Want to know what effect college has on you? When people ask me how old I am, I have to pause and question if I’m even 19 anymore. The first semester of freshman year is long gone, and it is not acceptable to get lost or walk in late to the wrong class anymore. Every now and then, you’ll find yourself pulling on doors that obviously need to be pushed, but that is OK because second semester is extra tough.
You might have made a mistake like me and took on three extra hours that weren’t necessary, so you have found yourself swamped in homework. The library is now where you hang out, you have no time to eat, you are exhausted and Thursdays just aren’t what they used to be anymore. Well, it’s because 20 is peeking around the corner. If you haven’t noticed the signs of becoming old, here are four.
1. Thursday, Friday and Saturday aren't lit anymore.
Why? Because you barely go out anymore, you can't stay up past 12 a.m. and you don't even care to find out where the party is happening anymore.
2. Your idea of fun on a Friday night is watching intramural basketball games because it takes less time to throw on running shorts than it does put on heels and makeup.
3. Working out is a must because your metabolism is nonexistent.
I go to the gym a minimum of four times a week because if I don’t, I would gain at least four pounds a week. If you are lucky, you can keep your weight constant and only work out two days a week while watching what you eat. If you are in college and over 20, you better not eat a thing or you’ll gain the Freshman 15 that couldn’t latch on to 19-year-old you.
4. Netflix isn’t just a thing you use for free time anymore; it’s basically everything you do.
I watch Netflix Sunday through Saturday. If I’m not in class, I’m watching Netflix. If I’m doing homework, I’m watching Netflix. If it’s a Thursday night, guess what. I’m watching Netflix.
College does many things to us all, aging us both mentally and physically. At the end of your first semester, we all become older on the inside, but if you are lucky, only on the outside. Netflix is not used for "chill" anymore, finding a significant other becomes more realistic, working out is no longer optional, and the weekends are used strictly for stress relief and homework. I thought I still had until I was at least 28 years old, but oh well.