As a college freshman, people tell you all kinds of things before you set off for the next great adventure. They tell you to stay safe and never go out alone and make sure you study and work hard, but there are so many little things that no one ever warns you about.
1. Living in a dorm can be good and bad.
I was always told that living in a dorm would be so much fun and I would meet tons of new friends, however I don't recall ever being told about the dangers of a lofted bed. There have been so many times where my foot has slipped on the way down, or I have bumped my head on the ceiling trying to do something. It's borderline dangerous.
2. Living near a dining hall is a blessing.
I got lucky when I moved into my dorm. Luckily for me, my dorm is right next to a dining hall, and I don't have to walk nearly as far as others to get food. I never knew how much I would appreciate this until I saw friends who lived in other dorms walk for 5 minutes to get food.
3. Homesickness is real.
I never figured I would be one of those girls who truly missed home as much as I do. I often find myself missing my familiar bedroom from back home and seeing my family every day.
4. When your high school teachers said that professors would never provide notes, it was a lie.
This one especially was a surprise for me. I was taught since probably the sixth grade that in college they just talk and you have to write down what they say. However, in many of my classes I have found this to be a lie. Of course some classes don't provide notes, but I have a good 9 hours of my week with notes provided for me. However, you should still learn to be a good note taker for the classes where notes aren't provided.
5. Decorating in your dorm is a challenge.
Two words my friends: command strips. College is a place where nails and sticky tack is forbidden, and it is something that you simply must accept.
6. Printing is expensive.
I don't know about other colleges, but at mine we have to pay 5 cents for every paper we print. I payed a lot of money for this education but apparently that does not include paper and ink. Good to know.
7. Shuttles are not always helpful.
Of course for those who live in apartments it would be helpful, but for getting around campus for classes and anything on a timed limit, they're not very helpful. Bus routes are rather long for someone who has ten minutes to walk across campus for her french class.
8. Your bike will save your life.
Again, it takes time to walk all the way across campus. I almost didn't bring my bike to campus, but honestly I believe that it is the best decision I have made here.
9. If you go home on the weekends, don't buy milk.
This one I just discovered over labor day weekend. My roommate doesn't drink milk, and I bought half a gallon and let me tell you, when I got back on Tuesday I was ready to throw the mini fridge out the window. (Disclaimer: don't do that.)
10. Having breaks between classes is a blessing and a curse.
I have three one-hour breaks on Monday and Wednesday, and while it's great to get in a nap or have time to finish some homework, leaving my room becomes extremely difficult once I've sat down and gotten comfy.
11. You eat. All. The. time.
Of course everyone has heard of the infamous "freshman 15". I always thought it was just because freshman in college are lazy. And while that is partially true, I find myself eating when I'm not even hungry just because I have snacks in my room and I can. Stay healthy, kids. At least go to the rec center and work out.
12. If you bring your Razor Scooter or Heelys, no one will judge you.
I've learned pretty quickly that you have to do what you have to do in order to get to class. I've seen kids on heelys and the only thing that I can think of is, "Dang, they're smart. I wonder where I can buy a pair."
13. People will talk to you, even if they have no idea who you are.
Just smile and wave. Say hi, make a friend. Or plan your escape, whatever works for you.
14. No matter what, you will come to love college.
It doesn't matter how much you resist the change or how much you try to hate it, you will come to love it. It might take time and tears, but trust me. It will come.
