Well, the time has come for my last, first day of school! It's crazy how time flies. It seems like yesterday I was in elementary school with my biggest worry being what I was going to do at recess. Now, I wake up every morning at, like, six to start my long days filled with work and school. Like seriously, where did the time go? I have loved college so much and don't get me wrong, I'm excited to graduate — but the thought of being in the real world with the excuse of "I'm a student" no longer being valid really scares me. This next semester is going to be bittersweet, as it will be my last. As I look ahead at what's to come, I can't help but get excited, but there are definitely some things I'm going to miss.
1. Student discounts.
I think this is the thing I'm most upset about. I mean really, who's going to know that I'm not still in school? Technically, I can probably get away with this for a bit longer but still, you get my point.
2. Free tickets to sporting events.
The student lottery for sports might be stressful, but it's worth it when you come out with a free ticket. I'm dreading the day that I come back as an alumna and actually have to pay to get in to watch the game. And I can't forget the tailgates. We would be out there all day, starting first thing in the morning. I don't really think it will be acceptable to be out there will all my friends once I have graduated and got a real job.
3. Free stuff.
Whether it's a student appreciation day on the Campus Green, a Fall Festival or Convocation — you can't beat walking around and getting a ton of free stuff. From coupons, to cups, to coozies and more; as a college student, you'll take anything.
4. Organizations/clubs.
Sororities, fraternities, academic clubs, service clubs, athletic teams and more — not having these constants in my life anymore will definitely be something that will be hard to get used to.
5. Help from parents.
Being in college automatically means being broke and it sucks. Your bank accounts hardly ever reach the hundreds because you're always spending money on something. But because you're in college and have to spend more time focusing on school and your grades, you can't work as much, and most of the time parents are understanding of that. Once you're out of college — not so much. My parents keep saying how "excited" they are for me to graduate because that means no more help from them. Way to just kick me to the curb, mom and dad!
6. The excuse of "I'm a student."
This is seriously the holy grail and can be used to answer all of the following questions: Why are you tired? Why are you late? Why is your hair a mess? Why haven't you showered? Why is your room a disaster? Why can't you get your life together? Why have you been hungover three days in a row? Why did you go out every night this week? And pretty much anything else you can think of.
7. Naps.
I constantly find myself taking multiple naps a day, but once I get a full time job, that's got to go. I look forward to the countless hours I get to spend in my bed watching Netflix and napping but once I am no longer a student, I think that might be frowned upon on the weekdays.
8. Just rolling out of bed and going places.
I am notorious for waking up, brushing my teeth, throwing my hair up, grabbing a pair of shoes and going. I don't think that once I graduate that it'll be socially acceptable to do that anymore. As much as I love the comfy, grunge look, it will sadly have to stay behind in my college days.
9. School supplies.
My biggest weakness, my guilty pleasure and probably where half of my money goes. What am I going to do when I don't have an excuse to buy new school supplies each year? From the binders, pens and pencils, to the backpacks and notebooks — I just love them all so much. I guess I'll have to cool it on the supplies. Sorry not sorry, never giving up my planners.
10. The events.
In college it seems like there is always something to do. The back-to-school bashes, pool parties all day and the countless mixers — you never get bored. There really isn't anything better than getting all dressed up to go out with your friends; whether it's a bar, a frat house or a mixer, they are just too much fun.
11. Sleeping In
When you're in school, you probably aren't working a nine to five job every day of the week, so naturally, you get to sleep in. This is something that's going to be really hard for me because I love sleep more than I love myself. If you have AM classes every day then you're probably already used to not sleeping in, so you're one step ahead of all of us.
As excited as I am to start my journey in life post-college, I know that what I'm leaving behind is going to be really hard to say goodbye to.
