There are so many things that you will learn once you get out on your own at college. Life outside the comfortability and familiarity of your hometown will teach you plenty. While you will learn so many interesting and valuable lessons in the classroom, often times, you learn your favorite lessons outside of it. Here are eighteen things that I have learned during my first semester of college.
1. Not all friendships are going to last
When you first get to college, a lot of people are so excited to make friends and meet new people that they kind of cling to the first ones they get along with. While these relationships can make you feel comfortable for awhile, not all of them will last, and that’s OK. You will all meet your own people and find your own place and can still say “hey” when you run into each other on campus.
2. Dining center food gets really old, really fast
A buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every single day? Wow! Nothing could be better, right? Wrong. It took me less than a month to realize how much I didn’t care for the dining center food. Quesadillas every Tuesday and burritos every Friday used to be exciting, and now I can’t help but to roll my eyes every time I see the menu. I never truly appreciated home-cooked meals the way I should have before moving to college, but now even something as simple as homemade spaghetti is amazing.
3. Studying with your friends (usually) results in no studying getting done
“We’re actually going to study this time, OK?” Yep, happens almost every time. If you’re anything like me, you cannot keep your mouth shut! Quiet studying lasts for maybe 5-10 minutes until some--usually pointless--thought pops into my head that I just need to share with my friend. If your friends are anything like mine, then they will listen to whatever nonsense you are talking about, and your quick comment will turn into some 30 minute conversation. Be mindful of this. Studying is important.
SEE ALSO: The End of the Semester, As Told By Ross Geller
4. There is something for everyone
Do not stress about finding your place. There is a group, club, activity, niche, for everyone. It may take a little time, or you could run into it the first day here, but I promise you will find something that you are looking for.
5. You need to choose a major that makes YOU happy
Take it from someone who switched from engineering to English and Spanish after less than three days of her engineering classes. ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF. If you aren’t happy somewhere, you will find happiness somewhere else. Once I made the switch, a literal weight was lifted off of my shoulders--I felt free. Do something you’re passionate about--even if it raises the “oh, so what are you going to do with that?” question.
6. You will find people that will be in your life forever
I met a lifelong best friend (who will definitely be in my wedding) on the FIRST DAY of college. We spend almost everyday together--it’s actually kind of a problem. Everyone from home knows all about her, and it seriously feels like we have known each other our whole lives. Meeting people like this is so awesome and makes you feel more at home.
7. How much you appreciate your at-home relationships
You'll meet people who you love and wouldn't trade for the world in college, but you will never forget how much you appreciate your relationships at home. Coming home for Thanksgiving break was almost therapeutic. Sure, I knew I missed my closest friends and family while away at school, but I didn’t realize how intense these feelings were until I finally got to see each and every one of them. It was so nice being able to spend time with people I hadn’t seen in over three months and everything just going back to normal. You realize that distance really can make the heart grow fonder and how much you really love and appreciate these people--even if you only get to see them once every couple of months.
8. How awesome literature is
Good golly, literature rocks. Books, short stories, poems, podcasts, films--you name it. Words are impactful and have the power to make such a significant difference in not only you, but in the world. There is a piece of literature for everyone! This doesn’t go without saying that of course there are some horribly boring and terribly written/directed/casted/whatever pieces of literature, but at least for me, there is always some unexplainable satisfaction and joy in finding something that inspires me or changes my perspective on something. I have read and watched things that I know will stick with me forever. (Read, it's fun!!)
9. You WILL miss your family and there is nothing wrong with admitting it
“Are you talking to your mom AGAIN?” Um, yes. Sometimes I feel like there is this expectation that once you are in college, you have to be strong and independent and you shouldn't need to rely on your family anymore--except for paying your U-bill, am I right? Anyway, I’m sure you are strong and independent, but you can be both of those things and still miss your family terribly. Moving to college has caused my relationship with my mother to grow even stronger than it was before, and even though I was so ready to move on and get out of the house, I find myself missing it all of the time. Once I got here, I kept hearing people say they were trying to “distance themselves from their family.” WHY? You’re already moved out of the house (and far away for some people.) Keep these relationships strong!
10. Nobody cares about you
OK, not in the mean way. Literally one of the first things I thought once arriving at college was how much better college is than high school. No one cares about what you’re wearing, who you’re talking to, what your interests are, who you know, or who you were before you got here. Those topics were undoubtedly common ones amongst high school friends and peers, but seeing and feeling this difference is freeing and something I really appreciate.
11. Taking care of your mental health will benefit you in so many ways
Admitting you need some extra help dealing with everything life is throwing at you is not weak or something to look down upon. I promise that if you get past that awkward (and painstaking) first step of reaching out for help, you will not regret it. Your mental health should always be at the top of your priority list--you cannot function properly if you are not in a good mental state. You will thank yourself. I promise.
12. If your bed is lofted/bunked, you WILL slip or fall on the ladder
It took me a few months, but I finally did it! I slipped off of the ladder on my lofted bed! Just when I thought it would never happen. It’s pretty much inevitable--no matter what you think.
13. That you are such an adult
Alright, I am going to start off by saying that I am definitely not a fan of the term “adulting.” BUT I will reference it once (and just this once) out of convenience. I was totally independent before college, which I do believe helped with my adjustment into the college lifestyle, but once I actually got here, I realized just how independent and “adult” I really was. I began making important and impactful decisions during my first few weeks here, and continue to make them as the weeks go on. Adulting (ugh) is cool! Don't let this fool you, though, I still have so much to learn.
14. It will seem as though you are constantly sick with something
No matter how much you sanitize, clean, and wash your hands, you will get sick. It feels like I've had a constant cold since I got here. It's just something you get used to.
15. Hats will become your best friend
I literally never wore hats until I got to college. Now, I wear one at least once or twice a week. Hair look terrible? Maybe you haven't washed it in a few days? No problem, just throw a hat on!!
16. You actually have to study
Coming from the girl who in high school never studied and passed with As and Bs--life will change drastically once you get here. Solid A work in high school is now solid B work. In most cases, you will have harder material, more assignments, and tougher exams. I am still learning how exactly to study, but I know I'll get it down someday.
17. How nice alone time really is
Once you get to college, suddenly everything feels as though it is some group event. You are never truly away from anyone. You (probably) share a room with someone, communal bathrooms are a thing, there are hundreds of people everywhere all of the time. While all of this "group" time is a nice learning experience, nothing is better than getting a few moments alone--or as alone as you can be. Sometimes it is just so nice to take yourself out on a coffee (or smoothie) date, do some homework by yourself at the library, or eat a meal by yourself.
18. Most importantly, it is OK to stop and ask to pet every single dog you see on campus
It brightens your day. Everything feels lighter and happier for awhile. Do it every time.
