As I reach the end of my freshmen year of college, I decided to look back at the beginning and think about my expectations for the year, and the surprises I encountered along the way. College is a huge adjustment, and so many people tell you what to expect and what you should do to prepare, but nothing is like experiencing it for yourself. That being said, I do have some things I learned along the way, so if you are in the need for advice, look no further.

Dear Naps: I’m sorry I hated you as a kid

YOU NEED TO SLEEP. Now I know this is in like every single “How to Have an Awesome College Experience!!!!!” book or article or what have you, but that is because it is so important. I don’t think I have ever napped so much in life until I got to college, but naps are often what gets you through the day. Having dispersed classes, extracurriculars, and any sort of job or social activity create a booked schedule, often late into the night or into the wee hours of the morning. It’s a bit unrealistic to get to bed before midnight at college, but if you have the opportunity to do so, TAKE IT. These extra hours will help you through your busy weeks, and naps will help you catch up even more.

Reading the textbook vs. Going to class... What’s the difference?

In a lot of cases, nothing. In the majority of my classes and a lot of my friend’s classes, the professor covers everything in the textbook in class, so reading word for word and extensively isn’t entirely necessary. However, there are some exceptions to this, so make sure you read your syllabus or get a grasp on the layout of the class before you forget about the book.

So wait, if my professor is just going to cover the book in class, I don’t have to go, right? Wrong. Many times, the professor will take attendance on random days and count it heavily in your grading. So it’s probably in your best interest to go to class… unless you can finesse an A out of a 0 attendance grade. If so, you are a lucky soul indeed.

The Freshmen 15

… is a real thing. Coming to college and having your very own meal plan is an exciting thing, especially when you can get fast food without having to spend your real money, because “it’s on my meal plan!!!!”. But before you swipe your shiny happy student ID to get Chick-fil-a for the third time that week think about how quickly you will put on the pounds from eating exclusively fast food, and also how quickly your declining balance or flex or whatever your school calls will be gone and how all you will have left is the dining hall- which isn’t all that much healthier if you aren’t careful. Budget your meals, eat green things (I know it sounds scary but it’s not that bad), and limit your soda. Sooner or later you’ll get used to it, and you’ll be better off in the long run.

YOU get a shirt, and YOU get a shirt, and YOU get a shirt!!!

Colleges like to give out a lot of free things. TAKE THEM. GO TO FREE EVENTS. College is a lot about getting an education, and one of the best lessons you can learn is how to get as many free things as possible. College kids are broke. We like free things. And you can never start too early, just a little heads up…

Toto, I don’t think we’re in high school anymore

And praise the lord for that fact!! You’re a college kid now, so that means leaving some things in the past. Not studying for tests like senior year? Cancelled. Being petty and cliquey in friend groups? Please do not. While there is a lot of other things that change coming to college, the main point is to realize that you are going to change, and that is a good thing. You shouldn’t let some of your old habits hold you back, and furthermore, have old friends hold you back. College is your experience, not anyone else’s. Make it your experience, and don’t worry about anyone else. It’s easier here than at any high school, I promise.