As my first month of college comes to a close tomorrow and I begin month two, I felt it fitting to reflect upon all the experiences I've had in the past thirty days, both new and familiar. These are the things that I feel like I have done more times in the past four weeks than I have done in my entire life prior to entering my freshman year.
1. Said my own name.
With all the new people you meet in the first month of college, your name comes out of your mouth more times than you can count.
2. Told someone my major.
If I had a dollar for every time I said "I'm an English major, what about you?" I wouldn't be in debt.
3. Swore.
With as many times as you're going to get lost, lose your ID, or forget what time your classes are, it's easy to let a few expletives slip out. Just try not to call your professor anything too bad. They probably won't appreciate it.
4. Done laundry.
Back home, my mom had to practically beg me to do my laundry. Here, I've done it three times in the past four weeks. Am I #adulting yet?
5. Declined offers of eating out.
All the stereotypes are true; college kids are broke. As much as it hurts me, sometimes I have to turn down that McDonald's and head to the caf for some cereal. College is all about making the tough decisions, guys.
6. Run out of money.
Enough said.
7. Stayed out too late.
I'm not much of a party girl, but I can never say no to a midnight walk around the neighborhood. My 9am class has nothing on my squad.
8. Regretted my decisions in the morning.
All the coffee in the world couldn't wake me up for 9am Sociology after a night out with my best friends.
9. Gotten lost.
No matter how many times you tour, campus will always be quite confusing the first time you try to navigate on your own. It definitely took me some time to figure out where the hell I was going.
10. Walked somewhere.
The Freshman Fifteen has nothing on all the walking I've been doing. Leaving my car at home is the best decision I ever made, because walking everywhere is ten times better!
11. Ate outside.
My campus has so many beautiful spots outdoors to sit and eat with friends, and I'm proud to say I've taken advantage of them. There's nothing better than sitting in the sunshine with your best friends and just chatting over lunch before your next class.
12. Stayed up past midnight.
Whether for a walk, Netflix marathon, or classwork, I think there's been only a handful of nights in college so far where I've been asleep before midnight. Caffeine has become my one and only friend on these nights.
13. Been homesick.
Sure, I can FaceTime my friends and family whenever I want, but it's never the same as being there with them. As much fun as I'm having here, I can't help but feel a little sad when something happens in my friends' lives and I miss it.
14. Met new people.
Between orientation activities, open-door dorms, parties, and classes, you will meet at least three new people every day for your first three months of college, guaranteed. Don't worry about remembering their names; the best ones will stick around for a while.
15. Been thankful.
Every day I've been here has been an adventure, and every day I've been so incredibly thankful for the opportunity to continue school. Yes, it's hard, but so, so worth it.
16. Loved life.
High school sucks for some of us most of us, but I can promise that college is so much better. There's no limit to what you can do and achieve, and there will always be people around to support you. And that, I believe, is what makes life so beautiful.
