As my first year of college winds down, I've been reflecting on everything that has happened to me this year. I didn't know what exactly to expect coming to a Big Ten school when I had gone to small schools my entire life. My freshman year has taught me so many invaluable lessons that will guide me through the next three years of this journey.
You'll miss home more than you think.
Whether it's your dog or home cooking, there are things about home that you'll miss. Not everyone adjusts easily to college and being away from home, and that is OKAY. Going home every now and then is great for relaxing and getting away from the busy college life, but don't spend every weekend at home because you'll miss out on some of the greatest memories.
Sleep is rare. Cherish it.
When you're juggling classes, hours of homework, exercise, eating three meals a day, student orgs AND trying to have a social life and relaxation time, sleep is hard to find. You'll find yourself up until the wee hours of the night, but the good thing is you'll usually have your friends struggling right there with you.
Not everyone likes Greek life.
It's no surprise that people hate on Greek life, which is fine. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I have friends that don't like sororities, but that doesn't mean they don't like me. I have met people who have reacted negatively towards me because I am in a sorority. I've learned that I don't need the latter group in my life if they can't support me. The same goes for greeks- just because someone doesn't like greek life doesn't mean he or she isn't a cool person. It's important to keep an open mind and expand your social circle past your sisters or brothers. You don't know what amazing people lie outside of the greek bubble until you take a step out of it yourself. College has taught me to accept people who don't judge me based on one group or organization I am in.
You don't have as much money as you think.
No matter how much money you saved over the summer, you will still be broke by the end of first semester. So remember, that 2 a.m. pizza isn't worth it when the dining hall food is going to suck during the week when you actually want real food. That t-shirt for that event isn't that cute, and you probably won't wear it often, so why waste money? That coffee… actually, scratch that, spending money on coffee is always worth it.
Your friends will be your greatest blessings.
Whether you met through your sorority, in class or on your floor, the friends you make in college are your family. I would not have survived my freshman year without the friends I made this year. They have been with me through all the ups, downs, laughs, tears and sleep-deprivation. They keep the smile on my face while I struggle through the day on two hours of sleep. They know when I need a night in but know when they need to drag me out of my bed. They support me in all the decisions I make and will always gladly be my shoulder to cry on. I can't imagine having gone through my freshman year without them, and I don't know how I'm going to survive three months apart from them.
