Moving away from home is one of the most daunting and exciting experiences of one's life. Personally, I could not wait to move to a new city with new people and finally not have to hear my mom nagging me to put away the dishes. Luckily, I grew up in a household where I was free to be who I wanted to be and form my own thoughts and ideas without judgment. For many, that freedom doesn’t come until you are sent off into the “real world." College is an experience for students to gain the opportunity to encounter freedom like never before, whether it be political, ideological, etc. However, the transition of moving away from home will likely be the biggest adjustment that I (and every other freshman) will experience in life thus far. After being in college for a month and a half, it is safe to say the expectations I had the day before I moved are entirely different from the reality I have found.
1. “What are you going to do with all of your free time?”
...was a question I couldn’t get away from before I moved. I thought because of the less-strenuous course schedule, I would have more time to lay in bed and binge watch Game of Thrones. I was wrong. Because class only happens two to three times a week, you are required to spend more time outside of the classroom focusing on academics. My expectation about time was that it would be consumed by Greek life/clubs just as much as academics. The reality is this: I spend more time in Addlestone Library than anywhere else on campus. On the bright side, I have found that being able to manage time on my own has allowed me to be more productive than I ever was in a high school environment.
2. "I won’t even miss my parents."
WRONG. Though I’ve always managed on my own, I miss nothing more than a home-cooked meal. My parents emphasized the idea of preparing me for the real world, forcing me to take on responsibilities at a young age. I appreciate them for this because ultimately I do feel like an accountable 19-year-old; but I can’t lie. I really really miss manipulating my mom to do my laundry every now and then and not having to grocery shop on my own.
3. "You’re going to make so many new friends."
Okay. I'll admit: I definitely have made a lot of new friends. However, I have not warmed up to them all yet. There is a stiffness in my actions because I don't feel completely comfortable yet to "let loose." People say that you are going to have a definite group of friends by the first month of college. Well, here I am 37 days into college wondering who is going to be sitting next to me in baggy sweatpants and no bra until 4 a.m. studying for finals. Who’s still going to be around in December?
4. "Beware the freshman 15."
it's a reality.
