Remember when everyone said high school is the best four years of your life? I highly disagree. College is a whole new world compared to high school. You can reinvent your life if you truly wanted too. No one knows who you once were, what you've been through or what you're like. You're faced with new people and new experiences. There are a few important things to remember when attending college:
Forget everything your high school teachers ever told you about going to college. The most common phrase I heard in high school was "that won't fly in college" when in reality, nearly everything flies in college. Most professors don't take attendance so you can skip nearly every class. While skipping every class, you can still manage to pass every exam with at least a 65 because of the review sheets/study sessions. Yes the work load can be more intense than high school but for the most part, you only meet with your professors 2-3 times a week so you have some time to breathe.
2. Referring back to #1, leave high school in the past.
Now I'm totally one of those people who choose to live in the past. If your high school experience was as crappy as mine, then you'll have a wall up when you arrive at your college. You will constantly think people are going to hurt you or turn their backs. Everyone you come in contact with at college will have horror stories about high school just like you. Most college freshmen are experiencing the same emotions and are also trying to leave the thought of high school behind. Leave the regrets and grudges of high school behind. College is a fresh start and it won't feel like it if you're constantly referring to the past.
3.The cafe food doesn't compare to home cooking.
Now to most, this is a dead give away. The cooks in high school always looked so sad and angry so obviously the foods going to suck. Everyone, no matter how old, looks forward to a nice home cooked meal from mom or dad. If you attend a university similar to mine, the cafeteria may have a section that's called "Home cooked" or "Moms Cooking" and you will become exhilarated at thought of some nice mac and cheese. You will soon snap back into reality when you find out that this "home cooked" macaroni and cheese doesn't look like moms nor tastes like it. Find the nearest food supply store and grab your own bundle of ingredients and make your own home cooked meal in your buildings kitchen. P.S if you don't feel like cooking, Ramen and Kraft Mac and Cheese work well too.
4. Procrastination really doesn't work
This is another thing that you're taught your entire life but really is key in college. Quickly jotting down the answers to your 10 problem math homework due next period is way easier than banging out a 6 page paper in 24 hours. You always want to make sure you're handing in your best work to your professor to display professionalism and determination. These are people who could potentially offer you a job down the road. You never want to start slacking off because deadlines approach quickly and most professors do not take late assignments. Going back to the whole "only meeting 2-3 times a week" thing, they expect your work to be done promptly and correctly. These assignments can be worth 25% of your grade and a zero mark brings you down harder than you think.
5. Your 8 AMs will suck but so will your 5PMs.
Regardless of what time you have your classes, getting up to go to them will suck. You may love the class it is and it may benefit you in your future endeavors but it will still be difficult. Waking up at 7am to attend a class for an hour and fifteen minutes will cause your beautiful sleep to come to an abrupt halt while your 5pm classes will elongate your day and mess with prime dinner time. The times you are forced to sit and listen to a boring lecture will be torturous but you will get through it.
6. If you live on campus, make yourself known in the building
Now this doesn't mean be obnoxious and known for being a rude arrogant person. Be super friendly towards not only your RAs but your peers. This will allow you to widen your group of friends and introduce you to a range of individuals. You are going to live there for the remainder of that school year so you might as well get to know as many people as possible. This will also allow you to have an excuse to leave your dorm room frequently because you have friends throughout your building.
7. It is okay to be a part time child/part time adult
You are never too old for Disney movies and if you think you are, stop lying to yourself. The Lion King will still make you cry, Lilo and Stitch will remind you that family is forever and Beauty and the Beast will remind you that your prince charming could come in any shape or size. Your favorite stuffed animal from childhood is totally allowed to experience college life with you. These cuddly friends are there when no one else is and catch your tears when life gets hard. It is also alright to have the days dedicated to homework, your job and just getting your life in order. College isn't just about living through your last years as a teen, it's about your transition into adulthood so it's important to find that balance.
8. Partying isn't everything
We all enjoy a good party every now and then. There's nothing wrong with going out, having a few drinks and hanging out with your closest friends. It's a chance to let loose from the strenuous life of a college student and just be a teenager. This doesn't make it okay to party every single day. Some of my fondest memories from college so far consists of nights where I stayed in with my best friends, watched movies and played video games. These nights are the ones that allow you to appreciate the friends you made that remind you of home. So don't feel bad if you're not into going out every weekend or if you feel like you just want to enjoy a night in.
9. Never forget where you came from
You will meet so many people throughout college and each one has a different story. I'm from New York going to school in Pennsylvania and my roommate is from New Jersey. We come from two different places and have been through our own struggles and experiences. The places we grew up shaped us into who we have become and will continue to be. Our roots should never be forgotten whether it be the location, friends or enemies we have made, or the sucky things we have endured.
10. College is the start of your future, you can make it how you want
This is the time where you figure out who you are and what you want to do for the rest of your life. You choose your schedule and pick the classes that most interest you. The degree you choose, whether the job field consists of few jobs, will be what you can see yourself doing for the rest of your life. College offers a range of opportunities and really allows everyone to follow their dreams. Dial into your deepest aspirations and make them possible.
