Each summer at Ursinus, we have an 8 week program where students (like me) get to work on a research project with a faculty mentor. You are more than excited to live on your own for most of the summer, but as you settle in you start to realize that you're living on campus without a dining plan and a lot of money; it can become a funny and nerve-wracking new experience. Kind of like living on your own in New York City after being held captive in a bunker. Okay, I know it's not EXACTLY the same, but we can make it work right? Who doesn't love 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' and college stories? That's what I thought. So keep on scrolling.
1. When you get to campus...
And no one is here. This is so cool! You stand around in wonder and awe for like 5 minutes until your dad honks the horn of the car.
2. When you get to your room...
As an upperclassman you opted for the single this summer and it is awesome. But you are also a little lonely especially when its just you and piles of your stuff. Speaking of which...
3. When you brought too much stuff...
After your family drops you off you just want to lay down and take a nap...but there are boxes on your bed and your blankets are hidden somewhere in the massive heap. You have no choice but to unpack but you won't be happy about it. And you better believe that you'll be cursing out yourself from five days earlier who packed all of this crap.
4. When you have to make dinner...
And after all of your unpacking, the last thing you want to walk down two floors and cook. So you opt for whatever snacks you brought with you. Hey, don't judge! Take note from Kimmy you need to make your own rules as you adult this summer.
5. When you get lonely...
As you wait for the first common event of the summer, you keep to yourself in your room. But how many episodes of 'Chopped' can watch in an evening? So you devise ways to keep yourself entertained until you see someone you know.
6. When you meet with your adviser...
Once you two catch up for a few minutes, it's time to plan the next few months in terms of reading, writing, and in my case watching films. You start to get overwhelmed and realize that this is literally impossible. Your adviser (like the calm saint that she is) sits you down and tells you everything will be okay as you both continue to schedule out the next week of work.
7. When you start meeting people...
After a few days of isolation, you get so pumped to hang out with your new friends. Yes that sounds cheesy and as you offer an idea for a group outing, it hits you.
8. When you have no money...
You wait anxiously for the end of the week when you will get your first paycheck. But until then anytime you need to buy something or you remember that your Netflix AND Hulu bills are coming out of your account the same day, you run into your basement apartment or second floor single to shut out the world.
9. When the first week is ends...
And it is only the first week! Seven more weeks to go, but like Kimmy and Titus you are strong and tough. If Kimmy can live on her own with a middle school education than I can live on my own with 3/4 of a college education.
In case you are needing some extra inspiration this week...
