Well, that time is coming up soon… Two more months and the new babies of college are flying the coop and venturing into the black hole that is college. While it may seem every blog you read, every Facebook post the “older kids” you went to high school and all the Pinterest pin you’ve probably added to you “college” board have got you covered and you’re prepared for college that’s not true. No one is truly every ready for college. It took me a year, a ton of last minute dorm add on’s a semester into college, a lot of long nights that were not spent studying, and a lot of interesting talks with my roommate to finally be “ready” for college. So here’s what I learned.
1. Have a First Aid Kit in your dorm or at least band aids.
2. There's no way in hell you're going to bed early
I was uber smart, OCD and the biggest routine person ever and while for a semester my roommate had her chance to make jokes about me being in bed by 11:30 p.m. – it doesn’t last. Whether it’s school or hanging out with friends somehow you’ll end up pulling more all-nighters than I could count and 1 a.m. became early to me no matter what school you go to or what they tell you.
3. The cafeteria food is not up to par
Stay away!
It never gets better I promise.
4. Office Hours, Writing Centers, Tutors, Tutoring Sessions
Take advantage of them. Even the Einstein of your class goes to all of these or at least office hours that’s how they’re the Einstein of your class. Plus getting to know your professor not only helps your grade but your future, getting your name out there will come in handy for letters of recommendations.
5. After the first week,dressing up for classes will become as big and rare as a national holiday.
There’s no way you’ll have the energy for looking perfect every day. If you do, you’re that small percentage that everyone is completely mind-blown at. So start building up the Norts collection.
6. Always have a phone charger with your or a portable charger.
No one knows where they’re going after classes or what they’re doing, and no one can afford to be at 5 percent with five hours worth of plans.
7. Get a part-time job or an on-campus job.
Most of us have loads of money from graduation or great allowances from mom and dad, but that only goes so far. Get a part time job for when you run out of money. Also, it’s a great add on to your resume, and we all know the resume is what we’re trying to build.
8. Take advantage of student discounts.
You’re in college, which means the whole nation understands that you’re living a financial struggle bus, and luckily they care. Vineyard vines, J.Crew, and so many other places have them just ask and show your ID. Also signup for studentrate.com
9. If someone asks you to go out, do it!
Whether it’s a lunch date or Wal-Mart run with your roommate, a mall trip with your sorority sisters , or to go out and have “the night of your life” at some frat party with your friends, take the invitation. No one cares how much homework you have or how you’re tired. Yes, college is about education, but it doesn’t make college fun. The fun memories do, and you only have four years to live it up. Don’t take that for granted!
With this being said, live it up. Get out of your comfort zone, befriend people you normally wouldn’t, have crazy nights and become involved. You have four years until you become a real adult and life gets boring.
