning of the four best years of your life!
College is both the best and worst thing to go through, depending on how you're feeling. While I'm loving the experience and all the opportunities I've been given so far, there's no denying that it really is a struggle sometimes. Between waking up early and studying for the dreaded, dare I say it, finals. With the last few weeks of my freshman year approaching, here are 10 things I learned.
1. It's inevitable that you'll have a morning class.
Those dreaded morning classes are the worst. Waking up earlier than 9 in college should be illegal. This is especially accurate if you go to a school like mine that is basically all hills and forest. And no matter what time you go to sleep the night before, I guarantee you'll still want to pass out during the class. Get up early enough to actually get ready to walk to class, or you'll just get distracted and have the urge to skip.
2. Beware of the cafeteria food.
College tours made me think that the cafeteria food was amazing. However, I learned that wasn't the case real fast. After the first week, you get tired of eating the same thing every day. Being a vegetarian, the only lunch and dinner options for me are potatoes, french fries, and watery pasta. On the bright side, you'll find other places on campus that you love where you can splurge some extra money on here and there. And the breakfast food is usually pretty good. I mean, who mess up a bowl of cereal?
3. You'll get tired of dressing nicely.
For the first few weeks of each semester, you'll want to dress nicely. This doesn't last real long. After seeing the same people twice a week, you really don't care what they think about you anymore. Sundresses and nice tops will turn into leggings and t-shirt real quick. Besides, why not be comfortable if you have to sit in a seat and listen to someone talk non-stop for almost two hours?
4. Thinking about your major/minors and future plans will stress you out.
I luckily knew exactly what I would be studying starting college, but not everyone has it that easy. Stressing about majors is real and its bad. That's probably something you'll hear basically every day on campus. It is incredibly important because that's what you'll be studying for the next four years, so it should be something you want to do, never somebody else. And this makes you think about your future plans and what they entail. That in itself can drive someone up a wall, so try and live in the moment and don't let it get to you.
5. You have to study way more than you did in high school.
You'll realize real fast that you can't get by with barely studying like you did in high school. Worrying about whether you'll have to retake a class is something you never want to go through. Get through those gen-eds so you can get to you major classes, which should be classes you want to take. You'll have homework every day for every class, and essays on top of essays. You'll be writing thesis statements in your sleep. Get on top of things and don't wait until the last minute for everything to pile up.
My first year of college was a rollercoaster of early mornings, late nights, math tests, 12-page papers, and most of all, good times. Make the most of what you're going through, even if it is stressful. It'll all pass in a few months, and it will most definitely be worth it in the future. You'll love the random moments of seeing your friends scattered around campus, sitting outside in the warm weather, random ice cream trips, and the countless Uber rides. Smile more an worry less, life is too short to be anything but happy. Your first year of college will be the beginning of the four best years of your life!