Your first semester of college shapes the way you view college for the rest of the year. There are lessons to be learned, mistakes to be made, and fun to be had. Here are just a few things the everyday freshman will learn in their first few months.
1. How many pounds you can gain in the first month.
As we find ourselves on our own we tend to make the choices our parents always said no to...which includes food. Why bother eating vegetables when you can walk down and get some fast food? The stores are littered with chips and candy which tempts even the healthiest person. We can't forget to mention that the lack of kitchen influences us to pull out our Pinterest cooking skills but also can turn us lazy. Why make something ourselves when we can have someone else do it?
2. Pick your battles with your roommates.
It's inevitable. It will happen. Six people in a room (or however many roommates you have) tends to drive even the kindest people mad. When an argument does arise, pick your battles. If it's something you won't be mad about in forty-eight hours, drop it. Don't be a push-over though, let them know how you feel. Just don't dwell over it or hold it over their heads.
3. Dining dollars do not last long.
If your parents signed you up for a meal plan then it can feel like you have all the money in the world. I mean, $1500, all to spend on food for the semester? Great! But what you don't know is how much you'll spend on your own, and how much the campus jacks up the prices. By the end of the four months time-span you'll probably be struggling to find friends to pay for breakfast or maybe be using your own money. You'll end up being grateful for all those years your parents put food right in front of you.
4. If you haven't had any anxiety, just wait, 'cause it's coming.
You can go from totally cool as a cucumber to flipping your desk chair over and hiding in the closet corner in a matter of minutes.
5. Long distance relationships.
I'm not just talking boyfriend/girlfriend relationships, I mean best friends and all. It can be hard to go from seeing each other at every second of every day to just sending texts and calling. Especially in college, because it will take up most of your time. On the bright side, you'll learn who your true friends are.
6. Pajamas are acceptable attire.
It's commendable really. Shows how hard you were working the previous night to get that essay done.
7. How to make microwave meals.
Fast food and dining out gets old after about the first week. With the lack of an oven, you tend to get creative and find out fun ways to make edible food. Pinterest takes the pressure off too.
8. The spreading of a germ.
It's an amazing sight really. One person in the room gets sick, and then all of the sudden you're all huddled in a room filled with snot, coughing, and someone puking in the only bathroom. Super fun times. Please take your vitamins and get shots people.
9. So many people will get married.
After Thanksgiving is usually when the proposals start to roll in. High school sweethearts will unite, then that girl you had Spanish with, and maybe even your own best friend, will be engaged by the end of your first semester.
10. Christmas gifts will consist of cards.
After paying for the tuition, extra necessities, and for fun stuff, you'll be left with a total amount of $0 in your bank account. So prepare to shower your relatives and loved ones with hugs and kisses instead.
