I know you were expecting to open this article and me talk about sex and alcohol, but I can assure you that it isn't going to happen. Coming to college I realized a lot of things. You gain many things in just your first couple of weeks of school, but at the time time you also lose some things too. If you think you can relate to my struggles and successes, feel free to continue reading!
Things you lose:
I'm going to start off on the down side so that this article can end on a good note. You lose things in college sometimes, and let me be the person to tell you like it is.
1. High School friends
Now, I know that some people keep all of their high school friends because they were super popular, but not everyone has that luxury. From personal experience I can tell you that I barely keep in touch with any of my friends from high school besides maybe three. People move on and make other friends, and that's okay. You start to find lifelong friends in college, and that's what matters.
2. Track of time
Time goes by way too fast in college. At the beginning of the day I get overwhelmed and excited about what I am going to that day, then it goes by so fast I feel like I have no time to enjoy it. My best advice is to make sure that you buy a planner. Plan everything out a week or two in advance so you always know what is going on. This is also a good idea to keep you from over-booking.
3. The ability to skip class without major consequences
This may not be the case at larger schools, but I attend a small university. If we miss a class three times, we can lose our financial aid and our scholarships. Just go to class and everything will be fine.
4. Sanity (sometimes)
Already I know that I have slowly lost it. Staying up late and studying is no joke, and you WILL find yourself doing it. Study your butt off, but make sure you take a break sometimes too.
5. Money
Even though you may have a fancy scholarship under your belt, you still have to spend money. A university usually finds a way to charge you tons of money for every little thing like parking tickets and your music being too loud.
Things you gain:
1. College Friends
Although I may have lost friends from high school, I have gained so many amazing friends in college. (Joining a sorority helped me a whole lot.) I know that all these amazing people will be standing next to me for the rest of my life, and that every one of them will be at my wedding or other life-changing events.
2. Weight
The freshman 15 isn't something to screw around with. You have to try to eat well and exercise or else you will fall victim to weight gain. Have some granola and head over to Zumba, and you will be golden.
3. I.D. Discounts
Your student I.D. can get you so many things. You can get free stuff, discounts and even coupon codes with it. You will appreciate the money you saved in the long run!
4. The ability to throw high school dress codes out the window
Hello Nike shorts and tank tops! Leggings! Chubbies! Your shorts don't have to be at your fingertips! You want to wear ripped jeans, wear them! Want to wear pajamas, go ahead! Nobody will judge you; we all feel the same way.
5. A deep appreciation for your parents
We all know we took our parents for granted in high school. Once you get to college you realize how much it really means to have parents that supported you and gave you money. Because, to be honest, we are all broke as crap, and we need our parents. But, you learn how much you need them and love them. So, don't forget to call your mom!
