Before you head off to college, you get all the unsolicited advice on college; not coming home every weekend, maintaining that HOPE scholarship, not procrastinating etc. etc. You could probably guess it all yourself. There are a few things, however, that nobody finds important enough to tell you, but that I actually wish I knew going into college.
1. Start saving your money early.
Working a lot the summer before I went away to college benefited me in more ways than one would imagine; especially for that fist month of college. Being on your own for the very first time is disorienting and exciting, and I found myself spending more money than I would've had if I hadn't saved up the months leading up to college. You won't like the dining hall as much as you thought you would, you'll offer to treat your friends, and you'll probably do a lot of stress shopping. And that's okay- as long as you have that financial cushion.
2. Don't take your dog for granted.
This really applies to all childhood pets you may have. I find that the one thing I miss more than my family is my dogs. The year/summer leading up to your departure, love on your pets as much as you can, and don't forget that they'll miss you just as much as your family will.
3. On the first day of classes, introduce yourself to your professor.
If you want to start off on a good note, DO THIS. If you don't, you risk your professor not knowing who you are in the slightest. They have so many students that they just don't care if you put the effort in or not. If you make your face known and show your professor that you are trying, you'll totally get that 89 boosted to a 90 at the end of the semester.
4. Lose the attitude at the door.
I get it, I really do- straight out of high school myself, I understand that this is an emotionally turbulent time. But when it comes to finding a roommate, living with them, and making new friends in college, there's absolutely no leftover space for a close-minded attitude. Nobody wants to be friends with that person, so it's crucial that you appear friendly and approachable. Going out of your comfort zone is okay, especially now.
5. The most important dorm necessity is having a comfortable bed.
My roommate and I spend a lot of time in our beds. We do homework in bed, eat in bed, talk in bed, and so on and so forth. This is why, it is absolutely crucial that you stock up on a mattress pad, mattress cover, big blankets, and lot's of pillows. Trust me, you'll thank me later.
