10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Into College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Into College

A guide to help you prepare for college.

29
10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going Into College
http://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2016/04/01/635951516633357368898705777_welcome%20to%20college.gif

Going into college, I wish I had something to prepare me for what was ahead. There was a lot I didn't know before I started, and I wish I had a guide to follow that would have saved me tons of trouble.

So here is your guide: these are just some of the things I wish I knew beforehand. I hope it's helpful.


1. DO NOT BUY YOUR BOOKS FROM THE CAMPUS BOOKSTORE!

Trust me, buying the books you need for your classes at your on-campus bookstore will hurt your pockets more than anything. It's all about finding the best deals online. According to the National Association of College Stores, college students spend an average of $655 dollars a year on textbooks. Getting used books can save you a fortune. Also, buying them off of websites such as Amazon, E-bay, and chegg.com will save you money to use for those late nights when you want to order some pizza.


2. AVOID FRIDAY CLASSES (AND 8 A.M. CLASSES IF POSSIBLE)

There is just something about Fridays that make you want to just stay in bed all day and catch up on all the shows that you've missed for that week. I didn't appreciate not having Friday classes until I actually didn't. This one free day in the week actually makes a difference.

Lets not forget about those 8 a.m. classes you signed up for thinking it's no big deal and you would wake up for them with no problem. Well, think again. This would be your first 8 a.m. class and if you actually had a choice, depending on your major, it would be your last one too.


3. MANAGE YOUR MONEY

I cannot stress managing your money enough! There is nothing worse than being a broke college student. One way or another, you need to have some type of income coming in, and just know, half of that income will be spent on ordering food. There are gonna be times when your friends want go out but you will not be able to join because you either spent all your money on food, going home, or buying your books.


4. READ NUMBER 3 AGAIN!

Having money in college is so important. You will have one less thing to stress about. So save up beforehand!


5. NETFLIX IS EVERYTHING


I don't think I've watched so many seasons of shows on Netflix until I came to college. I was even watching season from shows I've seen years ago from start to finish, with half of them having more than seven seasons. I have watched shows like "Desperate Housewives", "Grey's Anatomy", "Weeds", and more. You may or you may not have a television in your room but I guarantee you that you will spend more time watching Netflix on your laptop or cell phone than watching TV.


6. COLLEGE WILL FLY BY



College is flying by way faster than I expected. I remember my freshman year like it was yesterday. Now, I'm about to go into my junior year. It is very bitter-sweet, so I would say, make the most out of those years. I mean, when else will you be able to wear sweats every day, not do your hair, and attend crazy themed parties without getting judged?


7. YOU WILL TAKE LOTS OF NAPS.


I promise you that you will find yourself taking naps so unexpectedly and at the absolute worse times. For example, in the middle of class, while doing your homework, on the phone with your parents, etc. Just know that if you do not get as much sleep as you want, you end up staying awake way longer than you expected. If there is any chance you can fall asleep, you take it.


8. DON'T FEEL BAD ABOUT SUDDENLY CHANGING YOUR MAJOR


Relax. People start thinking they don't have their life together once they switch their major. But that's not true at all, it only means that you are growing up and experiencing new things that you are interested in and enjoy in the world. Finding new dreams is never a bad thing.


9. BEING AWAY FROM HOME IS HARDER THAN YOU THINK.

I was so excited to leave the house and be on my own, but no one told me how much I would miss my mom, my dad, and my sisters. There is not one day I am not on the phone with my mom telling her how much I miss her. I spent many of my nights the first weeks of school crying myself to sleep because of how much I missed my family and friends. It's nice to get away from home but being away really makes you appreciate it all and going home after months of being at school is truly a blessing.

10. IT'S OKAY TO BE YOURSELF.

.,

Going into college meeting new people, and being in a new environment, know that it is okay to be yourself. It is probably the best thing you can do. Please do not try to change yourself just to fit in and to be friends with others. You are perfect the way you are and if they can not accept you for you, just find a new group of friends that will.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

188103
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

13589
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

456871
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26031
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments