How College Made Me Grow Up In One Day
Start writing a post
Student Life

How College Made Me Grow Up In One Day

Yes, "adulting" is real.

225
How College Made Me Grow Up In One Day
Mekenna Passner

Everyone has their bad habits at home, whether its a messy room or knowing that someone else will clean for you. All of that changes the second you get to college.

Living with a roommate is something that I personally have never done, growing up as an only child. After being here for nearly three weeks, I can say that it really is not that bad. But moving into this dorm did make me grow up and change my bad habits because my mom isn’t here to pick up after me or tell me to clean my room. My mom would always tell me that my room looked like an avalanche.

At first I thought that my room would be super messy because that was how I always managed to leave my room at home, but I’ve worked out a routine. I wake up in the morning, make my bed (yes, with all nine of my pillows), and then I’ll start my day. Every week I disinfect the door handle, wipe down the mirror, and sweep the floor. With everyone coming to hang out in my room all the time, I don’t want my friends to see me with a messy room.

Of course I didn’t magically become a germaphobe when I got to college, however, keeping everything clean and organized helps me think and process the long lectures and hours of homework that I have every day. Still not a germaphobe, but trust me, I use hand sanitizer at least ten times a day because I do not need to be sick in bed and missing out on all of the cool activities and events happening on campus.

Only living an hour from campus is a strange feeling because in high school I did camps here and I visited all the time, so when my parents left on move-in day I felt like they would be coming back and bringing me home within a few days. After about five hours, I realized that wasn’t true and that I needed to learn how to live on my own.

So, I finished setting up my room and I started to make friends, and by the time we all went to bed I didn't feel so overwhelmed.

Now I have a routine going, class in the mornings and then homework and hanging out at night. I learned how to use the laundry room, which was not exactly the most convenient task, and now I do my laundry on Friday mornings before class. I quickly learned that I’m not going to be able to do everything that I want to do, so I made decisions and worked out a great schedule for myself. I utilize the down time that I have while my friends are in classes, especially for studying.

College isn’t as daunting as it seems as long as you make a routine for yourself and stick to it. It gets difficult when you let yourself go or you assume that your parents will be there to pick up the mess you made like they were when you were in high school. Professors won’t accept a note from your parent saying you were “sick” and couldn’t make it to class, they’ll just dock your participation credit, which trust me you will need in the long run.

Oh, and heads up, we all stay up till 3 a.m. here.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

42822
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

26874
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951915
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

140706
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments