Heading off to college is a very hyped-up experience, and we start to gain expectations of what we think it will be like. Honestly, a lot of pressure is put on the first few days; at least there was for me. I just kept thinking about how so much was about to change and that more than I knew could happen, would happen.
Finally move-in day rolled around. What a hectic day it was. Waking up at 6:00 am to drive two hours (shout out to my mom for packing the car the night before) is not my idea of a good time, but I was excited nonetheless. I kept picturing how I wanted to layout my room and what decorations would go where, but once I got there I felt like I hadn't decided anything at all. Luckily, interior designer mom was there to help.
After about four hours of sitting in a pile of picture frames and pillows, everything was finally unpacked and hung up. Well, except for the 12 things I forgot at home, the seven things I had to pick up from Target and the four things I realized I just had to order from Amazon. Can I just say thank God for the postal service?
The day finally ends and it's time for the dreaded "goodbye" ceremony. The hugs, final words of advice and the last "before you're on your own" picture. This lasts for about another ten minutes before you see everyone drive off and you are forced to start your life as a college student. It is, in a word, bittersweet.
The first night was nothing but a time for my roommate and I to bond. We walked down to the dining hall for free dessert a welcoming event and then headed back to the room where we didn't know at the time, but would create a bond with each other. It was one hell of a night. I'm glad that night went how it did, though. If it hadn't, the rest of the week would have probably been a lot less comfortable, and we wouldn't have nearly as many memories as we do now.
The next day we went to more welcome week events together. However, those were not the highlight of the day. We mistakenly met two of our new best friends. The five of us have already had so many good times in just one week, I can only imagine what the semester brings.
The first day of classes finally arrived. Somehow I think I got beginners luck because my English class was canceled for the week, meaning I only had one class on Tuesday and Thursday. Only one class, which started at 2.
As I attended my classes, I realized how different college really was from high school. The professors seem way more passionate about their fields and that really translates into a better learning experience. The semester has barely begun and I am already so interested in the classes I'm taking.
Besides academics, the college setting shows a lot more camaraderie. No matter who you are passing on the concourse, you can smile or wave to them and they will return the gesture. It seems like you can go up to any table and be welcomed to eat lunch with whoever is sitting there. You have all chosen the same university and have been chosen by the same university. It makes a huge difference knowing people want to be at this school, rather than being forced to attend their local public school.
All in all, I love college a lot more than I thought I would. The experiences are endless, and joining the right clubs, or even finding the right workout buddy can make all the difference.
