I spent the whole summer going into freshman year looking for article after article of what to expect and what I should bring for college. The articles were subpar to what actually happens. No one told me that my neighbors probably wouldn't talk to me, no one told me what living in a "converted triple" would be like, and no one eased my anxiety of moving away from home. This listicle is intended for the guys and gals out there like me that need someone to be honest and tell you what the first month of college is really like.
1. Move-In Day = organized chaos
Two or more people are about to move into a 10'x10' with everything they need to survive day by day, things end up everywhere, but you can take as long as you want to organize it. If you're like me you will dump everything and then go get food instead of unpacking. #priorities
2. Decorate.
The best way to feel at home is to be surrounded by things that remind you of home. Make canvases, bring pictures, and stock up on command hooks ladies and gentlemen.
3. Be honest with your roommates and yourself.
Most (if not all) colleges ask you to sit down with your roommates and talk about pet peeves, expectations, and general rules for the room. DO NOT BEAT AROUND THE BUSH. If you don't want your roommate to leave her dirty clothes on the floor, make it a point to share that. If you don't want guests after 10pm, share that! Be ready to compromise, but try not to bite your tongue if you know there is something you value.
4. The first people you meet do not have to be your friends forever.
They might like wearing converse as much as you do, but it doesn't mean that you will have compatible personalities for a good friendship. Everyone is trying to find a group of friends so don't worry if it takes you a while.
5. STUDY OR YOU WILL FAIL YOUR FIRST EXAM.
It may not be the most fun, but nothing is worse than getting an exam back and knowing that the fraction scrawled on the top of your paper is too small for it to even be a D.
7. If you have the top bunk, watch your head.
If you try to sit up too fast you will get a concussion from hitting the ceiling and next thing you know you're emailing your professors that you are missing tests and labs because you're a klutz.
8. You don't have to do everything with your roommate(s).
With that being said, no matter the kind of relationship you have with him/her/them, you should still be kind to your roommate(s). Eat a meal together here and there and talk about your day. They will be in the room to talk when its too cold or too late to go across campus to talk to your friend.
9. If there is a conflict, resolve it peacefully, don't create unnecessary drama.
It might be as easy as saying "hey I don't appreciate that, can you not do that?" If you feel like that didn't work, go to your RA because its their job to help you out.
10. Call your mom on your bad nights.
She'll listen and then hopefully tell your siblings to call you and cheer you up the next day because your siblings should be sleeping at 12 a.m. and not on the phone with you and your mom.
11. Even though your best friend is far, try to have fun.
Distance makes the heart grow fonder? I don't buy it, but it does remind you of how much you appreciate your bestie! Text her/him when big things come up, when you are wearing crocs and thinking of him/her or when you just want to say "hey, I'm so glad we've always been friends."
11.5. If your best friend is down the hallway, you can still have other friends.
That may have left a bad taste in your mouth, but if you both make new friends and introduce each other to your those friends then you'll have twice the amount of friends in no time. At first it feels like the ultimate sleepover because your friend is down the hallway, but remember to give your friend space.
12. Try new things!
A combination of custard, jam and meat may not be a place you want to start, but you can try new foods in the dining halls or in the town around your campus. If you're in Chicago: go to Giordano's and try deep dish.
13. This isn't high school.
Personally, I thought my college was going to be perfect and I chose a school where everyone was mature, but when I came back from fairytale land with a rude awakening. Your roommate may talk about you behind your back, she may trash talk you for using her pillow, but in the end try to be the bigger person.
14. Get a tide stick.
It's a lifesaver. 'nough said.
15. if you're not going to do anything today, at least make your bed.
Theres nothing like crawling into a nicely made bed. Your moms not around to hear you admit it, so you can.
