Deciding whether or not to you will actually need to take 13 pairs of shoes is a lot harder than you thought, right? How are you even supposed to move out on your own when your not even sure how to do laundry without turning at least one your shirts pink? You're not the only one who has these worries as the days narrow down to the "next chapter." But really, it's not a new chapter, it's a whole new book. This is something you'll truly never experience again, I mean really where else are people just going to come knock on your door to see who's living there.
Chapter One: Friends
Your first friend is going to be your roommate right? Wrong. Your roommate could have spent her summer meeting people who were going to your school and have plans to meet up with them the minute she's all settled. Here you are left in your room thinking how you could have been so naive to think you could have done this alone, I mean seriously, you don't even like sleeping alone. But really it is college and that's one of the unwritten lessons so you shallow your fear and get out there. Finding your group is a lot easier than you think it will be (maybe it'll even find you). Don't think you have failed if you don't end up spending all semester with your first group, it may take two even somethings three times until you find "the group." These people you meet are going to be the ones who change your life. They're the ones who are going to hold you together when you're ready to throw in the towel at 4 a.m., pack a bag and just leave- sounds strange right? But it will happen, more than once actually. Take them home to meet your family, do stupid things to kill time, tell them your secrets, do whatever you love to do with them because who really knows what the future has in store?
Chapter Two: Class
I can not stress this enough to anyone going to school whether it's your first semester or if your last, develop a relationship with your professors. They are the ones that grade your work right, so it can't hurt if they have a picture and a personality behind the paper. Also, don't be afraid to take a teacher more than once, even if they are hard, at least you already know what they expect and you'll have an even better relationship. Don't worry about the amount of work while looking over the syllabus, it'll seem like a lot at first and you'll start to panic, but breathe deep, you can do it. Before you know it, you will be up at 3 a.m., downing your third Red Bull, flipping through a pile of never ending flash cards, wondering if you're even going to remember any of this the morning of the test.
Chapter Three: Roommates
Whether you have one, two or seven, by now, you have spent enough time with your roommates that you know each others buttons a little too well. Seeing someone everyday is always hard, but when you have to live with them and share things like cleaning or don't agree on schedules for quiet time, things get a little harder. Whether you and your roommate feel like you are the exact same person and meant to be best friends forever, or if your the exact opposite and can't wait for the semester to be over so you can get that ever so desirable single room, this girl (or boy) will change your semester.
Chapter Four: Homesickness
This truly is the worst illness you will catch being away at college. Even if you only live an hour from home and could easily pick up and go home a weekend, there will be nights where there is nothing to do and you start thinking about being home. How's mom? Has dad drove her crazy yet? I miss my dog more than I thought was ever possible. Just pick up the phone, or better yet, FaceTime your mom, I'm sure she misses you just as much as you miss her, if not more. The best medicine honestly is just a visit home. You haven't failed at college life if you have the desire to go home. I don't care who tells you, "Oh, you won't miss home, you'll be having too much fun." No, because when the fun ends and your stuck binge watching "Grey's Anatomy" in your room, you'll wish you were in your own bed, in your own room, where you grew up. Just take a weekend, make a trip home and surprise your parents. Believe me, you'll feel so much better as soon as you get there.
Chapter Five: Parties
You could have graduated and never done a "bad" thing in your life, but once you get to college, you will go out. One of your friends will pester you enough one night that you'll break out of your shell and go out. It'll seem weird at first -- you'll have no idea what to wear, how to do your makeup or your hair. You'll even regret saying yes, but once you get there, you'll laugh at yourself, wondering why you took so long to pick an eyeshadow because it's dark at the party anyway.
This is one of the reasons college is so great, you meet people you have never even seen on campus and strike up a conversation with the boy you thought was cute from down the hall. As long as you don't over do it, taking a break from the work and the stress by going to a party is healthy. But don't think it's harmless, things can happen. If you have a drink, then watch it. If you go to the bathroom, then take it with you or get a new one when you come out. People may look like they have good intentions, but really, anyone whose watched the news knows that's not always the case.
Also, know your limit, don't be that girl who has to go home and lay on the bathroom floor because you took a way too many shots. Trust me, it's way more fun to talk to your friends about the night the next morning than it is having them tell you all the stupid stuff you did as your laying in bed nursing the hangout that's killing you. The time is now!
Get out there and write your own book; make the two, four or how ever many years the best times of your life because there's really nothing like it. You'll meet the people who will be in your wedding down the road and people who will be honorary aunts and uncles to your future children. Who knows? Maybe you'll even meet the love of your life. Everything is unknown right now, but what waits for you is nothing short of amazing. Be proud you have made it this far.
