Now that my first semester of college is coming to a close, I've put together a list of things that I wish I had known going into it.
1. It's a transition.
I know that every adult and teacher tells you that before you go off, and you probably just nodded your head and said yes. Or at least, that's what I did. You think you have it all together and it's going to be great and easy. That everything will simply fall into place. It may seem that way for the first week or so, but then you'll realize that this isn't a sleepover and you aren't going home Sunday morning. Changes happen and things take time. It is a transition.
2. Stuff happens.
College is a learning experience for everyone. Especially for freshman. It's our first time being away from home (for real) and our first time living independently. Mistakes will be made. Things will happen to you. But you have to accept them and move on. Learn from them. This is easier said than done, but it's true. I still haven't fully learned how to do it myself. It takes time.
3. You can sleep instead of going out.
This I kind of already knew, but in the wake of peer pressure and not wanting to seem lame in the beginning of the year, it can be hard to say no to going out. If you're not in the mood, don't go. Not worth the time, effort or loss of zzzzzs. Nobody is going to notice if you aren't there. Way too many people to take into account. Sleep is important.
4. Being sick at school sucks.
This was another one that I had been told prior to coming to school but never really thought anything of until it happened to me - the first week of school. It sucks waking up sick, going to school sick, and having to do everything on your own, without your mom there to do it for you. It can be upsetting and sad but it will be okay. You'll be fine. You can tough it out and stay here - unless you get Hand Foot Mouth. Then you should probably go.
5. Alone time is hard to come by, so take it when you can.
Being at college is like being at camp. You are never really alone. Unless you have a single, you will rarely find time to have the room to yourself. It's important to take advantage of it while you can and take time for yourself. There are those who can be around people all the time and there are those who can't. I'm an independent person and the type of person who enjoys my alone time. I can't be around people 24/7 or I lose it. There's nothing wrong with not hanging with your friends so you can read or watch a show alone in your room. Do it.
6. No more Netflix.
I didn't realize how busy I would be every single day. I always find myself wanting one or two more hours, just so I have some time to relax. Over the summer, all I did was watch Netflix. All the time all day long. In high school just as well. Here, not the case. There simply is no time for it. There were a couple days in October where I just had no work for some reason, and I was able to watch some shows for a little. But then it started right back up again. You are always going to be busy.
7. Freshman 15 is not as easy as you think.
I was horrified of the notorious Freshman 15. At home I ate so healthy all summer, eating the same thing for my meals every day and having a routine. I was worried that at school I wasn't going to eat that way and wouldn't exercise. Now it's reverse. I eat worse when I'm at home and don't exercise there. Frankly, I don't have time to sit around and snack here at school because I'm so busy. The dining hall is an adjustment and slightly troublesome because it's an all you can eat buffet. Portion control people. It's important.
8. It's all going to be okay.