I've chosen my college, I've gone through orientation, I've created an entire Pinterest board dedicated to dorm room ideas, and I've even started spending way too much money on cute decor for my bathroom. I'm basically ready...so why am I still freaking out? The thing is, I've still got a lot of questions, and only so many can be answered by reading a plethora of "Tips for College Freshman" blogs.
1. Mattress topper or pad? Or both?
I've never heard either of these words before, and now suddenly they're necessities. Bed Bath and Beyond says I need both, but are they just trying to take my money? And what even is the difference? Are dorm beds really that uncomfortable? I'm so confused.
2. How do you make friends if classes are always switching?
Besides roommates/suitemates, it doesn't seem like there's any other people you hang out with consistently. People keep saying "hey, join clubs!" but they only meet like once a week. I'm already socially awkward enough, this particular stressor is not helping!
3. How do you talk to your professors? What if somebody’s already in there during office hours?
From my perspective, professors seem kind of intimidating. And if I'm struggling, I'm told to go to them during their officer hours, but so is everyone else. How is their office not always in use by at least one other student? Should I let them know I'm coming ahead of time?
4. How much work will there really be?
High school teachers tell you one thing, college students tell you another.
5. What will I do if the food sucks?
The dining hall is the only food I have access to without paying immediate money, and let's be real, I'm on a college budget so your girl can't buy food out-of-pocket every time I need to eat. Plus I'm sort of a health nut, so will there be options for a cleaner eating lifestyle since most of it is prepared by someone else?
6. Will I actually use an iron?
It's on all the shopping lists, and some blogs say it saves their life while others say they never used it once. I never really use one myself at home, but now I'm on my own so is it necessary?
7. What if I get lost?
I already have a terrible sense of direction to begin with, now I don't only have to find a building, but also find a singular room within that building. And get there on time!
8. What is an acceptable GPA?
In high school it's all about getting straight A's, but is that a realistic goal for college?
9. How many clubs are too many? No seriously, I’ll do them all.
I want to be involved in way too many things and high school already had quite the number of clubs. Quadruple that in college and my brain just goes "Ahhhh"!
10. What if I get really hungry during class but the professors won’t let me eat? And I have like 2 more classes until I can go get food.
I just, I mean I'm concerned.
11. How do I stay active/fit?
I walk from class to class, but that's probably not enough. There's a gym, but that in itself presents another question...how in the world do I use a gym?
12. How do I not wake up my roommate when I leave for my 8 a.m. class?
I need to use an alarm but I feel so bad!
13. Will I have time for a job in college? If not, how do I make money?
I don't even pay for my room, board, books, or (most of) my food now, and I STILL never seem to have enough in my wallet. How much spending money do you really need in college to enjoy your time?
While yes, it does sound like I may have spiraled into an anxious mess when thinking about college, I really am excited about this new journey in my life and I can't wait to see what college has to offer. And yet, as this new journey continues, will I be sleeping on a mattress pad or a topper? Or both?
