Through the trials and tribulations of my first year of college I have found the most amazing friends and still somehow managed to stay socially involved while not letting my grades slip through the cracks. Here are a few things to remember when closing the doors of your high school career and getting ready to take the leap into the next big chapter of your life.
MAKE THE CHOICE OF SCHOOL YOUR DECISION AND YOURS ONLY.
All too often we let the opinions of those around us dictate our choices. These next four years are yours to take by the reigns and no one can do that for you. Your mom, dad, boyfriend and grandma can make all the suggestions they would like but ultimately this is your life for the taking so pick the college that best suits you and your future goals.
LET HIGH SCHOOL STEREOTYPES GO.
High school is a time when we are so desperate to fit in we often ignore what we are truly passionate about because we are afraid our interests are not worthy. We join teams because our friends are on them, we don’t join certain clubs because the members have a reputation of being “weird”. Don’t let that attitude follow you to college, stop pretending to like things you don’t, join a club that fits your interest and become who’ve you always wanted to be.
MAKE NEW FRIENDS BUT KEEP THE OLD.
I have met some of my very best friends in just a few short months in college. While yes its true that you will meet so many new people; some of whom will grow to be some of the most important people in your life don’t forget about the ones who are at home. You may find out you only have a few real friends left at home and that’s okay, but don’t completely write them off your first few months into college.
LEARN TO MANAGE YOUR SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC LIFE.
As I’m sure you’ve heard thousands of times, college professors don’t care if you don’t show up to class, they will continue to teach the material with our without you. College is full of parties and fun social outlets and while it’s perfectly acceptable to engage in these activities, don’t lose sight of your academic career. No one wants to be the person who doesn’t come back after first semester because their GPA was too low.
MASTER THE ART OF LIVING IN SMALL PLACES.
Dorm rooms are both a blessing and a curse, while I loved my freshman year roommate some of you may not be so lucky. Living in a cramped, rectangle shaped, box for months at a time can be extremely confining. Understand that you are not the only one living here and be considerate your roommates space and personal belongings. (Thanks, Libby, for accepting my messiness.)
CALL YOUR PARENTS.
I have a really strong relationship with my mom and called her every night the first month of college, but as time went on I got busier and was able to call her less and less. Eventually I was such a mess not being able to talk to her I drove all the way home on a spontaneous trip just to see her face. Being away from everything you’ve ever known is both terrifying and refreshing however, don’t forget to be thankful for the ones who helped get you here.
TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES & MAKE LOTS OF MEMORIES.
As cliché as that sounds its true, these are the times in which you will want to remember forever. Take pictures of the friends you make, the places you visit and anything else worth capturing the moment. The memories you make will stay with you forever, document them.
