As my first college semester winds down with just two weeks remaining, I’ve honestly learned a lot and was surprised by some things. Specifically about how the college life ended up being once I finally got here. There are some things I wish I had known before move in day back in August, what honestly feels like forever ago at this point. One thing I love to do for some of my articles is give advice to the people that are still struggling through high school back home. Or just whomever this article reaches, I'm going to give you the truth about what to expect after move in day!
Speaking of move in day, personally I don’t think you’ll have a more chaotic day throughout your college career than move in day. So many people trying to get to the same place all at once, its annoying, its frustrating, and not to mention carrying all that extra stuff you thought you “needed”. But you have to do it eventually right? Be ready for all the chaos, but also be ready for the most bittersweet moment you’ll experience on move in day. And that would be saying goodbye to your parents and family. Throughout high school you will often say you can’t wait to move out of the house already, but enjoy the last few months with your family especially for those of you who are going to be living in a dorm. You’ll know what I’m talking about when the time comes, and when the time does come to say goodbye definitely make sure to give mom and dad an extra hug.
Another part of college to look forward to is the amount of money you’ll blow through within the first month. Have fun paying for those books! Not only that, you’ll end up having to buy living supplies eventually, what’s that? Some friends want to go out to eat? Or maybe your sick of the food at the cafeteria and want to treat yourself with a delicious pizza pie. Either way you’ll be finding yourself start to become a stereotypical cheap college student eventually.
Expect professors to be some of the most amazing nicest people you’ll ever meet. But also get ready to read pages upon pages of assigned readings, studying for hours, and having to write papers on some of the most complex stuff you’ll ever see. Teachers back in high school aren’t kidding when they say professors are going to dish out more information than you can handle in one class load while at the same time your responsible for learning the content well enough for tests and papers. As stressful as this all sounds it can be handled with hard work and a positive attitude, always visit a professor if your struggling in the class a majority of them are incredibly nice and will be happy to help.
Lastly, to finish up I’m going to talk about what to expect when it comes to your social life in the first few months. I won’t lie for many people, especially the ones that go away for school, it is going to be difficult, lonely, and extremely boring for a while. It can be difficult making friends to start and its difficult to even get adjusted to college in general. For the first few weeks I was bored out of my mind until I became involved with organizations, clubs, and Greek life on campus which made making friends much easier. Don’t be afraid to join things especially in college not only do you meet friends but your also trying to build up a solid career resume. Overall, just be open to new things, introduce yourself when you have the opportunity to, talk to some people in your classes. College is going to seem tough and its going to be for sure, but I can honestly say after one semester almost in the books, I find myself loving college more and more.