It's May (also known as prom season), so you know that next month is your high school graduation. You're probably thrilled right about now. You can't wait to leave your high school behind, but you're torn because you're going to miss your friends and perhaps a favorite teacher like crazy. You'll miss the after school bagel runs and the necessary early morning coffee stops, and even sitting and laughing with your friends at your lockers in between classes. You'll miss knowing everyone in your little high school, and the constant daily routine that became incredibly tedious.
Fast forward to the summer. You're spending every waking hour with your friends before you all go off to a different college hundreds of miles away from each other. If you're anything like me, you're also over analyzing and compiling every dorm packing list that has ever been posted to Pinterest. Spoiler alert: you don't actually need a can opener and a sleeping bag. Or four sheet sets - two is plenty. Seriously, only bring what you need. You can always come back for anything or buy stuff. Over packing is just a waste of space!
Of course you're going to miss your jam sesh car rides and snack sharing, there's no denying that, but you're also going to make amazing new friends and memories, and you'll figure out along the way what works best for you. You'll get involved with clubs, maybe make some study groups- your high school self would be appalled that you're such a nerd- and learn that the dining hall mac and cheese bar and late night waffles are a blessing. On another note, make sure you have all the essentials and DO NOT forget your agenda notebook. They're life savers. Your college friends will be some of the closest relationships you may ever make- there may be crying with your roommate over her boy troubles at midnight with a pack of double stuffed Oreos, but let's be real, these late night venting sessions only bring you guys closer. Cherish these new opportunities, no matter how small, and your new friends! Obviously, keep up with the GroupMe your high school squad made that blows up your phone on the daily, but know that new relationships are always amazing.
Finally, not to sound like your mom, but you're going to do great. Just remember to study- yeah, Netflix is great, but grades are so much more important than catching up on Grey's Anatomy. It might sound stupid but in college you're on your own schedule. No one's going to tell you where to be and when. Use it to your advantage. Have fun, try something new, but always trust your gut. And be sure to call your parents once in a while, it'll make their days!
