As a college student, I couldn't wait for my 21st birthday. I looked forward to enjoying a (legal) drink or two at dinner, going out with my older friends, and having a chance to visit fun cities that cater to the 21+ crowd (Miami, Las Vegas, etc); however, behind all the fun, I learned there was much more to being 21 than going out every weekend.
1. Your friend group is bound to change
At 21, we are all still growing, prioritizing ourselves, and preparing for the real world, so don't freak out if you drift away from people you thought would be in your life forever. At the same time, you can never have too many friends! Since turning 21, I've met so many amazing people I'm glad to call my friends. Whether it's at your favorite bar, in class, or on vacation, you're bound to meet people you click with.
2. Most boys still suck
Just because he can legally purchase a beer at 21 doesn't mean he's any different than he was at 20 (or 19, or 18, or any other age). I'll admit, I used to believe that boys would be more mature at 21 than they were at 18. Was I wrong? Absolutely. Lots of college boys are still not looking for anything serious, regardless of age, so don't get your hopes up. I learned this one the hard way more than once.
3. Going out all the time isn't always possible
On my 21st birthday, as well as the next few days, I was going to happy hour, staying at the bars until close, the whole nine yards. As fun as it was, I knew going out every day wasn't realistic. I highly recommend going out on your 21st if that's what you're into, but don't forget to take some days off, either. Your body, bank account, and GPA will thank you!
4. Your body is still changing, and that's okay
You'll most likely never fit into the size 00 PacSun jeans from high school again...and that's okay! Our bodies are still going through changes in our early 20's, so learn to embrace it instead of running from it. Plus, it's another excuse to go shopping...who doesn't love that?!
5. You'll start to feel old (even though you aren't)
There's something about being able to go out (legally) that makes you think "Damn, I'm so old!" Maybe it's running into freshmen girls at your favorite fraternity party, or maybe it's buying your own alcohol, but feeling like a grandma is an experience we all have at least once. Imagine how I felt when the bartender didn't card me!
6. A lot of your old favorites will be just that: old favorites
You'll most likely trade the sticky house parties for a night downtown. You may also go out less than you did before, especially if you used to go out several days in a row. As a 21 year old and college senior, I enjoy 2 or 3 nights out a week rather than 5 or 6. With that, bars with primarily upperclassmen are more appealing than ones packed with underclassmen and fake IDs.
7. Travel to big cities is more fun
Sure, you could go to Nashville, Las Vegas, Miami, or New York at any age, but turning 21 gives you full access to the city's entertainment. I lived in New York for a few years in grade school, but it's not the same as going with your friends in your 20's. I had the opportunity to visit Miami and Las Vegas with my friends since turning 21. Since these two cities definitely cater to the 21+ crowd, I likely would have had less fun if I visited these places earlier.
As I get closer to my 22nd birthday, I am thankful for everything I experienced at 21--the good, the bad, and the ugly. Go out, have fun, and make memories you'll laugh at and look back on. You're only 21 once!
