We have all seen the movies about what college is like; late night trips to eat, endless nonsense, and dealing with a completely impossible situation that you will somehow overcome all while doing well in every aspect of life. Now while this may be true, I am going to tell you exactly what is absolutely true.

You can never find a good parking spot after 9 a.m.. Unless you have an early class or just get up to make sure you are going to get a good spot, you better pack a water bottle for the hike to class. This isn’t just true at massive universities either. I go to a small-mid-sized university and I still have trouble if I am not here early. For whatever reason, colleges just don’t have enough parking. So when you are on tour and your guide says “I have never had trouble parking in my 3 years here”, know that while they may be the unicorn that always finds a spot at 2 in the afternoon, chances are that you will have to drive around for 30 minutes and drag race people for the open spot.

Anything the school sells will be insanely overpriced. With every student that goes to college, you would think that we could get some slack from the place we are already paying to come to. This is unfortunately not the case. Something that is $1.50 at the T-Mart across the road from campus will undoubtedly cost $3.50 or more here. If you can, buy your own drinks and pack a lunch. I know it is hard when you have been up for what seems like 3 days straight, but your wallet will thank you.

The library will be your second home. If you choose a major that is challenging in the slightest, the library will be where you spend most of your days. I cannot even count the days that I have looked at my phone and it was 1:30 then looked again and it was 9:30. This is the place where many bonds will be made over how much everyone hates the assignment, how ridiculous this teacher is, and how many hours you all studied for a test. Embrace it and always know that when no one else is there, the library is always there for you.

It is so easy to get out of shape. This is not the one that anyone wants to hear, but when you have been at school for 16 straight hours, no one wants to go to the gym or cook when they get home. I promise you, though, you will really regret it if you let it get out of control. It is so easy to eat cereal and sandwiches every day, but don’t. Eat healthily when you can and move around every day. An hour at the gym will help you more than physically.

You will meet your squad. College is nearly impossible by yourself. There is just too much to try to do alone. Eventually, you will meet your study group and they will be your family away from your family. They get the struggle because they are in it too. These are the people who will stay up with you till 12 or 1 to finish work. They are the ones who pick up the slack when you have a test and they don’t. Be grateful for these people. They are the ones who will likely be by your side when the chaos that is college is all over.

Enjoy college. It is a time to grow and find out about your future. Just don’t get caught in the trap that Hollywood makes it out to be. Know what you are getting into, embrace the crazy, and finish it. It will be awesome if you know what to expect.