Visiting a college and attending are two separate things. It's a feeling that you only get by actually experiencing it; like visiting a third world country rather than watching a documentary about it. It's amazing and awful at the same time. You can make so many friends and make so many memories, but at the same time, you could be crying because you've accidentally skipped your 8:30 a.m. class for three weeks because you've slept in too late. There is just so much to learn in so little time, so I thought I'd jot down the most important things I've learned so far:
1. College isn't what you think it is.
2. Dorms are annoying and not cute like the movies.
I lived in a traditional-styled dorm this year and moving in was NOT fun. It's a tiny room anyways, and then having two different families stepping on each other's toes made my anxieties spike up. Not to mention the fact that it was extremely hard to get along with my roommate (this isn't accurate in every case, but for mine, the first few weeks were really awkward until she decided to finally move out).
3. If someone offers to pay for food off of campus (or Rancher's Club) let them
4. You take every opportunity to see your family
Whether it's for food, to have your laundry done, or to sleep in your own bed, you'll take it.
5. You're more attached to your mom than you think
6. Breaks don't feel like breaks because you still have to study and still have homework
7. Don't take 8:30 a.m. classes
8. College makes you feel dumb A LOT
9. Dead week just makes you want to cry
So. Much. Studying.
10. Every day makes you want to cry
11. College is way more busy than you'd ever imagine
You literally even have to plan when you eat.
12. Attend your CM meetings or they'll get hella annoyed at you
13. Make friends your first day of class
You need friends to help you pass your class.
14. You probably don't need all of the clothes you think you need because, in reality, all we wear is oversized tees
To be honest, the only time I needed nice clothes was for sorority events.
15. Community living SUCKS
People still do nasty things in the bathrooms just like when we were in high school.
16. Utilize your meal plan before it's too late
Money piles up quickly, Rancher's Club reservations fill up quickly.
17. STUDYING IS IMPORTANT
Make time for it.
18. Finding a studying spot is just as important as studying
You have to figure out which places stress you out and which places make you feel calm when you're studying. This is crucial because you will be spending a lot of time there.
19. Time management is key
20. You rely on your planner more than you ever thought you would
Planners = success. Planners = good time management.
21. When your family offers to take you grocery shopping
22. You need to walk your schedule before trying to find classes your first day
You aren't trying to be late, sweaty, and winded your first day of class.
23. Tapingo saves lives
Tapingo is an app you can get that delivers on campus and you can use your student I.D. for some of the restaurants it has too. Super convenient.
24. Meet with your advisor at least a month prior to signing up for spring semester classes
You have to have everything cleared to sign up for classes (to get the good classes).
25. Enjoy your time while you have it because it goes quickly
College will be the best time of your life socially, so don't overthink it and don't waste it, because you can't get it back.
