Guys, you’re almost done with high school and I’m so proud of you! Four years of hard work, blood, sweat and tears have finally paid off, and led you to the best day of your high school career… your graduation day. College is both amazing and terrifying at the same time. So, to help ease the transition, here are some pieces of advice from one of your closest friends who just finished her freshman year.
1) Being Away From Home Sucks
I couldn’t have said this topic in plainer English; because, I’m not going to lie, being away from home sucks…big time. You feel like you miss out on things like celebrating birthdays with your friends from home, and doing other things you used to do when you were home. Even though my school was 45 minutes away, I still felt like I missed out on a lot. So, when you feel like you want to go home, go home. Going home every so often is ok and I’ve done it. Just don’t go home too often, you want to experience the college life and have fun.
2) Your Parents Will Call You At THE MOST Inconvenient Times
This has happened to me on more than one occasion! Yes, your parents will call you…but when they call you may be at an inconvenient time. This is because you will usually be doing one or more of these things: 1) Doing homework, 2) Eating, 3) Hanging out with your friends, 4) Taking a shower, or 5) Taking a nap. Don’t get me wrong, you should talk to your parents; however, set up a time to call them every week or so just to check in, and to let them know that you haven’t fallen off the face of the Earth.
3) Doing Laundry Is Not Fun
Even though you have probably been doing your own laundry for a while now, doesn’t mean that you like doing it. Believe me, doing your own laundry is not fun-especially when there is only one working washing machine. When one of the washing machines brakes down, the entire building has to use one machine until the other one got fixed. Depending on the size of your school and how many washing machines and dryers you have, there is usually a long line for the machines. So, the sooner you get on that line, the better off you are.
4) Coffee will become your best friend
Coffee is a gift straight from God! I have learned to drink coffee because of homework and staying up late with my friends. You may not like coffee now, but once you go to college, you’ll learn to love it.
5) You and Your Roommate May Not Always Get Along
Usually, the first friend you have in college is your roommate. You live together and you may even have some of the same classes. Living with someone is hard and sharing a room with him or her is even harder. But, once the year starts to progress, you and your roommate may start to butt heads over little things like shower time, the music being too loud, etc. Your roommate may not be cool with you leaving your stuff all over the floor like you did when you were at home. If you and your roommate do not see eye to eye, talk to them, and see if you can resolve whatever issues that you are having on your own. If that doesn’t work and your issues with that person are only getting worse, talk to your RA or as an absolute last resort request a new roommate.
6) You Find Out Who Your Real Friends Are
Friends are important to have. I mean, who else would do stupid crap with you in school. But in college, you find out who your real friends are and you find that out pretty damn quick. These are the ones who know you inside and out. The ones who celebrate with you when you do something great and make sure you know you did something stupid. If you have a friend or two that is constantly negative or always starting drama, cut them out of your life ASAP! Also, keep in touch with your friends from high school and friends from home. They will help you keep yourself sane.
7) Most Importantly, Have Fun!
College is supposed to be the best times of your life so enjoy it! Go out to your first party, make new friends, try new things that you would not usually do, study abroad, etc. College is all about working hard, playing harder and stepping out of your comfort zone. So have fun and make mistakes, just learn from them and move on.
