It's been a whole year since I've made the move 30 minutes south of my hometown to go to school. It feels like literally yesterday I was packing for the first time, ready to embark on a new and exciting journey. In the last year I've had a LOT of realizations and moments of clarity regarding the changes my life had quickly, but readily taken. You always hear about the "Freshman 15" regarding the 15 pounds freshmen students hope to avoid gaining (but end up failing to do so), in their first year. I'd like to add my take on what the Freshman 15 meant to me, so here are 15 things that you don't expect to change, but end up changing when you leave for your freshman year of college.
1. The people you graduated with will no longer be your best friends.
It's inevitable. You're separated in distance and in interest. It's hard to maintain friendships that were mostly held out of convenience more than anything. But it's OK, you'll meet people that are exactly like you before you know it at school, it happens for everyone.
2. You'll appreciate your parents more than ever.
You may not think this now, but I promise you'll be craving a home cooked meal by October.
3. Working out now seems fun compared to the house of reading you have to do.
Use working out to avoid homework (not forever, but temporarily) it's productive and gets your mind off of the boring school work for an hour or so.
4. A solid night's sleep is the biggest blessing.
At this point, 6 hours of sleep during the semester is rare. Take advantage of sleep whenever possible, your body will thank you.
5. You'll suddenly feel like a stranger in your hometown.
This is sad but this is also OK. You've moved on, and it'll still be there when you decide to come back.
6. Multiple mental breakdowns are normal.
I'm serious crying and questioning every decision you've ever made is completely normal (it's also not weird if it happens every day)
7. You'll have time when you feel like your life is finally going somewhere.
This is one of the best feelings. When you have things figured out (or so you think) it can feel like you are prepared and ready to take on the future. These moments will come, and they're worth waiting for.
8. You'll drop the toxic people in your life.
Tired of someone's negativity in your life? Goodbye.
9. Your GPA will more than likely be lower than you've had before.
This is so completely normal. College classes harder and you take less of them, making it extra hard to reach that 4.0 like you have had through out high school. It's do-able, but also don't be surprised if your first semester GPA is a lot lower than you've expected.
10. You'll feel like a stranger in your own bed at home.
Sad, but also normal. It feels like home again in no time on breaks and summers.
11. Being broke is your new way of life.
Enough said, college kids are the poorest of the poor.
12. Free stuff makes you instantly happy.
Nothing is better than free anything at school. Even if you don't need it, you have to have it.
13. You won't have anyone to take care of you when you're sick.
Being sick at school is the worst. It calls for lots of water, sleep, and netflix binge watching... maybe even a few missed classes. (sorry mom, I had to)
14. Long gone are the days of free textbooks.
This will make you (and your bank account) miss high school more than ever.
15. You'll realize that you're about to have the best time of your life.
College is fun, and four years go by faster than we all think. Good grades are important, but not as important as enjoying the new live you now live.
Get ready, incoming freshmen, everything is about to change.
