For someone like myself, change has never been a "good thing" for me. When I graduated high school, I was petrified of the massive change I was about to experience. It was so odd to me knowing I was in this fish tank of a reality and almost nothing existed outside of what I experienced daily. I was about to be flung out of the tank where I was comfortable into the "real world". Here is what I wish I knew when I went into college.
1. Let your parents help on move-in day
The day I left for school I remember my dad crying (Yes, Dad, I just outed you, sorry!). I didn't understand what the big deal was. It was just school. However, looking back I realize it was so much more than that. I was his buddy, his little girl and I was leaving his nest he so carefully and comfortably built for me all of these years. He knew I was growing up. Funny thing is, I was blissfully unaware of that fact. I wasn't growing up, I was just taking the next step.
2. Find your "crew"
Over the last few years I made true friends I will never forget. I made memories that will last a lifetime and I will look back on my years at college fondly because of my friends. Through many of them I have found new tastes in music, learned about other cultures/religions, but most of all I have come to realize that they helped me grow. Find friends who encourage you on your worst nights, but also have fun with you. Some of my best times with friends have been in their rooms at 2 a.m. just talking about anything and everything.
3. Avoid 8 a.m. classes if you can
Let us be honest here. After waking up at nearly 6 a.m. for high school, you will want to have that extra time to sleep. No one likes an 8 a.m. class, not even the professors do. If your schedule will allow it, take the class at a later time. Your body will thank you.
4. Coffee is your friend
Going in to college I did not really drink coffee. However, after long nights of studying or chatting with friends you will wish you had a big cup of coffee to perk you up. One of my best gifts I ever received was a coffee pot. Trust me, coffee will save the day once or twice.
5. Avoid over packing
If you can, leave things at home and go back for it as you need it. I am thankfully not far from home so this applies to me. I get not everyone can do that, but if you can leave it at home, do it. Nothing is worse than having too much stuff in your already small dorm room. It gets stuffy with extra things floating around. Keep the packing as minimal as possible.
6. Make your room like home
This helps me with my anxiety. I always make my room feel like my own from home. Create a space you actually want to spend time in. Put posters on the wall. Hang pictures up. Do whatever makes your room feel like yours.
7. Talk to your roommate ahead of time
Yes, this does help if you don't already know your roommate. Nothing is more awkward than walking into your room for the first time and not knowing what to say. Get to know your roommate and find out who they are. Don't be afraid to ask their house keeping habits or if they plan on partying. If it's going to happen in your room it will affect you. If necessary don't be afraid to change roommates.
8. Most professors work with you.
In most cases, honesty is the best policy. If you don't understand something in class, ask after class and look up their office schedule. Set up an appointment to see them if need be. My biggest pet peeve is when professors say "look up my office hours" because they have no idea what they are themselves. I've found though, if you just are honest about not understanding or why you missed class (within reason) they understand because they were in college once too.
9. Don't stress over one bad grade
After all, one D doesn't totally define your success. It doesn't make you any less of a person. I know I stressed myself out trying to keep all A's. I'm not saying don't have goals, just don't be hard on yourself when you slip up. There is always room for correction. I have had classes where I did terribly on an exam and still came out of the class with a solid B average.
10. Have fun
Don't forget to have fun, too. College is the time of your life if you allow it to be. Take advantage of all of the sporting events and don't be afraid to say yes to hanging out with your friends sometimes. I wish I would of worried myself to death less about school (grades are majorly important!) And had a little more fun. Study in groups if you have to. It's more fun that way and at least you are with friends. Relax and don't worry, you are on your way to being an official "adult".
