Happy back to school season! We're all almost through our first semester and for some of us it's our first year of college. The transition is tough, especially when you're leaving home and places you're familiar with. So, we look for advice from the people we admire and are closest to; our parents, our friends, and Michael Scott.
1. Being Homesick
No matter if you're going to school a town over or two plane rides away, you are going to have to bare the loss of high school friends and the loss of your queen sized bed. Take it from someone who's been there, time absolutely flies in college. It's okay to miss what you're comfortable with, this being your hometown or your high school clique. On the contrary, counting down the days to leave will only make it worse; live in the moment and enjoy what is the best four years.
2. Your Roommate
We all have flaws; yes, even you. Living with someone after you've spent maybe eighteen years of your life sleeping alone is a huge transition. The easiest way to live in harmony with someone is to accept their quirks. For example, I sleep with a noise machine every night and my roommate likes to go to bed late. Having a roommate who is your BFF is awesome; remember we are all going through the same thing, and we all need someone there for us at the end of the day.
3. The Parties
Ok, enough beating around the bush. A huge part of college is the social scene and with that comes parties. There is no pressure about drinking and going out; this really surprised me about college. Sometimes, pregame, party, afterparty, and bed by 4:00 AM isn't for everyone. If you do go out it is important to know your limit and keep a cautious eye on your friends. In the end, parties are supposed to be fun! So, be safe, and if you're at Elon dance your heart out to "Closer" by The Chainsmokers.
4. Classes
Sorry guys, you aren't paying a few tens of thousands of dollars to party and leave home, we are all here to study and learn a job. Procrastinating is really easy, take it from someone who finished 'Summer Heights High" before noon. Doing your work and going to class will not only make your parents proud, but it will make you feel good about yourself too. In most case scenarios, teachers allow a certain amount of absences before it starts to affect your grade. So, do your work and go to class. Take advantage of the library and tutors your school has to offer. Learning in college is awesome because it's about something you are passionate about, rather than the required gym class in high school.
5. Relationships
People say college is just four years of hook up culture, but if that's not what you're looking for it doesn't have to be. I've seen it all. I have seen people loving a long distance relationship, people in open relationships, people who found a significant other in college, and people having fun in what is modern day "hook ups". Whatever you decide to do it is important to only do what you're comfortable with and to be vocal to your partner. Also, crying over a guy is never a good idea. I repeat, NEVER CRY OVER A BOY.
6. The Experience
If high school wasn't your thing, you are going to absolutely thrive in college. College, in my opinion, is the best four years of your life. It's completely normal to feel homesick or question yourself at times, but when will you ever have an experience that is like college ever again? So, have an absolute blast and take advantage of all your opportunities. Meet new people, go to classes, join clubs, make lifelong relationships; do it all.
