College is a wonderful experience. Going away to school is one of the best decisions I've ever made. It opens up an entire new world of experiences that you would not be able to have otherwise. If you're planning on going away, here's a little advice for you. But no amount of planning will ever be able to fully prepare you for the real thing.
1. Bring a first aid kit.
I know this may seem ridiculous, as they have on-campus medical, but I promise you that it will come in handy. It's harder to make an appointment there than you'd think. For ordinary cuts and scrapes, you're better off just having your own kit.
2. Get used to being woken up.
If you're a light sleeper, such as I, this step is easier said than done. You will almost definitely have a roommate for at least your freshman year of college, and I promise you that they won't be on the exact same schedule as you. You want to sleep until 12? Too bad. Your roommate, who you normally love, really needs to do her hair. And she can't do it without her show tunes. Yes. Love. You love them. It's okay, you'll live. And so will they.
3. Expect to feel a little home sick.
This happens to the best of us. No matter how much your family annoys you, you're going to miss them. It may not be day one, or even week one; but it will happen. And when it does, it'll hit you like a bag of bricks. That's okay. Just know you're not alone, and more likely than not, they miss you too.
4. Your bedroom at home will change.
This is inevitable. It changes in different ways for different people, but it won't stay the same. You'll come home for Thanksgiving and it won't have that same lived-in air that it once did. Or maybe it will. Maybe you'll come back to find that your little brother has been using your bed. Maybe, even, your mom will call you up one day and ask you if you would mind sharing a king sized bed with your older sister, because the house could use a good guest room and you only live there part time anyways. Who needs their own bed, right?
5. Your friendships will move fast.
There's a difference between seeing someone every day at school, and seeing someone actually every day. You guys will get very close very quickly. And you'll love it! But like all friendships, it will have its ups and downs. Sometimes you guys will need some space; which can be hard when you're on top of each other.
6. Your new-found freedom will get the best of you.
Hopefully you manage to avoid this one. Not being at home affects different people in different ways. Most people can handle themselves when they're on their own. Don't fall into a slump of laziness and late nights. Yes, parties are fun, but remember why you're there.
7. You will have the time of your life
There is nothing quite like going away to school. It's an experience that everyone should at least try out. It's a small taste of living on your own, without actually having to be alone. Savor every day you have of being away, because time passes quickly, and you don't want to watch it go by.
