When in high school watching my college friends, it just seemed as if all of a sudden they just figured it out. Looking back at it I realized that it took them time, but there was a lot to learn in college. College is the four years easing you into the real world while emerging you head first at the same time. Here's a few things I've learned.
1. You WILL be stressed out.
I'm not going to sit here and tell you about how college is a bunch of busy work and you won't be stressed about how you're going to get it done, it will take effort that you may not have had to put forth in high school. College work is hard and comes in waves, you may have one assignment for two weeks and, right when you've caught up, you'll have six due this Tuesday...it happens. You will be stressed.
2. Your parents are one phone call away.
I have never been the type of person to just call someone on the phone, but as soon as I have a question or want to share how good (or bad) I did on a test, I reach out to my parents. I knew I could dial up the phone and call my parents, although they may not answer on the first try, I know they would know the right thing to say.
3. The friendships you make will be deeper.
This is in no way saying that the people you were best friends with in high school aren't as close as the ones in college. There are just so many more opportunities to make friends within your classes, bus rides, work, and (my personal favorite) your roommates. Being in college you have all the responsibility on how much you hang out with someone and how close you get to them. They just seem to understand what I am going through and how exactly to get me through it.
4. Along with friendships being deeper, so will your relationship.
Many times in high school people don't think of the long term effect of their relationships, they are just having fun in the moment. College relationships are the real deal, this is the time to be meeting your (maybe) significant other and learn if you'd want to start a life with them in the upcoming years.
5. Unless you are planning on going to grad school, a C isn't going to kill you.
I know good grades would make some of your stress go away, but sometimes you just can't grasp a few of the concepts or fall behind on some homework. It will be OK if you don't get a 4.0 in college...trust me, we all understand.
6. Don't get a puppy right before going to college.
Although Duke (my puppy) is the cutest thing, it is hard leaving him every time I have to leave my house. When I come home he has gotten so big and I feel liked I've missed out on so much. It will save a lot of sad goodbyes if you just wait a few years.
7. No one actually cares what you wear to class.
Before I went to college I wanted to make sure I had the perfect thing to wear to class every day. Now, some days I don't even brush my hair -- put a hat over it and you're covered.
8. The Freshman 15 is a real thing...
You will most likely not have the same body you did in high school and that is OK. You will learn to love yourself in so many different ways. Trust me, it's still hard. New years resolution is getting back in high school shape.
9. Take advantage of your meal plan.
Use it all up...meal plan is the easiest and cheapest way to get food...also you'll become closer with the upper class college students, because around lunch time you'll get that "meal plan" text...they may just be using you, but it helps get rid of it so have lunch with them!
10. You won't know how to do everything.
Between making your mom's best recipe or being able to change a tire, some things you just won't know how to do. All you have to do is call and ask or Google it. You will figure it out...probably...
College is the best years of your life, stop worrying about if you can do it and just try. You will learn so much new stuff and more about yourself.
