So you’ve made it through high school, ACTs, SATs, and college applications. You went on your own college road trip and committed to your favorite school a matter of months ago. It’s been hectic, but you’ve had a summer full of graduation parties and get-togethers with friends in preparation for your months apart. Some of you may be heading to the same place, but most of you will be going in different directions.
Now that it’s down to your last month or so at home, your time is spent both collecting memories and checking off your college supply list. You might wonder how you’re going to fit so many necessities into a small dorm room, but you’ll find a way. You’ll probably even notice that you’ve accumulated more stuff by the end of the year.
Although shopping will get you in college prep-mode, this new chapter of your life won’t begin to settle in until you finally step onto campus with your newly printed student ID, complete with your over-eager freshman face in the corner. You’ll spend a few hours moving into your room, deciding if fully lofting your bed for more space is worth possibly hitting your head on the ceiling. (It worked fine for some people, but not for me.)
When you’re mostly unpacked and your room starts to resemble a living space, it will finally be time to say goodbye to your family. Whether or not you cry, remember to give your parents a call every now and then during school. They helped you get there, so don’t forget to show some appreciation and let them know how you’re doing. If you’re like me, you’ll also call them with questions about laundry and other living skills. However, don’t let that make you feel unprepared; you’ll need their help less and less as you grow older so make good use of it now.
The first week of orientation will feel like summer camp. You’ll meet a ton of new people from other states and other countries and go back to your room at night not believing this will soon become your second home.
It won’t completely sink in that this is your new life until classes start and you’re loaded with schoolwork. You’ll get stressed out and have some late nights of studying, but you’ll also have many late nights spent with friends.
People always say you find your best friends in college and I agree. You form close bonds with these people in just a few months, but feel like you’ve known them a lifetime. You can still have your friends from high school, but your college friends are the ones who get to share this new adventure with you. They can help you be responsible, now that you don’t have your parents to remind you to do things, but they can also help you relax and remember that college isn’t only schoolwork.
Therefore, take care of yourself mentally and make time to socialize and de-stress. You don’t have to party, but you do need to take a break every now and then. If you do party, don’t let it get in the way of your true purpose in college. You’re spending thousands of dollars for a degree, so don’t waste them.
Whether you’re going to another state or just a town over, a lot is going to change – especially you. You probably won’t notice until you’re looking back, but you’ll have begun to uncover who you truly are. Throughout college, your intellect will be evaluated, but your morals and values will also be tested. No matter what you choose to do, consider if you’ll be proud of it later on or you’ll be full of regret.
Overall, just enjoy college. You’re getting to study what you love, and it’s your last step before becoming a “real” adult. Be open to new ideas and new experiences and push yourself to achieve your full potential. Your first year might seem like it’s dragging in some moments, but once it’s over, you’ll wonder how it flew by so quickly.
For that reason, celebrate the rest of your summer and get excited for the fall. Your journey is just beginning.
