Believe me, college definitely has its perks; but there are some things that not many people, especially high school students, stop and think about. The idea that one becomes, or will become, more independent and in charge of their own being is great, but with this new sense of freedom comes a lot more responsibility. It's up to you to make sure you go to class, eat (hopefully more than once a day), and take showers regularly. Listed below are a few of the many differences between high school and college.

1. Eating.

High school: *Breakfast* *Break bell* *Lunch bell* *Has dinner at home*

College: When did I last eat?

2. Money

High school: “Hey mom, can I borrow $10?”

College: There is none.

3. Free Stuff

High school:

College:

Who am I kidding? Everyone loves free stuff. Especially food.

4. School events

High school: Lame. Except prom, but still probably lame.

College: I never knew I would be so excited about Pingo (Prize bingo), create a critter, or riding a mechanical shark on a Thursday night at 8pm.

5. Going to bed early

High school: “You went to bed at 9pm? What are you, 5?”

College: You went to bed at 9pm? How did you manage that?!”

6. Pulling an all-nighter

High school: Spent playing video games or watching movies.

College: Spent surrounded by homework, drinking a Red Bull in the library, and the possibility of 2 (or more) mental breakdowns.

7. Summer classes

High school: Only the “bad kids” or those who misbehaved took them.

College: Only the “nerds” and those who wish to graduate on time.

8. Living with friends

High school: Consists of staying the night two nights in a row.

College: You will probably grow to hate each other but you wouldn’t want anyone else there.

9. Jobs

High school: Working at the local McDonald’s or Dunkin'.

College: Working at the local Dunkin, Papa John’s, or (illegally) stealing the returnables from each floor of your dorm building.

10. Teachers/Professors

High school: Dress nicely.

College: Sometimes get confused as students due to their wardrobe and swearing.

11. Dress code

High school: Can’t wear spaghetti straps, no provocative shirts, no hats.

College: Sometimes you dress in a t-shirt and jeans, sometimes you wear a mini skirt or a shirt with a naked lady on it, and other times you wear a flying squirrel suit while riding a skateboard. It’s called balance.

12. Failing a class

High school: *Panic mode*

College: "Welcome to BUS 125."

"Hi, I'm Fred, and this is my third time taking this class."

13. Grades

High school: Anything below a B felt like the world was going to end.

College: The phrase “C’s get degrees” may become your motto. However, I do not condone this and recommend you still try your best!!

14. Textbooks

High school: Already paid for and provided by the school.

College: Find yourself a sugar daddy/mamma.

15. Exercise

High school: "Do you want to go to the weight room after school?"

College: *Raises hand* “Is crying an exercise?”

16. Spare time

High school: Hang out with friends and watch TV.

College: Watch Netflix and realize as you start another episode that you’re probably forgetting about a paper that’s due at midnight.