When I was a senior in high school I couldn't wait to get to college. I was going to be "on my own", or at least that's what I thought. Don't get me wrong I don't miss high school, but it would've been nice to have more realistic expectations before jumping into the college scene head first.
So for all of you about to graduate and head off to a university, here are some common misconceptions about college I wish I wouldn't have believed.
1. "You're going to be completely on your own!"
While being away from home does bring a new found independence, you can't do everything by yourself. You're going to have times when you need to fall back on your family and friends to help you out. Whether it be money, a flat tire, or maybe you just need someone to talk to, it's always okay to ask for help.
2. "No 7 hour long days, school is going to be way less boring."
Um yeah... NOPE! Try sitting through an hour and fifteen-minute lecture with 50 other students and then you'll know what the true definition of boredom really is. Not to mention if you're super unlucky (like me) you'll end up in a three hour night class.
3. "I don't know anyone, it's going to be so hard to make new friends."
When you first move on campus just know that everyone is going to be in the same boat as you. Yes, there some people that already know other students but let me just tell you that you're in the majority. Everyone is new and figuring everything out just like you, so talk to people in your dorm and classes and just put yourself out there.
4. "Living away from my parents is going to be great."
Two words: communal bathrooms. There are wonderful custodians who regularly clean the bathrooms, but at the end of the day it's still a public restroom and it's going to be gross a lot of the time. You're also in a super cramped dorm 3 feet away from another person that you might not know.
Obviously, this is a great way to meet new people but just try to enjoy your own room and bathroom while you still have it.
5. "I had straight A's in high school, how hard could college be?"
Here's an actual representation of me checking my grades every week. In college, you'll have to buy $1,000 worth of books in order to pass and you'll probably end up using them to teach yourself because your professors in college don't really help you at all.
Don't let this take your excitement for college away, everyone's college experience is different and depending on the school you might have it a lot easier than some. Go into it with an open mind, just don't believe anything if it sounds too good to be true.
College is fun but you also have to work hard and stay on top of your game or you're going to fall behind. Just remember to go to class, use the library as a resource, put yourself out there, and try to make the most out of it!
