10 things I learned about myself after coming to college are:
1. It is okay to not have hundreds of friends. In fact, I found it is preferably to have a couple great friends that you know every possible detail about, rather than 20 acquaintances you only kind of tolerate.
2. Don’t be afraid to take chances. Okay, this one may be a little cliché, but it is as valid today as it is when my parents said it to me all those years ago. Put yourself out there! Chances are you do not know more than a handful of people at college, don’t be afraid to be yourself; it will make it that much easier to make friends.
3. Alone time is a necessity. You need time to be alone with your thoughts, and to unwind as much as possible. If you can’t find this alone time in your room, try going to a coffee shop on campus and have a few “lonely” moments. It makes all the difference.
4. Make it to class. Although it is easy to think that since your parents are no longer around to wake you up in the morning, you can skip class, DON'T.
5. Family is extremely important. Although I always knew that family was a number one priority, it really hit home after coming to college. No one will be there for you like your family, so don’t forget to call them! Not only will it make you feel better, it will also give your parents a little peace of mind. Two birds.
6. Time management is key. I came into college expecting never to have a free moment to myself, yet I sometimes have more time than I know what to do with. This is okay, just make sure to find an even balance of school, personal, and social time.
7. I am a procrastinator. This is slightly related to time management, but needs to be its own category. Get your work done early. There is no better feeling than knowing you are all done for a few days, and your work will thank you for it. There is nothing worse than realizing you have 3 essays due tomorrow, that you have not started yet.
8. Time flies by. After realizing that I only have half a semester left in my freshman year, it has made me appreciate every second I am here; good or bad.
9. I am a messy person. Although I would not label myself a slob, I am far from a neat freak. I am guilty of having that one chair piled with clothes, and I know it is never going to change.
10. It’s okay to have a hard time. I wasn’t always sure throughout my first year that I was in the right place, but through the help of my friends and family, I was able to get through it seemingly easy.
