With Midterms swiftly approaching it has become evident to everyone that college is not the fun party that is advertised on our favorite Netflix series. Maybe it’s harder than you expected? Maybe it’s easier? (if this is the case I envy you) But whichever you are, you are not alone. Trying to live the fullest college experience brings surprises every year no matter your age or year in school. These are the nine big things I realized were completely false by around this time last year when I was just a freshman starting here at FSU. Hopefully, this can bring light to the truth of college life for high schoolers just starting the college application process or even current college students who are trying to navigate their way through campus.
1. The Freshman 15 isn’t real
Honestly, I think we all hoped this one wasn’t going to be true but, an unlimited buffet meal plan is too tempting. For the rest of you that think they’re doing well as far as your diet, you might want to consider all that alcohol you’re drinking. You may think that because it’s liquid there is no way you are gaining weight, but I would beg to differ when you start to see that beer belly protrude… Welcome to college, my friends. It only gets better from here. ;)
2. You don’t have to go to class
Well sure you won’t get docked for bad attendance in big lecture classes but I would guess that if you aren’t going to the class you aren’t learning anything. Therefore, I don’t think it would be too far to assume you are bombing the exams… Just go to class people, make good grades, and get your money’s worth, because unlike high school you are actually paying for your education.
3. You have to be best friends with your roommate.
For some of you, this may be true, you may be best friends with your roommate; and to those people I say, woohoo you go girl! But for the rest of you: yes you have to live with this girl but by no means does it constrict you to spend all your time with them. Make friends on your own terms and if your roommate happens to be one of them great! If not, it is totally okay.
4. You are going to wear cute outfits every day and become a fashion icon on campus.
For week one you might have the energy to wake up early curl your hair, do your makeup, and put on that cute denim skirt you bought from a boutique last month but. By week two you will be wearing the same shirt you’ve been wearing for the past 3 days, Nike shorts that haven’t been washed in God knows how long, and you will start to question the last day you wore makeup. No one really cares what you look like, so why even try?
5. The only way you can make friends is if you join Greek life.
This is a big one especially at FSU or other big southern schools where Greek life is a big deal. Speaking from someone who is not in Greek life and who has the best friends she has ever had in her life, I am telling you it is possible to find your people. Join clubs and organizations on campus or even make friends in your major! You can find great friends wherever you go if you are open to it!
6. You will find the guy you are going to marry in college.
This one makes me laugh. Sad to tell you girls but guys are still as immature (if not more) as they were in high school (not that they will ever really grow up) but don’t worry if your freshman year fling doesn’t turn into a full-fledged relationship. Your time will come.
7. You are not going to be homesick.
This was a big one for me. I was so ready to move away from home and start living my own life that I didn’t even consider this one being a problem, but cafeteria food starts to get old and around Midterms you realize that you are really missing your moms home cooked meals. Thanksgiving is in less than 40 days… But I mean who’s counting…
8. College is easy, all you do is drink and party.
HAHAHAHAHA you thought wrong. Sadly, partying in only a tiny fraction of the college experience. If Midterms are telling you anything about how you are going to spend the next few years, the library will be your best friend. That isn’t to say the hard work isn’t worth it! Rewards will come later on when you score that awesome internship you’ve been wanting or land a sweet job interview at the company you had been eyeing all year. It pays off people, I promise!
9. This is not the time to make mistakes, your future depends on this.
Okay yes, you are making lots of choices right now, that’s what college is all about: decisions. This in no way means you don’t have room to make mistakes or have fun. College is just as much about going to concerts on a random weekend, tailgating before a big football game and having fun movie nights with your girlfriends as it is about staying up all night to study for that important midterm exam. College is supposed to be a balance of learning and lashing out. If there is any time that these two can live in harmony it is now, live it up while you can!