So you just graduated high school, and you'll be starting college soon. I bet you're excited. I mean who could blame you? You've seen all the movies, read all the books and you probably have this grand image of how your first semester will go. You're planning on meeting a ton of people who will quickly become your best friends, and possibly your future bridesmaids or best man. You'll have the most school spirit, attend every tailgate, football game and the after party. Maybe you'll even meet the love of your life. Then, before you know it, it will be time to graduate, land a job and work on accomplishing that successful career you've always dreamt about.
Your time at a university could very easily become the greatest years of your life, but it is so important to remember the real reason why you are there: to earn your degree. You'll have some classes, especially in your first year, that you'll breeze right through. But these will be the most important courses of your college career. Once you start taking heavier, harder classes, you'll be thanking yourself for boosting your GPA early on.
In high school, you might have squeaked by because you were too cool to attend help sessions, but office hours and on-campus tutoring can be a life-saver. Don't be embarrassed if you don't understand something the first time. And all the horror stories you've heard about withdrawing and dropping out of classes? Forget about them. Everyone withdraws from a course at some point while they're in school. You're going to be introduced to a wide range of new material, and you can't expect to master everything immediately.
You also need to give yourself a little break sometimes. Live a little. Go to a party or spend your last few dollars out with friends, but don't become 2007 Lindsay Lohan. I wish someone encouraged me venture out more often. I can't stress enough that it is okay to go to the gym, student union or university events by yourself. You won't be the only one, and how else do you expect to meet other people? You don't need to join a sorority or fraternity to make friends or be involved. There's literally a club or organization for every interest or hobby you might have. Do your research, and join one or two.
College is full of people from all sorts of different experiences and backgrounds, and everyone knows something you don't. Be open minded and have conversations with people who don't have the same beliefs as you. You don't have to agree with them, and you certainly don't have to prove anything, but it will make you more educated and well rounded. The world is your oyster, and your time at college is the knife used to open it. When you put yourself out there, and just be genuine, you have nothing to lose.
