I am only two weeks away from beginning my sophomore year of college, which is absolutely crazy to me. It seems like just yesterday I was a frazzled and anxious mess, packing up for college and stressing about the whole ordeal. But it wasn't yesterday. It was a whole year ago. Looking back on my freshman year, there are so many things I wish I had known at the end of August before it all began. If you're entering your freshman year this fall, I know your head is jumbled with all sorts of thoughts. So here's what to think about, what to expect, and everything in between.
1. I wish I knew that my high school friendships would change.
Maybe for the better, or even for the worst, but they would indeed change. I have kept in touch with some, still consider some my best friends, but have lost connections with others. It's the way life works and no matter who I still talk to daily, I will always cherish and remember the memories I made with my high school friends.
2. I wish I knew that I overpacked.
Who doesn't love back to school clothes shopping? Especially if you've gone to an all-girls high school and had a uniform. The heat is unbearable for the first few weeks of school and I honestly thought I was going to die of heat stroke about 6,925 times, so I wish I knew I did not need those heavy sweaters or scarves just yet. I also didn't need the endless snacks and "college food" like Easy Mac and little cereal boxes that I never ended up eating.
3. I wish I knew that your roommate does not have to be your best friend.
Well, it turns out mine did become my best friend, but the friendship came with its obstacles, like any other friendship. We had ups and downs, but mostly ups, and I am so glad we shared our first little home together. However this doesn't happen for everyone and I wish I knew to tell others that not all roommate situations work out as planned. If it does work out, great. If not, it's nothing to stress about.
4. I wish I knew summer break is not as great as it sounds like.
The idea of going home for three-and-a-half months to go to the beach, see old friends, and make money seems great...for the first couple weeks. As much fun as I did have, I missed my school so much this summer. I can't wait to hang out every day with my friends and start new classes. College becomes your new "home away from home" and when you're not there, you feel like something's missing. I had a great summer, but the time has definitely come to get back to reality.
5. I wish I knew not having a car on campus is not that big of a deal.
Our school has a shuttle system and although it wasn't always super reliable, it got us to and from the place any college girl needs to take a trip to: Target. My roommate and I definitely made many memories on the shuttle buses, laughing to the driver's dance moves and running through the parking lot to catch the bus. We complained so much about it, but those times are some of the best times I'll remember. If having to take a shuttle is the worst thing that can happen at school, then life really isn't that bad.
6. I wish I knew that the dumb boy is not going to be worth the tears.
Countless nights crying over some low-life boy who just uses my misery to feed his ego is not something I planned on doing in college. But, it happened. A couple times. It sucks to have a big heart and want a fairytale love story where everyone lives happily ever after, but guys actually suck. I really wish I knew that because it would've definitely saved me time, energy, and tears. I wish I knew to not force anything that clearly was not meant to be and realize that I am so much better and can do so much better.
7. I wish I knew that freshman year was going to be the best year of my 18-year-old life.
Super sappy, but it was the best year of my life, hands down. If I had known that this past year would be so much fun, I probably would have been packing the day after graduation. High school is nothing compared to college. I instantly fell in love with the freedom, the people, the classes, and the atmosphere. It was a roller coaster of emotions and events, but I enjoyed every second of it.
8. I wish I knew the year goes by so fast.
Upperclassmen always would tell us they were jealous that we were freshmen. I thought, why would you want to be a freshman again? Now I know why. I haven't even stepped foot on campus as a sophomore yet and I'm already jealous of the freshmen that are coming in two weeks. It's the end of August and they have no idea what is in store for them this year, so I'm very excited for them to experience all of this. Sophomore year has some big shoes to fill.
