College: one of the craziest most exciting journeys a person can begin. It offers tons of amazing opportunities to learn, grow, and discover yourself. I’ve had the time of my life making friends, stepping out of my comfort zone, and pursuing knowledge for a career. I thought I’d take a few moments and share some of the lesser known truths about higher education with the help of everybody’s favorite ‘90s sitcom: “Friends.”
1. Moving in can be more frustrating than you think.
Don't get me wrong, organizing and decorating your living space is really fun! However, it can be challenging to get all your things up the stairs (should you be on an upper floor) and into your room. This usually causes a little friction for my family and I.
2. Living in a dorm is both incredibly awesome and occasionally frustrating.
You can form some amazing friendships with the people in your dorm and make memories that last a lifetime. However, sharing a living space with large quantities of people can be difficult. I got lucky and ended up loving my roommates. Some people can't say the same. It may take a few semesters before you figure out the living situation that's right for you, and that's okay.
3. Finding a parking space close to the place you need to be is a rare and special occasion.
Last year, I spent a lot of time running back and forth from my dorm to parking lots nowhere near as close as I would've liked them to be. Oftentimes, there either aren't lots at the building you're going to, or they're totally full. You come upon a spot and are just about to pull in when you realize it's either specially marked for a staff member or reserved for certain students (underclassman probs).
4. Finding a good night's sleep is even more rare than finding a parking spot.
Depending on the craziness of your schedule, you may not be able to get as much sleep as you'd like. Weeknights are usually spent studying and completing assignments, and nobody wants to sacrifice their weekend plans to catch up on sleep. When you hit college, naps are your best friend.
5. You'll develop a love-hate relationship with exercise.
This one won't ring true for everyone, but sometimes it can be difficult to find the time or motivation for it. I go through periods where I love running and do so everyday for the sake of getting away from things and releasing stress. Other times, you couldn't make me hit the treadmill to save my life.
6. Needing to study and wanting to study are two very different things.
Let's be honest -- we all know the reason why we're at college: to learn. The thing is, it's easy to forget that you actually have to study to someday make a career. It's easy to get lost in the mundane sea of gen-eds and low-point value assignments. However, once you do study and ace that exam, you'll thank yourself for it later.
7. Cafeteria food is hit or miss.
Depending on your school's food service, you'll learn pretty quickly which lines to hit up first and which to avoid. If you're anything like me, the salad bar will be one of the first places you go. Then, you have to pick your poison: pizza, grill, questionable main line...
8. On-campus jobs are a great resource.
Finding a job on campus is one of the smartest things you can do. Obviously, juggling a full class schedule and a job isn't for everyone, but on-campus employers are typically willing to work with you and your schedule. This gives you a chance to find employment close to "home" and still make all your classes. Plus, some desk and office jobs will allow you to do homework while on the clock. You can kill two birds with one stone!
9. You probably won't find your soulmate the first day on campus.
Trying to navigate relationships in college can feel hopeless -- you're kind of stuck in between teenager and adult, and it's hard to find a balance between the two. I was incredibly blessed and actually did find my man the first night on campus! However, that's not that common. Don't give up hope, though -- you're on a campus with thousands of other young adults, many of whom you're likely compatible with.
10. Visiting home over breaks can be a huge blessing, but brace yourself for lots of questions.
Being able to go home and visit your family over breaks is incredibly fun; at least, I've found it to be. It's a great chance to catch up face to face instead of screen to screen. Brace yourself for lots of questions, though -- What's your major? What year are you? When do you graduate? How are classes? Are you dating anyone? If you have the patience to make it through round after round of questions, you might just get to the real prize -- a home cooked meal!
11. You'll make lots of great friends in college - in time.
College is full of opportunities to meet new people -- whether they're from your hall, one of your classes, or just strangers you meet on the sidewalk. I met one of my closest friends and my boyfriend the first night on campus when they walked by the bench were we were sitting. You can make tons of friends if you're willing to take a small step and put yourself out there. I promise, it'll pay off. What's the worst case scenario? They don't seem interested, so you move on!
