We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: being a high schooler is very different from being a collegiette. Believe it or not, some of your current study habits could hinder your life in college. So how do you know if your habits are not college-approved? Check out our top high school habits you should break before you step on campus.
1. Not studying for tests
For many pre-collegiettes, high school exams were a breeze—you barely studied and still made the honor roll. Glancing at your study guide may be working out for you now, but college exams tend to be more difficult. So why not change your studying rituals before you receive your first college syllabus? “You want to start with a strong GPA, so you don’t have to explain bad grades from your first two years when you apply to grad school,” says Roxanna Coldiron, a senior at Hiram College. Let’s not forget that having a low GPA is bad news in general—applying to scholarships, internships and jobs won’t be easy if you’re flunking math…and bio…and sociology.
Most pre-collegiettes don’t love writing outlines and creating flashcards, but we can assure you that all the hard work will pay off. If traditional studying rituals bore you to tears, get creative by taking breaks or rewarding yourself after a night of hard work. Knowing how to prepare for an exam can prevent you from pulling a counterproductive all-nighter or bombing your first test.
2. Eating Junk Food 24/7
Pop-Tarts for breakfast; chips and French onion dip for lunch; pizza for dinner, and of course there’s dessert. Does this sound familiar? Though you may love munching on whatever’s available, greasy and delicious, a collegiette’s first year at school is almost synonymous with the dreaded freshman fifteen. Your love of junk food combined with an unlimited dining plan and somehow having that late night pizza place on speed dial is a disaster waiting to happen. Indulging in your favorite treat is inevitable; however, adopting some healthy habits before you head to college will help you avoid unwanted pounds. We’re not saying you should go gluten-free, dairy-free or vegan (unless you need to for medical reasons)—we all need a cupcake or a juicy burger every now and then. However, we do suggest that you start making healthy choices, which can be as easy as swapping that bag of chips for an apple or drinking water instead of soda (yes, even diet soda). Before you know it, you’ll be craving something delicious and nutritious!
3. Sticking to the “high school uniform”
No, we’re not talking about actual uniforms. Instead of donning an ensemble that reflects their personal styles, many collegiettes sport jeans, a hoodie and comfortable, yet unstylish, boots…everyday. Believe it or not, dressing like a collegiette is very different from dressing like a pre-collegiette. College is the time to discover who you really are, and that includes finding your own style. Though you don’t need to turn into a mini Man Repeller, it’s time to sport some new pieces. Start your personal style search by creating a Pinterest board of looks that you like. Whether you treat yourself to a mini shopping spree or steal your big sister’s clothes (we won’t tell if you don’t), look for items that reflect your Pinterest board. If for some reason the look isn’t flattering, it’s back to the drawing board (literally). Once you take a couple of fashion risks, you’ll be more open to trying new trends. It looks like there’ll be a new fashionista on your campus!
4. Not reading your class’s assigned books
So maybe you didn’t actually read Great Expectations, but the Spark Notes version is good enough, right? Wrong. We hate to burst your bubble, but the amount of reading only intensifies once you’re in college. And we’re almost positive that you won’t get an ‘A’ on that college literature class if you only read the summaries. Instead of watching that new episode of Pretty Little Liars, take some time to actually read the book—you can always watch PLL online later! Plus, you can wow all your new friends with your literary expertise!
5. Relying on your parents to clean up after you
We love our parents for a number of reasons: they’re our number one (and two) fans, they helped us with our math homework when long division was a challenge and they have always been there to…clean up after us. Even though they give you a slew of chores, you know they fold your clothes and clean your dishes when they think you’re not looking. Though having your personal wait staff sounds like a dream come true, your parents won’t be there to wash your dishes or do your laundry once you’re a collegiette. Instead of accidentally shrinking your favorite dress or having some creepy mildew grow in your coffee mug (ew), start cleaning up after yourself now. If you’re a domestic novice, don’t be afraid to ask your parents for some help—it’s also a great way to squeeze in some pre-college bonding time!
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6. Being too shy to make new friends
Perhaps you’re not one to make new friends in your biology class or join a new club all by yourself. We know what you’re thinking: why would you need to unleash your inner social butterfly when you already have a solid group of friends? As fabulous as your pre-collegiette friends are, they won’t be there once you step on campus. Think of widening your social circle in high school as practice for when you meet people at college. Branching out can be as easy as striking up conversation with your lab partner. But what are you supposed to talk to your high school’s token jock about (especially if you don’t know the difference between offense and defense)? College! Simply asking your new friend what he or she wants to major in will break the proverbial ice. If you can start conversation with someone you’ve known (but were never friends with) since kindergarten, meeting new people in college a lot easier.
7. Being too afraid to ask for help
Wait, aren’t you supposed to become “independent” in college? There are some things you should be able to do on your own, such as your laundry, but don’t be afraid to ask for help when you actually need it. “Before college, it’s definitely good to get the ‘I can do everything myself’ mentality out of your head,” says Lily Herman, a freshman at Wesleyan University. It may seem like you have to take care of everything by yourself, but we bet your school has a plethora of people who are happy to help you out. Struggling in that calc class? Some schools have student tutors—a great way to make a new friend as well. Or perhaps you’re stressing over your grueling schedule. Instead of suffering through a hectic semester, talk to your academic advisor. Let’s not forget that your student health service center is always there when you’re feeling a little under the weather. Whether you want to know if that cute shirt from Forever 21 comes in another color or you have no idea how to order your graduation cap and gown, ditch the know-it-all attitude now and ask for help. Before you head off to college, don’t forget to take a look at those college pamphlets you wanted to throw away but your made you keep. That way, you’ll be prepared if (and when) you need a little guidance.
8. Procrastinating
Don’t deny it: everyone procrastinates a little bit. We don’t blame you—why would you want to write that grueling essay when your crush was just tagged in some new photos? But if you’re the type of pre-collegiette who is scrambling to finish that problem set ten minutes before class, your procrastinating habits will be a problem in college. With demanding classes, a bevy of interesting extracurriculars and new friends to bond with, it’s imperative to manage your time in college. To avoid feeling overwhelmed the first month of college, start managing your time now. Create a daily schedule or to do list. Need some incentive to get everything done? Reward yourself for sticking to your schedule—we suggest an extra hour of television.
9.Your (not-so) little spending problem
You like to shop. No, scratch that, you love to shop. Whether you memorized your parents’ debt and credit cards or are spending your own money, frivolous purchases almost always lead to a problem—especially when you’re in college. Though a splurge doesn’t seem so bad at first, it all adds up. That quick fix during your boring lecture, plus a spree at your campus’s bookstore plus purchases during your study break equals trouble. Before your love of shopping skyrockets into a call from your credit card company (or even worse—your parents), start budgeting yourself. First, give yourself a spending limit for a certain length of time (ie: a week, a month, etc.). Figure out the amount of extra spending money you’ll have after you calculate how much all your necessities will cost: gas for your car, lunch at the cafeteria and tickets to Bradley Cooper’s latest movie (because that’s obviously a must). By the time you get to college, you’ll be so used to watching what you spend that you won’t be too tempted by those super cute pumps you love but know you’ll never actually wear.
10. Arguing with your family
After eighteen years with your family, they’re starting to drive you crazy. You think your dad is over-protective, your mom is a little too pushy and don’t even get you started on how annoying your younger brother can be. Between your raging pre-collegiette hormones and spending too much time with your own flesh and blood, it’s only natural that you get a little irritated with them every now and then. As much as you want to become an emancipated teen, we think you should hold off on that and make an effort to stop arguing with your family. You may not think so now, but you will miss your family once you’re at school and wish you didn’t spend your time at home arguing with them. If you wave the white flag now, there’s also a good chance your weekly video chats at school won’t end in a disagreement. Since you won’t be fighting over little things, like getting home ten minutes late after your curfew or forgetting to wash the dishes, your relationship will your family may also get easier once you head off to school. Ergo, you may feel a little guilty that you didn’t stop fighting sooner. When your family members are starting to push your buttons, head to your room for some much-needed “you time.” Whether you blast Mumford and Sons through your headphones or spend a half hour reading articles on Her Campus (not like you don’t do that already), removing yourself from the situation will allow you to clear your mind. Once your blood has stopped boiling, you can actually cherish those family dinners and long car rides to your grandma’s house.
11. Ignoring texts
Unless it’s an emergency (or you’re chatting with that adorable boy from homeroom), you’re not the best at responding to texts. “I’ll text her later,” you tell yourself. But instead, you completely forget to respond to your bestie. Sure it annoys your friends, but you can always catch up on the latest gossip the next day at school. As you make that paramount transition from pre-collegiette to collegiette, it’s time to ditch this habit. When you’re at school, texting is one of the best ways to stay in touch with your home friends. We’re not saying you should be glued to your phone for the next four years; however, it’s important to be updated on your best friends’ lives. Turn over a new leaf by replying to your friends soon after they text you (unless you’re driving, walking across the street, in class, etc.).Go the extra mile and shoot your friends a text asking how their days are going. Not only will this help you stay connected in the future, your new friends at school will also appreciate your promptness.
Like any bad habit, these won’t disappear overnight. But with some effort and dedication, you’ll be ready to take on college. Good luck!