Graduation checks: cashed.
Extra long twin bedding: purchased.
Summer term classes: picked.
Packing: started.
Feelings about starting college: psyched.
As your grad party season comes to a close, the countdown to your "Days Until Summer Term" gets closer and closer to zero. You couldn't be more excited to start, as you've heard from upperclassmen, the craziest, most exciting six weeks of your life.
You're not the type to wait around all summer waiting for fall to attend the school of your dreams, and believe me, you won't regret it. But before you wave goodbye to Mom and Dad (and try not to cry until they're down the street), here's some advice from someone who set out to conquer summer term just a year ago.
1. Prepare for the elements.
And by elements, I mean the middle-of-the-day, middle-of-July Florida heat. It's no joke. Especially when you add the fact that you'll be walking absolutely everywhere. I was surprised to find out that in the mysterious land of a college campus, Nike shorts and running shoes are basically the uniform.
2. Learn how to study.
I know you're enrolled in What is the Good Life or ENC1101, but the easy A's won't last forever. You breezed through high school with no more than glancing at a study guide the night before a test, but it turns out that isn't gonna fly in college. Learn how you learn best while there's room for trial and error, since you'll only be taking two classes.
3. Branch out.
Like you haven't heard this before, I know. It can be tempting to squad up with only your friends from high school, but you don't want to finish summer term without having met any of the awesome people from all over the state, and even the country. Everyone's in the same boat, so don't be afraid to introduce yourself to total strangers you might meet on your floor of the dorm, the dining halls, next to you in class, or walking up Frat Row.
4. Explore your options.
AKA don't go to one fraternity every night for six weeks just because, from what you've heard, they're the best on campus. Go to the different theme parties everyone is talking about, no matter where they are. Form your own opinions and go to as many places as you can. You never know who you might meet. This one especially goes for the guys; you may be dead set on rushing a certain fraternity, but if you don't see what else is out there, you won't know if that one really is the perfect fit.
5. Be yourself.
You'll meet so many new people, experience so many new things, and have a new sense of independence that can be both scary and exciting. When you start college, you'll find yourself evolving from the person you were in high school, and that's totally okay. Just make sure you're changing for yourself, not for anyone else, and that you like who you're becoming. After all, you got yourself this far right?
6. Actually take your mom's advice.
Know your limits. Watch your drink. Be a good friend. Take your makeup off before you go to sleep. Call home. Take pictures. Have fun. We've all heard these before, but you won't believe how useful these cliché tips will be.
These six weeks will fly by, and before you know it, it will be time to pack up and leave your crazy, stupid, amazing freshman summer behind you. Later on, you'll laugh about how naive you were, but how much fun you had while slowly learning the ropes. You have six weeks. Make them count.
