As a soon-to-be college sophomore, I like to pretend I have at least a little bit of wisdom about growing up. Although I am still in shock about freshman year and the summer being over, I have had some time to reflect on the past school year. Freshman year of college is a time for many students to learn. Not only do students learn a lot about chemistry and calculus, but they also learn a lot about themselves and what it means to be living on your own for the first time. Here are 8 non-school-related things you will learn your freshman year of college:
1. Exactly how long you can go without doing laundry.
Nobody wants to pay for doing laundry in the dorm's washers and dryers or spend all the time it takes to do laundry. Luckily, freshman year will teach you exactly how long you can go without having to do a single load, because trust me, you will wait as long as possible.
2. Drink your water and eat your veggies.
Your mom won't be hovering over your shoulder telling you to eat your veggies anymore, you'll have to do that yourself. After the first few weeks of eating unhealthy dorm food, you'll realize how much better you feel when you eat nutritious food and how much your mom was right all along.
3. Nobody knows what they're doing.
It is okay to change your major four times in a semester. College is a time for growing and learning about yourself. Frankly, everyone is a little lost and clueless about what they're doing with their life.
4. How many hours of sleep you can function on.
The library is open almost 24/7 for a reason. You might spend late nights studying for that upcoming test, research paper, lab quiz, and final essay all due the next day. Luckily, you may find that you can function off less sleep than you originally thought. Thank goodness for coffee.
5. Do things you don't think you'll like.
You never know what organization or club you'll want to join. College is all about trying new things so go out and do something you normally wouldn't do. Become part of Greek Life, join a club, become a tutor, make friends with someone you don't know. You never know what might come out of it.
6. College will fly by faster than you think.
Its crazy for me to think that 1/4th of my undergrad has already passed by. College is so packed full with fun that you won't realize how fast it's actually going by. Be sure to take in and enjoy every moment.
7. Old friendships will fade-and thats okay.
All those people you knew in high school will slowly fade out of your life, and that is okay. People go their separate ways and change as a person, don't feel obligated to stay friends with everyone you knew in high school. Everyone grows up and moves their separate ways.
8. You will miss your parents.
So give them a call, tell them you love them. It means more to them than you probably think.