Transitioning from high school to college in two words would be: the-best-thing-ever and hell. If you’re not in a different state, you’re still far from home and away from your mom's heroic cooking and laundry skills. Not ideal. You’re definitely going to have to make something of yourself now. Come high school graduation, you’re going to get a lot of advice from people close to you and that odd friend of a friend of the family, but these are the top 5 relationship you need to focus on to make sure your college career is smooth sailing.
5. Your Resident Advisor/Mentor
Your RM (or RA) is going to be your go-to consultant for at least your first two weeks of college. From getting the best food on campus to figuring out where a building is to roommate issues, this is going to be your number one gal or guy. For me, I loved my RM. She lived right next to me on our hall style dorm and there was many a time that I was banging on her door to see if she was still awake or if she wanted to grab dinner. Unfortunately, some resident advisors may not be as cool as mine or are located on a different floor or way across on the opposite side of the building. But their purpose in life is to help you with any immediate concerns as an incoming student so use them.
4. Your Professors
I’m sure since high school literally everyone told you, “Make sure you get to know your teachers, they’re the ones who will be writing recommendation letters for you.” As annoying as that was, and I’m sure you brushed them off or rolled your eyes just like I did knowing that I didn’t need to be told what to do, you need to talk to your professors. And not even just after class or whatever -- be involved in class discussions! If it’s a huge lecture hall, so what? Raise your hand because you know you and probably half the class know the question but are too afraid to speak up. But definitely, definitely, definitely go to your teachers after class and their office hours when they offer them. I’ve been able to get about four recommendations from the same professor for different opportunities because I was the only one who went to his office hours (and I still talk to him now, 3 years later)!
3. Your Roommate
This one is essential to surviving is a small space for an entire year, sharing a fridge, bathroom or just room in general. You don’t have to love each other, but being able to let the other know when you need some personal space or to ask if her and that obnoxious boyfriend can hang out somewhere else is vital to making it work for an entire year.
2. Your Sister/Brother/Cousin
I’ve found that sibling relationships usually flourish in college. In part because you're no longer blamed for not doing the dishes or having your clothes stolen from you, but because you have some time apart and actually miss them. Growing up with siblings in the house, or if your family is really close and you’ve grown up with your cousins, means that strengthening your relationship with your sibling is definitely a blessing, especially when you come home for the holidays and you’re able to just hang out.
1. Your Mom
Once you leave home and realize you don’t have your mom waiting for you at the kitchen table after you get back from classes and ready to vent, you really appreciate her so much more. Being able to call someone at any time in the day knowing that she’s ready to talk about even the most random details of your life is just one small reason why the most important relationship you need to focus on in college is the one with your parents, especially your mother.
