The end of the spring semester is in sight, which means I'm temporarily leaving behind the new life I've created for myself. Don't get me wrong, I'm beyond excited to return home and catch up with all of my friends, but I must admit, I am going to miss living in a raunchy dorm room — only a little bit though.
Throughout this new chapter in my life, I've learned a lot about myself and the things I never realized I took for granted. As the saying goes, you never realize what you've got until you are a broke college student living in a dorm room. Here are ten pieces of wisdom for the next incoming class.
1. Time flies when you are having fun
It seems just like yesterday I was pushing my crying parents out of my dorm room. It wouldn’t be until later that I’d realize how much I wished I hadn’t rushed that moment. Because now, in between finals, I’m desperately packing all of my belongings into totes to drag back home.
2. Sit down, don’t take two-ply toilet paper for granted
There was a time when I went home on holiday and I remember going to the bathroom. The toilet paper was so soft and luscious. Upon returning to college, I was forced to use this single-ply nonsense that doesn’t even do its job and slide across tile that’s never been properly cleaned.
It felt so wonderful to not have to wear socks, to let my feet sink into the carpeted floor. I didn’t have to wear shoes in the shower and the water pressure was perfect. It seems to be the most mundane things that we take for granted. But I’ve learned my lesson: I will cherish every moment this summer before I return.
3. The initial adjustment is a rough one
I chose to go to a school that is roughly 700 miles from home. I also chose to make the trek alone. No friends — just me, myself, and I. The only person I knew at first was my roommate. Even then, it wasn’t the ideal scenario I’d played out in my head.
We simply weren’t compatible, which made trying to meet new people even harder. On top of it all, I’d forgotten how to make friends. Back home, I didn’t ever have to worry about things like that because I’ve had the same friends all my life. Eventually, everything worked out, but for a while there, I was just lost.
4. “Carpe Diem” or something like that
If you’re going to take risks, now is the time to take them. I’m not just saying that because my mom wasn’t around to tell me no, but because those are the memories I’ve thrived from. Go to that concert, chase the northern lights, and tell that dude how you really feel. But also, keep in mind that it’s okay to have a night in with a bowl of popcorn.
5. You won't see that GPA destroyer
If you’ve always had a 4.0, congratulations! I’m not saying you won’t be able to maintain that perfect grade point average in college, but be wary of that one class you won’t know you struggle in until you're halfway through the semester and it’s too late to turn back.
6. Around every corner, there is a photo opportunity
At the beginning of the year, I began to take three-second videos; one for every day. Sometimes it was something exciting, other times not so much. Either way, I had the intention of compiling those videos into one large video at the end of the year.
Unfortunately, I grew lazy and quit taking videos. Not very many people around me cared to smile for pictures so there’s not a whole lot of documented proof I actually attended college. Take lots of photos because you’re supposed to be having the time of your life.
7. I've got 99 problems and money is all of them
Let’s be real: no one wants to work their first year of college. However, some of us aren’t that fortunate, such as myself. If I had a knack for budgeting and didn’t treat shopping as if it were the only source of therapy, I probably wouldn’t have needed to get a job right away.
Yet, here I am, and here is my empty wallet. Getting a job isn’t all that bad, it just requires a little extra juggling. Not to mention, it’s nice to keep the paychecks rolling in.
8. Don’t step on the scale
I repeat: avoid the scale at all costs. That freshman-15 everyone talks about, it is real. You can say you are going to avoid it all you want, but be honest with yourself, it will find you in one form or another.
Mind you, it isn’t just the cafeteria food that puts on the pounds. All that booze you consume during the weekends plays just as big of a part. Since it’s the first year, learn how to eat healthily and reduce the nasty effects of dining hall food.
9. Scholarships
The hell of applying for scholarships didn’t end after senior year. I have every intention of returning to school next year which means I need all the free money I can get. So always keep applying for scholarships, even if it means getting involved around campus and joining clubs of your interest. There’s always a hidden treasure out there to be found!
10. There’s only one of you, so don’t change that
There’s a common misperception that high school is the time and place to find yourself. Whoever said that never went to college. The university of your choosing is now your home away from home.
A personality that you never knew you had will begin to develop and by the time the first break rolls around, you’re going to go home and you can’t be the same person at home as you are at school. Both places hold completely different expectations. It’ll be confusing for a while, but eventually, things will work out and you’ll find the right pair of shoes.
