The transition from high school to college is a rollercoaster. During the first semester, your feelings are all over the place as you think thoughts like, “I have no friends, no one likes me here!” to “Oh my gosh, I LOVE college! It’s so much FUN” to “I’m just tired of sleeping through my 8 a.m. class. I need my mom!” I asked a FSU sophomore how she would describe her transition from high school to college and she responded, “It was really difficult for me because I didn’t have that steady, constant source of company that I had back home with family and an already established group of friends.” Another FSU sophomore Alyssa Watkins, answered my question with, “It was the sh*t.”
As you can see this life experience is different for everyone, but I am here to help you prepare for that first trip home after coming to college.
1. It’s the happiest moment of your life getting out of that last class before Thanksgiving break and realizing you have no responsibilities for a few extra days. You’re going to be excited to hug your mom and dad, your best friend, your boyfriend/girlfriend and, especially, your dog.
2. Make sure to binge watch your current Netflix addiction because once you’re home you’ll never find time to watch it between being overwhelmed with how much time your best friend wants to spend with you and how much time your parents want your constant presence.
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3. Be prepared to be sort of behind and out of the loop with hometown people. The friends you may have had or the people you were just cool with might no longer be your friend or might no longer be cool with you. It’s just part of the process of leaving home. You will quickly realize who your real friends are and who wasn’t meant to last.
4. You’re not even going to care though because coming home means no more Ramen Noodles or microwave dinners; coming home means lasagna, rice and beans, mac and cheese, pork chops and all other delicious types of food your mom is going to make for you the second you arrive.
5. Say goodbye to 2 a.m. Gumby’s runs with your roommates and sleeping in. Say hello to early nights in because your mom can’t sleep until you’re home and chores again.
6. The five minutes it once took you to do the dishes at school now will take you fifteen minutes to do with all the extra dishes.
7. You will realize slowly but surely that the only homesickness that exists in your life from this point on is being homesick of Tallahassee.
College is definitely different than high school. Going away to college means growing up, having responsibilities, learning how to balance life and discovering yourself. Have fun this Thanksgiving break and don’t forget to prepare!