College is an exciting time in anyone’s life. You are free from high school and from parents, and you are free to do whatever, as long as you have your grades somewhat in check. However, no matter how many preparations you make, it is an adjustment. When I was adjusting, I wish I had known these 10 tips about college:
1) Snacks are Essential
I completely underestimated this rule, however when finals hit (and it’s going to hit hard) you are going to need the biggest bag of protein bars and chocolate you can find. I remember as a first semester freshman having to cram in notes at 2:00 a.m. and having an exam at 8:00 a.m. the next day. However, if you have a giant box of goldfish and 48 pack of Chewy bars, you will be golden.
2) Do Not Bring All Your Closet
For my first year, I had to bring two closets for my excessive amount of shoes and clothes. It was a lot of work bringing them back and forth all year. I believe now just take what you need and a little extra of what you want.
3) The First Friends You Make Won’t Necessarily be the Friends You Have Three Months from Now
Since I grew up with a military kid mindset, I know friends come and go. When we are stationed in a new state or country, we want to make friends quickly and majority of the time the friends we start with are not the life long friends we finish with. However, every case is different.
4) Laundry is a Thing
Laundry is definitely a thing, especially when you are on your last pair of pants. I’d say since there is a limited amount of washers, go on off days, like Tuesdays or Wednesdays. This way you have the washer and dryers all to yourself and won’t have to sit around waiting for them.
5) You Have to Make Your Own Support System
Since your family won’t be as close to you as before, your friends will be your support system. You will learn how to be independent, and it will be awesome but difficult. It will take a lot of getting used to.
6) We are All in this Together, Everyone is In The Same Boat
You are not alone in this, we are all on the same boat. Everyone has to learn the difficulties of adulting. I believe the best thing is just to talk to your friends, and they will be the best support.
7) Find Things That Make You Happy
I believe the best way of adjusting is to find things that make you happy. For me it became painting, joining a couple of clubs and creating dresses. By finding a hobby, it will help you feel more comfortable with the new changes, and find more people that you just click with.
8) Be Prepared For Conflicts Along the Way
The thing about being stuck in a dorm room setting filled with people is that there will be drama. I have experienced a lot, just like many others, and the best decision is to keep a level head and find a way out of it. Detach yourself from rumors.
9) Take Advantage of the Cafeteria
I wish I would take advantage of the cafeteria more often. You should visit it for two reasons: (a) The Socializing Factor: being able to see your friends and just have fun, and (b) The Food Factor: yes, it’s probably not the best food, but it’s food.
10) College Is a Means to a Good Beginning
For me, I believe college is a means to a good beginning, and for some it’s the time of their lives. I believe in keeping it at a steady medium between work and play. If you just think of it as work, you will view it only as that, and if you view it as playing around, you might consider it glory days. We will all gain so much for our future careers, and it’s great to embrace it, however there are so many greater things after this milestone. So be ready for everything