It's that time of year again, students are entering freshman year of college, unsure of what to expect or how things will go. While it's a different experience for everyone we all learn a few new things within the first few days.
1. The campus isn’t as difficult to navigate as you would think.
During orientation, the camps might seem daunting and intimidating, but once you know where things are after the first couple of days, you won't be staring at the map while you wander around aimlessly.
2. If you were already self-sufficient at home, don’t expect too much to change.
Doing your own laundry and cooking for yourself (if you have the option) are not much different from when you may have had to do it at your parent’s house.
3. Eating by yourself can be pleasant.
When you’re sharing a room with someone, and a bathroom with several dozen other people, having a bit of alone-time in the form of a meal is surprisingly nice.
4. Meeting your academic advisor is more important than you’d think.
In the first couple of weeks, make an appointment to meet with your advisor and get to know them! They’ll be an important person to keep in touch with, especially if you plan on a double-major.
5. Find a study spot that’s NOT your dorm.
Sure, it’s your room and you can do whatever you want, but when you’re already reluctant to do an assignment and your bed is less than ten feet away from you, don’t expect to get much done. Many campus buildings often have lounge areas and computer labs scattered about, so you can easily get work done.
6. Having snacks in your dorm.
Sometimes going to the dining hall is not an option (especially at 2AM), so having something to munch on while you finish that paper (or the fifth season of Supernatural), is nice.
7. Living within driving distance of mom and dad isn’t all that bad.
If your hometown is less than two hours away, you have the opportunity to go home more often, and you can pick up things you forgot, or bring back what you don’t actually need. And you can get home-cooked meals. After dining-hall food, you become more appreciative of it.
8. Make your dorm your own.
While you might be tempted to make your room look like a spread from Pottery Barn, resist the urge and instead think about what’s in your bedroom at your parent’s house. What made it comfortable and inviting to you? What colors made several appearances? Don’t worry about making your dorm “perfect”, worry about making it yours!
9. Your personal style will not make a 180.
Unless you plan on buying an entirely new wardrobe, don’t count on it. Clothes are already expensive and honestly the only thing that’s changing about your closet is the size of it.
10. Dorm closets are entirely too small for someone with as many shoes as me.
I have over 20 pairs. Packing was like choosing my favorite children. It was terrible.
