In high school we are told about everything we should expect in college like professors who don't care or harder classes. Though these things are true, I don't think students in high school are actually ready for the real changes that they are about to experience.
Here are five things that seniors preparing for college might need to not know about before jumping into the next chapter of life:
1. Although our dorm closets are typically very small, make sure to a have room for that rain and cold gear. Especially going to school at University of Louisiana, Lafayette where it seems to rain every other day. Whether it's raining on an August afternoon or a freezing morning in February, these will be your friends.
2. In addition to rain gear, another thing to pack into that closet is workout clothes, because who really wants to dress up for that 8 a.m. or, let's be honest, even that 12 o'clock? Before college, what shoes I wore didn't matter, but walking as much as I do across campus, comfortable tennis shoes can make a world of a difference! Plus, this maybe a great incentive to actually go workout. Because we've all heard, and I've experienced, the dreaded freshman 15.
3. Spend time for yourself. Although there is lots of free time in college, it's hard to make sure that time is used on you. I've come to believe that ULL students favorite pastime is trying to log the world's most hours on Netflix. However, we should be spending that time doing things that make you the best you, such as reading a book, working out, joining an intramural team, or as many of us like to do, enjoy a nice afternoon lounging in a hammock in Girard park. Another thing to think about while managing your time is studying at least an hour each day. This is something else that is new in college, having to study each day, not just the night before a big test.
4. Get a planner... now! I've never been one to organize my life, but after my first year at school, I couldn't imagine my life without my best friend, my planner. Between having papers, test, due dates falling all on the same day life can get more hectic than ever, and sometimes hits you square in the face. Though I said earlier that you have lots of free time, it's still hard to get things done without a solid to-do list. I love having my planner for the to-do lists for my personal life, school and the organizations I'm involved in.5. An open mind to me is the most important thing to bring to college. There are all kinds of people, religions and different outlooks on life at college. It was a complete cultural shock to me at first. College is a completely different experience for most people due to the influence of so many people from many different worlds. Keep an open mind before you began labeling people. You can truly learn a lot about the world, and even yourself, in college. Having said that, you most have a clear view on who you are or who you want to be. College can make you into the best you or the worst you. You do need to change and evolve, but you need to be grounded to your morals and stick to your beliefs.
