With college decision deadlines approaching, I hope that you have chosen the school that gives you goosebumps, that will challenge you mentally, socially, emotionally, and maybe physically (especially if your campus has hills). I hope that you are prepared for change, good and bad, and for all of the experiences this new chapter will bring. As a college sophomore myself, here is some advice to get you through the bumpy first year.
You will bring too much stuff.
This is something every college advice piece says, and yes, you will bring too much stuff anyway. Just remember that, unless your school is in the middle of nowhere, you probably have access to a store. If you need more flashcards or post-its, you can get them; I still have two full packages of notecards in my drawer from August.
You will do things differently.
Especially in comparison to your high school routine, everything will change. You may take midday naps. You may eat different foods. You may start dressing differently (probably more sweatpants). And you will study more. These are all changes you will adjust to.
You need to take care of yourself.
It is very easy to get caught up in schoolwork. It is very easy to get caught up in your social life. It is very easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of this new, exciting life you’re living. But don’t forget to take care of yourself, physically and mentally. Sleep, eat well, and stay active, and take time to rest your mind and breathe. Your mind is just as important as your body.
You can ask for help.
It can be scary to go to your professors, to your advisors, to your RAs, or to someone else on campus when you don’t know things. But everyone is here to help you, and this is an important time in your life. Take advantage of the resources while you have them and make the most of this stepping stone. You will be grateful for it later.
You should call home.
Something that I have really learned is that I am not an independent adult yet; you probably aren’t either. And while you may think you need to do everything on your own when you move out and into your dorm, you don’t. It is okay to call home, whether that be to family or friends. Both are important, and having that stability as you transition into this new life will keep you sane. So make those phone calls every once in a while.
As you finish up your senior year, your mind is focused on college, just a few months away, as it probably should be. But my last piece of advice is to appreciate these last few weeks of high school, because as much as you think you are ready to leave, sometime later, you will miss it. You will never walk those same halls with those same people again. One day, when you return to that school with a visitor name tag stuck to your chest, you will feel the nostalgia and be grateful for the opportunities it presented you. Don’t let senioritis blind you to this moment.
