In the last month I have undergone the biggest change in my life thus far: going away to college. College was always something that I looked forward to. Entering college was actually terrifying, but somehow I felt at home here within the first few weeks. Most of the community is super open minded and accepting. Strangers often let you talk to them no matter what. Moving into college has taught me a variety of things, some of the most important lessons that I may learn in my life.
1. I didn't have to worry about not making friends
When I was preparing to leave for college, I was incredibly worried about making friends at school. I was coming to Clark without knowing anyone, and it was terrifying. I knew that there were people who had already made friends through social media, and that scared me. However, I really didn't need to worry. In the first week I had already become really close with those who lived around me and some of the people in my classes.
2. Attend review sessions
In high school if I had heard that there was a study group or a review session for an upcoming test I would have ignored it. Why did I need to go to that? I could study on my own. However, as my first exams crept upon me I realized how important review sessions would be. In one review session for biology, the professor went over a concept that was an exact question on the exam. Had I not attended that review session, I would have lost ten points on my exam. Review sessions are incredibly important if you want to do well, so take advantage of them.
3. Always do the readings
This goes along with the above point; readings are also incredibly important. In high school if reading was assigned, most people would write down "no homework" in their planners, or they would simply ignore the reading and sparknote it the morning of. In college, this is almost impossible. Lectures will not go over the reading and it is expected that you have it completed for that class. Also, exams will probably, most likely have quite a few questions based off reading that you are supposed to have read, so please, abandon those old habits of not reading.
4. Classes are different than high school
This is kind of obvious, but still, they are extremely different. For starters, if you are taking a lecture class, be prepared for a drastic change. Most likely in high school you did not have classes of over 100 students. Also taking notes in college is much different than in high school, hopefully your professor posts the slides from the lecture so you can properly take notes on that.
5. It's okay to stay up late every once in awhile
This is still taking me some time to get used to. In high school I went to bed super early to ensure that I got enough sleep for the next day. In college almost everybody is still up super late doing homework or just hanging out. It is taking a lot in me to stay up with everyone. You may pay for it in the morning, especially if you have a 9am, but if you go to bed at a reasonable time most nights, it is okay to stay up and hang out with your friends (just don't do it every night).
6. Habits will change
You're living on your own for the first time, without your parents, or siblings. It is a drastic change and you are likely to change with it. For example, you may not have made your bed at home, but in college you might, or vice versa. Your cleaning habits are bound to change, for better or for worse. Don't expect to be the same person at the end of the first month as you are when you begin.
7. I'm glad I didn't get into my top school
I was crushed when I got rejected from my top school; I had fallen in love with this university and could picture myself there, without a doubt. In the end, I am at the school that was third on my list (not last), and I couldn't be happier. I never expected to end up at Clark, but I am so glad that I have. I have met some of the nicest people ever, I have found some super cool classes that I am excited to take in the future. This is my new home.
