Don’t rush your mom on move-in day. She is going through a lot, and you will be completely lost without her in one week, I promise. Listen to her as she stalls in your room because she doesn’t want to leave. What she is saying is actually important and you will regret rushing her out when you don’t know how to do your own laundry in two weeks. Give your roommate space. Get to know them and all their quirks, but venture out and make other friends. You will need time away from them, and will appreciate the space. The person you met on Facebook months ago may not be what you expected, and you will need an escape from them.
Keep in touch with your friends from high school. The kids you grew up with know you better than anyone, and you do not want to lose those bonds. Call, text, and see them as much as possible. Introduce them to your new friends and move on in life together. Be honest, but respect their boundaries, everyone needs their own space. Do not think you are better than your classmates you graduated with, or live with the mindset, “I am so ready to get away from this town.” You will miss your hometown, your family, friends, and the little restaurant you always went to.
Visit your grandparents before you leave. They will ask you a million questions, most of which they have already asked you. Ask them about their stories when they were your age, show interest in them. They will not be around forever, you could be very surprised with what they tell you, I know I was. Go out on Friday and Saturday night, go to parties and dance the stress away. Drinking is OK if done responsibly with people you are comfortable with. Learn from the high school sweetheart who broke your heart. Don’t dwell on the past, learn from them for a brighter future. Things did not work out for a reason, and you will waste too much time and energy trying to salvage them. Appreciate the people who stayed in your life, and who supported you through this entire journey. Save your high school teacher's email address, it will come in handy more than you think.
Join clubs, and participate in intramural sports programs. You will make most of your friends through these. The freshman 15 is a real thing, but can be easily avoided. Try something new, or continue activities you participated in high school. You will have way too much free time if you don’t. Appreciate your meal plan. The dining hall is no home cooked meal, but you will learn to make due. Make friends with kids in your classes. All-nighters will be necessary, and are more productive when you have a partner. Show school pride and go to sporting events. Put your phone down and enjoy the moment. Keep your own style. You have a fresh start to be who you want, so choose wisely. Remind those who are important to you, and how much you care about them. You will make plenty of mistakes and how you grow from them is what really matters. So pick yourself up, go out, and try something new. Make last minute decisions with friends, live spontaneously. You have four short years to figure your life out before you have to participate in the real world. Enjoy every second of it.
