College. If you were anything like me, you were ready. Ready to be able to finally leave the people who you grew up knowing you’re whole life to start something new. This can be either one of your greatest experiences...or your worst.
You have to be ready to accept change.
You are not going to instantly make new friends. It takes time. Some of your high school friends might keep in touch with you, some you may never see again except for reunions, and some might even end up going to the same school as you. But don’t get attached to them, they aren’t your entire life. Actually try making some friends in college; it might be a little bit more difficult, but they will probably see you at your best and worst.
You control your future now
You get to make your own decisions now. Learn to handle your money wisely (take it from me, Panera Bread more than once a week is not worth it. Your body and your wallet will thank you in the long run). Saving now will benefit you in your future.
Take the time to try and figure out what you want to do...but not too long
Try not to change your major more than once or twice. The more you change your major, the more classes you add on your schedule...which means you might not meet graduate requirements in 4 years - and incase you didn’t know, FAFSA only gives you funding for 8 semesters. If you go over 8, you have to pay for it either on your own or with even more loans...and you want to come out with little to no money owed back.
Your parents/guardians will *probably* become more clingy
If you move away for college, they will try to be closer to you as you get closer to move-in day. Your father might become more sentimental and your mother will probably cry more than you may be used to, so be ready for this. They might seem overbearing, but they only mean the best for you. If you’re staying home and commuting, like me, your parents will not get off your back about your school work. That’s pretty much all you’re going to be doing, but trust me, you’ll appreciate in the long run when you are passing all your classes.
Speaking of classes...
Stay on top of your work. Your first semester classes will probably be some of the easiest classes of your entire college career. Personally, I find that keeping a calendar schedule, or a journal of all current and upcoming assignments is most beneficial. Don't procrastinate. I did, and I can testify that it does not go down well. You also may need to start studying for classes you never needed to before. I graduated High School with a B+ average with little to no studying. Come time for college, I quickly realized I needed to study a lot more than what I was.
College can be one of the greatest adventures of your life. Make sure to enjoy every moment of it, but remember...you’re there for a better future, not to slack off. It’s your money and time you’re wasting.
From,
A Second-Semester College Freshman
