Soon you both will be off to college, beginning the next chapter of your life away from home and in a completely new environment. I know you might be a little nervous and scared about living on your own, but I promise, your years in college are some of the best years of your life. You will meet some of your best friends, and make amazing memories that you'll never forget. Here are a few things that I want to tell you before you go away.
Just because you're on your own at college, doesn't mean that you can't call Mom if you have a question. I can't tell you how many times I've called Mom to ask her if something in my fridge was still good or to ask her opinion on something or even just to talk sometimes. You might think that you need to start figuring things out on your own, but if you get stuck she's always there.
Keeping in touch with friends from home can be hard once you start school and get busier, but it's very easy to stay close to those that you care about. You may not talk all the time or see each other, but once you come home and reconnect with your friends, it'll be like you never left. Never forget where you came from.
On move-in day, walk around your floor and introduce yourself to the other people you'll be sharing a bathroom with. I met some of my best friends by doing that. Also remember that everyone there is probably feeling the same way that you are.
Don't be afraid to go eat at the dining hall alone. I know in high school that was something that everyone thought was lame, but in college eating alone can be great. You can get work done before class or just have some time to yourself to think and relax. But never pass up an opportunity to go and eat with friends.
If you don't want to go out one night, you don't have to! Some of the best memories can be made by staying in and hanging out with your friends. You don't always need to go out to a party to have fun, but they are fun when you do go. And always remember to never pick your drink back up after you put it down!
Definitely utilize the student recreation center. They have a ton of cool classes and programs that you can get involved in, plus it's a full gym too. Going to the gym is a great way to relieve stress and extra energy.
The freshman 15 is only real if you let it be real. Personally, I didn't gain any weight when I went away to college my first year. I believe that the freshman 15 only happens when you let it happen, so just because ice cream for dinner sounds good doesn't mean you should do it all the time!
Most importantly, have fun. College is honestly the best four years of your life and it goes by really fast, so make sure to make the best of it. You'll make lifelong friends and experience so many new and exciting things. You're going to kill it at school and I'm so incredibly proud of you.
