Not too long ago you still had to ask permission to use the bathroom, now they're throwing you into the adult world and expecting you to be ready just like that. If you're feeling a bit nervous wondering how you're going to make the transition from high school senior to college freshman, then this is the advice you should take to heart.
1. It's OK not to be ready
If graduation, things seemed to move too fast and you find your head spinning at the thought of moving out and hitting the books that fast, don't be afraid to stop and take a breather. For some students a gap year in between high school and college can help them mature and gain confidence so they can feel ready to leave home and start learning. Some students spend this gap year working so they can make extra money to pay tuition and for textbooks, others take a few classes at a local community college so they can start adjusting to the feel of college life. Whatever you do, don't be complacent. Sitting around at home playing video games might be fun but it won't prepare you for what's coming. This gap year may be a break, but it's also time to get ready that you should not waste.
2. Friends in a nutshell
You might not make your life long movie cliche college friends as soon as you walk in the door. You and your roommate might not even be friends. However, meeting new people and forming strong friendships is easier then it may seem. Try joining a few clubs to meet like-minded people, it may seem scary or boring but the good thing about clubs is you can leave them if you don't like them. Talk to the people on your hall, you're going to see them a lot so it makes sense to try and be friends with them. Try bringing games with you that you can play with other people. A few hit choices would be Cards Against Humanity or Just Dance. These social games are popular and once you're seen in the lounge with one of them people will beg to join in. Most of all try to be open, don't be afraid to leave your room and talk to people.
3. Your roommate
A lot of people don't know this but you don't actually have to be friends with your roommate. In fact sometimes not being friends with them beforehand can help. Your roommate has to be someone you can live with, and while you and your best friend might get along while sitting at a cafe, you might not like how she leaves dirty dishes in the sink for a week. Pick a roommate based off similar living habits like cleanliness, noise level, when you go to bed and wake up and emotional understanding. You want a roommate that's got your back at all times, like when you say you've had enough social time for the day and need the room quiet for a bit. Make sure you talk to your roommate and are honest about how you feel, being honest will make it easier to find compromise.
4. Supplies
5. Schoolwork
Here it is, the big one. Everyone learns differently, and college is the perfect chance to break away from that standardized public school learning and embrace the techniques that will work for you. Maybe taking notes in class for you is easier if you can type them or record them, you should ask the professor if you can use one of these methods before you try them. Maybe you can only focus on homework if you do it right after class or after an hour break to de-stress. Some people prefer to study in the quiet of the library while others like to study in groups of friends. Try as many ways as you can until you find the one that works for you.
No matter how well you prepare moving to college is still a big change and will come with some emotional response whether that's leaping for joy or clinging to your mother's leg the way you did when she sent you off to kindergarten. Remember to go easy on yourself and don't feel like you can't ask for help.
