1. You will experience a level of freedom you have most likely never experienced before.
With all of this freedom, comes great responsibility. Mom and Dad are not there anymore making sure you are on the right path and keeping up with schoolwork. Use good judgment and get your priorities straight. Going out tonight might sound like fun, but it won't be fun trying to drag yourself out of bed the next day for an 8 am class.
2. Get a planner.
You think you'll remember that online bio quiz due Thursday at midnight, but in light of everything else going on in your busy life, you will forget; so buy a planner and write it down.
3. Make new friends.
You and your friend group now may or may not make it. Distance can take a toll on friendships whether you like it or not. With this said, still keep in touch with old friends, just know that it is okay to meet new people and form new relationships because this can be a difficult transition and you will need people in your corner.
4. Flashcards are your new best friend.
You may not have had to study in high school, but chances are you will have to in college and flashcards are the way to go.
5. Get a Job.
If you can manage to balance work and school, I recommend getting a job. I have learned so much from my little job at McDonalds (not just about flipping burgers). You learn time management, patience and professionalism; all of which can only be learned from experience. It also looks great when applying for internships or scholarships if you can say you work 30+ hours a week while also maintaining a high GPA. Having a job while in school can be stressful, but it is extremely rewarding in the end. Plus, you won't have to constantly beg your parents for money!
6. Market yourself and network.
Go out of your way to speak to your professors or the head of your department while also keeping in mind that these are very busy people. Keep it short and sweet, but let them know who you are. A professor knowing you by name can be the difference between a 87 and a 90. When it comes time to apply for an internship, job or scholarship, a nice letter of recommendation from the head of your department can be extremely helpful as well.
7. Call your parents and thank them.
Living on your own makes you thankful for everything your parents do for you, from putting food on the table to putting a roof over your head. Living on your own without the help of your parents is hard. Rent is not cheap. Utilities are not cheap. Food and gas are not cheap. It is a true struggle to pay for everything some months and it makes you realize how hard your parents work to make sure you and your siblings are taken care of. I pay for pretty much everything on my own, but I know if I called home right now and told my parents I was in a bind with money, they would take care of me. They deserve a million dollars and a trip around the world, but a simple thank you will suffice for now.
8. Thank your high school teachers.
They work every day to prepare you for the moment when you graduate high school and step out into the real world. Thank them for investing so much into you and your education. They put so much time, effort and emotion into their students that sometimes they wear themselves thin. From the daughter of a teacher, I have witnessed first-hand how physically and emotionally draining teaching can be. They put so much in and get so little back, so just let them know they are appreciated.
9. Most importantly, have fun.
Go hang out with friends, explore new places and get involved on campus. With all the hard work you are putting into your job and school, it can be hard to find time for friends, but at the end of the day you need to let loose and relieve all your stress.
