When I first graduated high school, I was scared to death.

College sounded so intimidating and difficult. Teachers always talked it up to being impossibly difficult and parents warned you about what can happen with too much freedom. While these warnings do have some merit, there are so many wonderful things about college that make it so much better than high school. I have included a few of my favorites.

1. Freedom
When you come to college, you are given freedom in every aspect of your life. You get to choose when to eat, sleep, go to class, and do homework. Or you can simply choose NOT to do these things.

2. Classes
I guarantee your high school didn’t offer classes like History of Country Music and Human Sexuality. In college there is such a large variety of classes that anyone can find something interesting to them. 

3. Scheduling
You now get to schedule your own classes! That means no more 8 a.m.'s for you! (unless you’re a freshmen or just incredibly stupid). It also means that you don’t have to go from 8-3:30 five days a week. How did we even manage to do that?! 

4. Naps
It's like pre-school all over again! Going to class for a mere three hours of the day allows plenty of time for a power nap which usually turns into a 3-hour nap (at least if you're me). 

5. No dress code
There are no teachers sending you to the principal’s office because your shorts are too short or your shoulders aren’t covered. Most college allow for much more freedom of expression when it comes to your clothing. 

6. A long Christmas Break
In college, you get at least a month off for winter break. And if your school does it right like Vandy, you take finals BEFORE winter break so you have a few weeks of pure bliss and relaxation. 

7. A variety of organizations
On a college campus with so many students, there are organizations to fit all interests. There are service related organizations, club athletics, Greek life, and so many others. It’s also super easy to start your own club on a college campus. 

8. Night life
In college, there is something going on EVERY night; whether there is a concert, a frat party, or just a group of friends getting together to watch TV, there is never a dull moment. 

9. A variety of people
You get to meet people with different hometowns, perceptions, and ideas. They will challenge you and help you become a better-rounded person.

And most importantly……. 

10. The opportunity to reinvent yourself
College is the time to try new things, make new friends and discover what you want to do with the rest of your life. You are no longer confined to the cliques and pettiness that often comes with high school.

High school is still really great, I am certainly not trying to bash it because I had a very positive high school experience. I made lifelong friends, I have some great memories, and high school gave me a great foundation for success in college. But as great as high school is, don’t be too sad because you still have college to look forward. You can cry after college because the real world is much scarier and not as fun.