11 Things I Learned When I Went Away To College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

11 Things I Learned When I Went Away To College

Life Lessons Mom and Dad Can't Teach You

133
11 Things I Learned When I Went Away To College

There are some people who choose to stay home for college and others decide to go away . Although going away to school seems exciting, there are just some things that we can never anticipate. College is definitely an experience within it's self and there are just some things we learn through that experience . This is something mom and dad can't teach you , but you learn on your own throughout the years at school.

1) The microwave is your best friend

Most colleges do not offer full kitchens so your second best option is a microwave. You can cook all different things from roman to frozen meals. It’s kind of amazing the different things you make in a microwave. You can even learn to make eggs in a mug!


2) The library isn't just for books

A lot of college students find their dorm room distracting. The library is a good option to those that need a quiet space to do homework or study. Most people have never even touched a library before college. When they have gone to the library it was for a class project or a personal book to read. The library creates a great space to zone into your schoolwork

.


3) Always look at the price tag

Since you’re away from home majority of the time you pay for everything yourself. Sometimes mom and dad may help out , but not a lot of people are that fortunate. That $50 dress you liked from the mall; maybe think again. College makes you realize that you cant buy everything. Something are just not worth draining your bank account.



4) It's okay to roll out of bed

A lot of college students tend to wake up right before class starts. The days of waking up early are over and every chance you can sleep its necessary to take. So that means sleeping in to the last possible second. College is all about taking every opportunity you can which includes sleeping in



5) Sweat pants are totally acceptable to wear to class

There's no need to dress up for class. Who are you going to impress ? your professor ? I think not. Dressing down is a very acceptable for college students. Especially if you don’t need to dress up why should you. Besides , why wouldn’t you want to be comfy in a classroom for 55+ minutes.



6) The dining hall isn't always the best option for food

Slowly but surely you will realize that most things in the dining hall aren’t always the best quality. Whether it’s buffet style or a set menu, the dining hall will get sickening after a while. As many options as there is , food will never seem appetizing in the dining hall.



7) The bus schedule

Whether you’re taking the bus to the mall or downtown to a party, the bus will become a regular use. Being away at school, on average people use the bus at least once a week. Eventually, you will learn the schedule/ pattern of the bus stops. Or if your horrible at timing, download the bus app or look up the schedule on your phone. It will come in handy when needed.

8) The vending machines come in handy

The dining hall isn’t always open and there’s only so much you can cook in a microwave. The vending machine doesn’t always have the best options, but for a late night snack they come in handy. If you’re lucky they might have your favorite candy.

9) The professors don't always know your name

Depending on the size of your school classes can be anywhere to 20-1000 people. The professor doesn’t always get to know you because of the large number of people. Do not be afraid to introduce yourself to the professor. Who knows when you will need a letter of recommendation in the near future.

10) You're never alone

Having a roommate in college can be annoying, but on the bright side you always have someone with you. Being away from home can be lonely at times. Having your friends super close to you can come in handy. No need to drive anywhere when you can walk across the quad to your friends dorm room.

11) There is no place like home

Home cooked meals and a comfy bed are taken for granted when you go away to college. Going away to school is such an experience, but it makes you appreciate almost everything you had at home. It always you to reflect how you became the person you are today. Besides, it never hurts to come home to mom and dad once and a while.

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

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

14112
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Painfully True Stages Of Camping Out At The Library

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

2792
woman reading a book while sitting on black leather 3-seat couch
Photo by Seven Shooter on Unsplash

And so it begins.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

Camping out at the library is not for the faint of heart. You need to go in as a warrior. You usually have brought supplies (laptop, chargers, and textbooks) and sustenance (water, snacks, and blanket/sweatpants) since the battle will be for an undetermined length of time. Perhaps it is one assignment or perhaps it's four. You are motivated and prepared; you don’t doubt the assignment(s) will take time, but you know it couldn’t be that long.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 14 Stages Of The Last Week Of Class

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1683
black marker on notebook

December... it's full of finals, due dates, Mariah Carey, and the holidays. It's the worst time of the year, but the best because after finals, you get to not think about classes for a month and catch up on all the sleep you lost throughout the semester. But what's worse than finals week is the last week of classes, when all the due dates you've put off can no longer be put off anymore.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments