Being a senior and all, it only seems appropriate to comment on what has been my home for the past four years. I always found it interesting how one has to adjust from having their own private life within the sanctity of their home to sharing it with random unknown people that you don't know from Adam. But then again, that is the fun in living within a college a campus is finding people with like-minded weirdness you can share. Like life in general, there are always going to be a few things a person does get out of college, such as a rewarding education, a cluster of friends that are more like family. Then, you get those small annoyances that on some days seem like you can't stop rolling your eyes to the point where they fall out of your head. So hopefully out of the thousands of tips you read on here, maybe these will be insightful as well.
1. Little to no sleep schedule....
Remember what I said about getting a rewarding education. Well, keep in mind when you are sipping on frappes and chugging espresso so you can stay awake for six (or more!) hours to finish that essay. The reason you are staying up so late is because you had three essays due and you were tearing your brains out when deciding which one to do first. Just breathe in the coffee fumes, stuff your face with cinnamon rolls and pray to God that you finish the essay.
Usually, you do, but that is when everyone is usually asleep or starting to wake up.
2. The Res Hall Bathrooms
Now my experience in the res halls was not pleasant due to roommates and having neighbors who think listening to Eminem at 3 am is a smart choice. But, the bathrooms are usually pretty gross. Beware of the shower stalls because some people you think just shake themselves dry like the Shaggy Dog and called it good, or you find unexpected surprises in the toilet in the morning when you go to brush your teeth. You just have to breathe in deeply, and tell yourselves that your living situation will not last forever. Also, the rent is pretty cheap too.
3. Drinking coffee becoming a part of every meal.
Coffee, coffee, coffee. That is a word you will hear or an item you will see probably every three seconds. And with good reason. Because of said sleep schedule being off-balance, there needs to be caffeine. Caffiene is the nectar of the gods. Whether it be a coffee blender from Caribou Coffee or a grande mocha, coffee is a topic that will never cease. So, when in doubt drink and/or talk about coffee.
4. Friends become family.
Now many of my high school teachers said that high school is the only happy time in their life. Maybe it was for you, dear reader, and I am glad. But, please try out college. Not only will you receive a degree that will get you a career of your dreams and excellent opportunities for growing, but there will be a cluster of friends you call your own. Every study night, every Netflix marathon, every break up, and everything in-between, those people are there for you. Don't let them go.
Dear reader, college is about being selfish in the best way. Go find yourself. Take those art classes in the middle of the day, take a film class and maybe you will find it is something you want to purse as a career. Don't be afraid to fall, but if you are, how are you going to fly?
