My graduation was full of hard, tedious work that finally paid off. All of us entered not knowing what to expect and unsure of what was going to happen in our next phase of our lives. College was a huge step so it would have been nice to know that it is okay to be excited and nervous about it’s arrival. Looking back now there is a lot I wish I would have known so, here are 10 pieces of advice I wish I would have known about entering college.
- It’s Okay to Cry
No, it really is okay. College is a crazy, confusing, and an emotional time especially in the beginning. It can be extremely overwhelming. That is why it is okay to cry. Just don’t stay sad too long, because there is a whole new world of adventure out there. Change is scary, especially if you are leaving your home for the first real-time, it’s okay to cry as long and hard as you need to.
- It’s Okay to be Confused
At this moment in time, you think you know it all. I know when I first started college, I would never picture myself where I am today. College is the time to truly find yourself and become a real functioning adult without your parents monitoring your every step. You are going to make mistakes and need help but it will all work out in the end.
- Always Welcome Free Food
Anytime you can get a free meal, take it and run. In fact, take more than a meal. If you take enough food you can have two meals. That is two less meals you would have to normally pay for with imaginary money since you’re a broke college student. Don’t be shy about taking food, ever.
- Find Things/Places That are Cheap & Healthy to Eat
Campus food isn’t the greatest, and it’s probably not the best for you either. Paying an arm and a leg for a decent healthy meal isn’t ideal either. Remember that mom and dad aren’t there making you a healthy home cooked meal every night anymore. It’s important to keep your diet somewhat healthy; whether it is picking up some fruit and veggies to snack on from the grocery store or a small healthy café around the corner, just try to find a place that is good for you and your wallet every once in a while.
- Finding the Love of Your Life Isn’t Necessary
Sure, dating can be fun, wild, and wonderful but there is absolutely no rush to settle down anytime soon. If you want to, that is 100% okay. But if you do not find your soul mate in the first week of college, remember you still have the rest of your life to look forward to. Remember your priorities in college, and don’t bend them just to try to find love.
- It’s Okay to Miss that “Big Night Out”
Going along with focusing on your education, missing that big night out will not be the end of the world. Passing Physics is way more important than underage drinking at a nightclub with your friends. Seriously, I know the nightclub sounds fun but taking Physics more than once will make that one night out seem idiotic. You should never have to repeat a class because your partying got in the way.
- Hard Work Pays Off…Most Of The Time.
Crap happens. Maybe you don’t get full credit on a project you busted your ass on. Everything is generally measured on a curve, so sometimes the curve helps you and sometimes it hurts you. Also, there is also that chance you will survive the 4 years of college just to find there are no jobs in the field you studied.
- Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should
Just because you can drink mass amounts of alcohol and run around naked on campus doesn’t mean you should. Public nudity is still illegal, and so is public intoxication (especially of a minor). Also, do not drink and drive. Like ever. Or text and drive. Save lives by using your common sense in situations.
- Your Body Will Change
You will not have the same body you did in high school, this I can promise you. You may be lucky and only gain the freshman 15, but more than likely you will not be that lucky and gain the freshman 30+. Your metabolism has changed. Your lifestyle has changed. A good diet and regular exercise can help battle this weight gain though.
- Don’t Buy Your Textbooks
Well you can if you really want to, but remember you will probably only use it once. Most schools offer a buyback program, but you almost never get back anywhere near what you paid for it. If not, Amazon has a wonderful buy back program that may be worth your time to investigate. Also, price match your books. But in all reality, it is much easier just to rent the textbook or find an e-book that is much, much cheaper. It also doesn’t hurt to make a friend in each class to split the price of a book or check to see if your university has an only buy, sell, and trade site on Facebook!
College can be a real drag, but it was probably the best time in our lives. I hope these tips can help a future freshman entering college, because these are definitely pieces of advise I wish I would have known. In the process of making new memories and having the time of my life, these tid-bits helped immensely to make my college experience easier once I figured out my way. If you are reading this and about to enter college, remember to have the time of your life. Learn new things, go on grand adventures and soak up every moment you get because once you graduate, it’s all over and we all know how fast high school went.
Featured image via Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
