You never truly know what your college experience will be like. When approaching college, most people worry about the obvious obstacles like classes being harder, making new friends, or missing their family/friends. Throughout my first semester at college, I've come across several simple things that I took for granted before I left. So high school seniors, pay attention and appreciate these while you can.
1. Getting your nails done
I'm a basic white girl and I have no shame in saying that I absolutely love mani/pedis. So when I discovered that I was trapped on campus with no car and unable to get to my favorite nail salon, I died a little bit inside. I am now resorting to painting my nails myself which is time-consuming and definitely not as relaxing.
2. Driving
There are few things better than just driving around because you need to think or get away from everything for a few moments. Driving = freedom. Although I occasionally can persuade my parents to drop off a car for me to go out to eat when I can't take the school's cafeteria any more, it's still not the same. I miss being able to hop in the car and go spend way too long at target just because I can.
3. Late-night McDonalds
This might be the worst one. For those of you who know me, you know that I love food way too much. I miss those late-night dons runs with my best friends to get my medium diet coke and medium fry.
4. Baths
It's not like I took baths that often at home, but it was always nice to have the option. If I had a stressful week and wanted to de-stress, it was often times nice to relax with some candles and lavender bubble bath.
5. Alone time
Don't get me wrong, I love constantly being with my best friends and having sleepovers every night but sometimes I feel like I'm not getting enough time to myself. Being an introvert, I definitely need my alone time in order to thrive so adjusting to constantly having people around me has been difficult.
6. Home cooked meals
Hmm home cooked lasagna or something that resembles pasta but you're not exactly sure what it is? Enough said.
7. Uniforms
I wore uniforms for 13 years. Being as lazy as I am, it was great being able to wear the exact same thing every day and not have to spend time picking out an outfit every single morning. I'm barely awake enough in the morning to make the trek to the bathroom without running into a wall much less picking out a decent outfit. As the week goes on, I usually move from jeans to leggings to sweatpants and repeat the next week. I miss throwing on that same skirt and blouse (that probably needed to be washed) and heading out the door.
8. Brushing your teeth without random people looking at you
This is pretty self-explanatory. Please stop looking at me while I have no makeup on and am mentally already in bed.
9. Not wearing shoes to shower
Don't get me wrong, I love showing off my bright blue crocs but sometimes it would be nice to let my feet breathe.
10. Target runs with a parent
Target is synonymous with heaven. I admit that I am that child who would tag along with their parent and throw everything they could possibly need or want into the cart. If I needed anything at all, it was fairly easy to ask my mom to bring me to target whenever I wanted. Now, going to target is a rare occurrence due to lack of transportation and, of course, money. I took for granted not having to pay for actual necessities (toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.) and now my bank account is suffering because of it. I find myself constantly having a list on my phone of what I need next time I go because if I forget anything, I know I will have to wait weeks before my next opportunity.
11. Singing loudly to music in your room
There's something about just putting on your favorite song and singing at the top of your lunges while you dance around your room. It would always put me in a better mood no matter what the circumstances were. Now, I mean I can if I want to, but I have to be prepared for some serious judgement from my neighbors who are only a one-inch-thick wall away.
Although some of these things may not be the most desirable, they add to the overall college experience that I think everyone needs to have. They all make you appreciate the little things in life.
