Graduating from high school and getting ready to go off to college is something that brings much excitement along with it. Along with this excitement however, is the fear of all the unknowns that you'll be faced with. Here are some of the main things I've learned after my freshman year of college, and you might discover too.
1. You’ll miss your mom. A lot.
She’s always been there for you when you need her, and whether you go to college close to home or out of state, not having her there all the time can be tough. She’s the one who gives the best advice and always seems to be the one to guide you in the right direction. You’re going to have days that are tougher than others, but you just have to remember she’s only a phone call away. She’s most likely been in the exact same shoes as you, and can still give the same advice through the phone, minus the hugs.
2. The freshman 15 is real.
You might think that all the walking you’ll be doing and the stress of your new environment will shed some pounds. While that can be true, it can be packed back on very easily if you aren’t careful. You’ll be surrounded by a ton of food options, and the majority are probably not the healthiest. Calories are everywhere and add up fast, like from a night out with your friends, and the late night stop for pizza afterward. Not to mention your usual Starbucks run just to help you function for class and the free food that is constantly offered everywhere. Food becomes such a social event in college, from birthday dinners, getting to know new people, and not to mention the tempting dessert shops all around campus. Enjoy it all in moderation, and hitting the gym when you can find time, is the best way to avoid the dreaded weight gain.
3. Your roommate will either become your best friend or your enemy.
You’ve probably heard numerous things like, “You shouldn’t room with someone you’re already friends with” and “getting a random roommate is too risky”. In all honesty, everyone has a different roommate experience no matter if they already know the person, or have never met before. I’ve known some people to room with a best friend of theirs, and they end up clashing, and I’ve also known people who have become even closer from it. A random roommate can also be scary, but soon it might seem like you’ve known them for forever. You’ll never know how living together will turn out, but by setting some boundaries and establishing common ground on what you both are and are not okay with is always the first step to having a good experience. If you have a good attitude about it and try not to let the little things bother you, you might end up with them being one of your best friends.
4. Take care of yourself.
Coming to school, it is almost inevitable that you’ll get sick a lot more than you did at home. Being around a ton of different people who all touch the same things and live so close together, it’s almost unavoidable. Things you can do to help combat this is cleaning your dorm often, and watching what you put into your body. You’ll feel much better and more energized if you try to steer clear of greasy foods, choose water over sugary drinks, and exercise. When you do get sick, try to make an appointment at your campus clinic early so they can get you in and treated as soon as possible. Adding in hard classes on top of it all, sometimes the stress that comes along with that and all other aspects of college can take a toll. Sometimes taking the day off every once in a while is just the small break you need to get back on track.
5. That cute boy is probably not going to be “The One.”
One of the many exciting aspects of coming to college is all the new people you meet and seeing all the potential friendships and relationships right in front of you. Many people meet lifelong friends in college and maybe even their lifelong partner. During your first year of college, there are too many exciting possibilities ahead of you to be discouraged when that cute guy from your class or that athlete that paid you attention suddenly disappears and you don’t hear from them anymore. Instead of focusing on getting into a relationship, as attractive as the idea sounds, this time should be focused on making memories with the people that you know won’t just leave like that. Spend time with your friends, continue to have fun and meet new people, and focus on your own personal happiness. You have to remember that you can’t allow your happiness to depend on anyone but yourself.
6. Put yourself out there.
Living in a totally new place with new people can be very hard at first, especially if you don’t know anyone or don’t have any friends there. You’ll start to get to know people in your dorm, your classes, and you’ll also meet a lot of new people if you choose to rush. Joining a sorority is what helped me make the most friends, but a lot of those friendships started from putting myself out there and stepping out of my comfort zone. If you’re anything like me and you aren’t necessarily the most outgoing person who makes friends as easily as others, it can seem a little scary, but you just have to remember that everyone is in the same exact position that you are. Although it may be scary and uncomfortable, you’ll have the most positive experience by taking advantage of the opportunities to make new friends.
7. Your high school friendships may dwindle, and that’s OK.
If you don’t end up going to the same school as your high school friends, not being around them every day might cause your friendships to weaken a little. While this can be sad, it’s just part life. You’ll be busier than you think with classes, studying, and hanging out with your friends that you’re around every day. Some of your new friends might even become closer friends than you had back home. With that being said, don’t let that take the place of your friendships that still are and always have been important to you. Keeping in touch by giving them a call when you can, and getting to see them when you go home, is enough to keep that old friendship strong while also having your new friends.
8. Make the most of every single day.
The best part about college is the freedom. Freedom from your parents, freedom to make your own choices, freedom to figure out the person you want to be. Having the power to make every single choice that involves you is part of what makes this the best part of your life so far. You get to choose the people you hang out with, the things you want to do with your time, it’s all up to you, with no one else dictating at all. This power is a liberating responsibility that makes every day filled with new possibilities. New people to meet, new passions to discover, and new things to learn about yourself. The time goes by so much differently when you start living this way, and your weeks fly by in comparison to the painfully slow hours spent in the high school classes. Allow yourself to be whoever the heck you want to be in college, because everyone else is too busy doing the same exact thing to care about you and what you’re doing. Don’t sweat the little things like you did in high school. You have no one to worry about now but yourself, so let this be an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to enjoy every second of it.
