In high school, all you ever think about is how exciting this new freedom is going to be. College is such a mysterious thing. The thought of moving away from your friends and family and heading out to this new land, this new home is bittersweet, and yet, nothing else seems more promising than that far away place. The idea of doing it on your own, trying this new "adulting" thing has filled you with so much wonder and desire to do so many things that you can't hardly figure out where you will have time for your silly, old, childish actions.
And then, you actually got to college, and this is what you realize.
1. Welcome weekend is not going to be every weekend.
As a freshman, you have never seen something as terrific as your first not-having-to-hide-from-parents house party/too-many-boys frat party. When you step through that door and the cheapest brand of dirty-water-tasting beer is placed in your hand, you feel absolutely liberated from the old rules. That '07 Young Money throwback gets you all hyped, and you hope the night will never end. It's awesome! But, it's not every weekend. Some days, your roommate will actually have to school and stay in. Some nights, it will be way too cold to throw on that crop top and strut your stuff to Party Row. Some days, you will get absolutely wrecked by your first bio final and just want to sit in some raggedy old sweatpants and order the greasiest pizza. You need it.
2. You and your roommate will argue.
It's normal. Living in a confined space with absolutely no alone time puts the average person on edge every once in a while. I got lucky with my roommates and am getting ready to take on my third year with very few battle scars, but I've heard some real horror stories from the old dorm floor.
3. School is hard.
We're not in high school anymore, sweet pea. It's hard out there. Some majors may not require as much time and energy as others, but damn, does that first test ever hit you hard. You will realize how different high school is from college with that first question. No matter what, there is always junk food, bars and puppies to get you past that first fail. Don't fret. You will make it out OK.
4. Everyone will make their opinions known.
Student or not, there are always people who have found enough time to make some sign about an important issue everyone is supposed to care deeply about, and they will point and call you out on occasion, so either put your headphones in and walk by without acknowledging the stranger, or gather with your peers and poke fun at the guy telling you that you have sinned and made a home for yourself in the flames down below.
5. Sweetie, it is OK to cry.
Believe me, you will. That first fail, that "I have no idea what I'm doing with my life" feeling when you're about to change your major for the third time, the first time you weigh yourself after feasting at the dining halls, you will cry. It's OK. College really lets you know that emotions are very much a thing in the adult life, and it is totally normal (and unavoidable) to embrace them.
6. Strangers will tell you their life stories.
You could be sitting in Psychology 101, and the professor may bring up something that hardly applies to their current situation, and they will go on for what feels like hours just to tell you that they've discovered a new allergy last night and they miss their mom (speaking from experience).
7. Relationships do not just fall into your lap.
Whether it's friendship or romance, unless you're one of those outrageously outgoing people, others will not just tap on your door and ask to be your BFF/BF. A ton of girls thought that going to college meant they would get wifed up first year and roll through as the happy, new couple all the way to graduation. Girlfriend, you have got to get out there and meet some people. Get involved in some student organizations, take some weird classes that require a ton of human contact, talk to the host of the house party you just showed up to. Reach out and make a friend; don't just hide away in your apartment.
8. You are in control of your own future.
If you want to be a wedding planner, do it! If you want to go to med school, shoot for it! Don't wait around for parent's approval, don't ask all of your friends. If you have it in you and it is what you want, go for it. No one else can live your life for you. If you start down a path you will not love, the years will drag and every day will feel like a chore.
All in all, I absolutely love college. It is everything I dreamed of and more, but you are in control of your own experiences and no one can warn you about all that you will experience and how much will change. I can't wait to see what all is in store for me in my last couple of years, and I wish good luck to all of you just beginning this exciting new chapter in life!
