As I near the end of my first semester in college, I thought I would look back on what I've learned so far. Obviously college is where you go to get an education, but you learn just as much outside of the classroom as you do inside.
1. If you're not a morning person, don't try to take morning classes.
At the beginning of the semester it's not too hard to wake up for a 9 a.m. class, but once you get a few weeks in, making it to class just gets harder and harder.
2. Your meal plan will either be more or less than you expected.
Personally, I have way too much money left on mine. I know people who have already spent all of their money, though, so it can go either way.
3. Professors aren't that scary.
Before I got to college, I thought that the professors were going to be so intimidating and mean, but I've had the opposite experience so far. All of my professors are very nice and understanding.
4. Campus doesn't feel as big as it looks.
When you first move in, campus feels like an entire country that you have to explore. Once you get used to it, though, it's really not that big.
5. It's okay to stay in.
Yes, you should definitely go out and experience all that college has to offer you, but it's okay to stay in whenever you feel like it. Grab a snack, get in your pajamas, and hang out in bed with a good book or movie every now and then.
6. Your roommate is going to annoy you at some point.
Sharing a room/space with someone that you don't really know for a whole year is bound to cause a disagreement at some point. Even if you were best friend before moving in together, seeing that much of each other is eventually going to make you annoyed with each other.
7. You'll have the type of experience that you set up for yourself.
If you set out to have a good time, you will. If you go into something expecting the worst to happen, that's what will happen. Stay positive!
8. Some people get to college not knowing basic things.
Sometimes you'll wonder how people made it to college. Like when someone leaves bagel bites in the microwave for too long and sets off the fire alarm at one in the morning. Or when you're in a sophomore level English class and someone still doesn't understand the difference between to, too, and two.
9. Even with a lot of people around, it can still be hard to meet people, and that's okay.
If you're like me, it's not easy to go up to strangers and make conversation. It's tricky to make new friends, even when there are a lot of people to choose from. Just make sure to talk to people in class when you get the chance, and try to put yourself out there sometimes.
10. No one cares if you actually get dressed for class, or if you just show up in what you slept in.
Personally, I like to try to put an outfit together most mornings, but unlike in high school, you can wear almost anything and no one will care.
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