Dear High School Grads,

First let me start off by saying that I'm about to burst your bubble. But it's necessary since no one will really tell you what you should expect from your first year at college. Don't get me wrong, college is what you make it and if you put in the effort you'll make some pretty amazing memories. However, it's more stressful than what you might have been told. I'm writing to let you truly prepare for something I wish I was ready for when I was entering my first year of school.

I know this summer you're going to want to spend every waking second with the friends you'll no longer be able to drive 10 minutes to see. But my advice, get a job. If you don't, you and your bank account will wish you did. I can't tell you how many times I was freaking out because I only had $3 in my bank account. If you want to spare that mental breakdown, which I highly recommend because you'll have plenty of time to stress over so many other things, make some money before you leave. Also, textbooks aren't cheap, and unlike high school, are actually necessary for class.

My second piece of advice is to study. If you're like me, you were able to do really well in high school with a minimum amount of studying. I learned the hard way and realized not studying will do you no good. College is a whole different ball game, and professors expect you to be ready to play. Keep your old notes from classes in high school they can actually be really useful. Your professors won't be as willing to explain something to you if you don't understand. If you have your old notes, you have a better chance of learning the material. Go to the library, find your own cozy spot, and crack open a book.

Next, get involved. Whether it's getting an on campus job, joining a club, or being on a sports team, the friends you make at school are the ones you're going to be spending roughly every day with. You want to make sure you have a pretty good circle of friends around, so when you do have an emotional breakdown (it's inevitable I'm sorry) you won't be alone. They say the friends you make at college are ones you'll have for the rest of your life, so choose wisely.

College can be some of the best years of your life. While it's a completely different world than high school, you'll eventually get the hang of it. Don't be alarmed if it turns out to be nothing like you expected because the truth is nothing will ever be as you expect it to be. As long as you remember why you went to school in the first place you'll do just fine. Surround yourself with good people, learn to like coffee, and most importantly don't forget to have fun.

Sincerely,

An Experienced College Student