It seems like just yesterday I was packing the car with my parents on my way to Kent State. Now here we are, nine months later, and this entire year seems to have flown by. I knew coming into college that I would lose some friends, make some friends and learn a bit more about myself along the way. Everyone experiences college in their own ways, but a lot of us gals go through all of the same things in one way or another. Here’s a few realizations every freshman girl goes through.
1.) How did we ever survive seven-hour school days?
Looking back, it’s hard to believe we actually sat through class from 7:30-2:30 five days a week. In college, you’re spoiled with the chance to make your own schedule and if you’re lucky, you might not even have class all five days of the school week.
2.) You’ll be surprised who you stay in touch with
We’ve all had those people in high school who were always your friends, but you never really thought you’d keep in touch with after graduation. Well, some of those people stay in your circle of friends and you’ll see them almost every time you come home for the weekend.
3.) You actually need to know how to manage your time
High school is all fun and games with procrastination…until you start college then you’re in for a wake-up call. Yes, you can still pass your classes if you’re a procrastinator. But, it’s not high school anymore. Professors won’t think it’s funny or “cute” when you forget to do an assignment, you’ll just get a 0.
4.) LET FREEDOM RING
Freedom takes on a whole new meaning in college. My parents were pretty easy going with me in high school, but I still lived under a curfew. In college, you do what you want, when you want. It’s nice to take advantage of this new-found freedom, but sometimes it’s more beneficial to stay in and Netlfix all night.
5.) Coffee is essential
Where would we be without coffee? I’ve always been a coffee lover, but college has for sure turned me into a coffee fanatic. Coffee is a must at this point in my life, whether it’s to help me push through my eight page papers or just as a daily treat. Odds are, if you didn’t drink coffee in high school, you definitely do now!
6.) Just because you’re nice to people, doesn’t mean they’ll return the favor
You can hold doors open for people, say “Bless you” when someone sneezes or even send a classmate your notes- people won’t always be easy to return the favor. Don’t get me wrong, there are a large majority of people who are going to want to help you out. But aside from that, even people who were once your close friends won’t be so nice to anymore. College changes some people, it’s easy to forget that.
7.) You can show your knees/shoulders without being scolded
Ah, the joys of high school dress code. I can remember countless times where I got yelled at for have ONE hole in my jeans and getting told to never wear them to school again. Or even better, when we are told that our shoulders are “too seductive” and they distract the boys around us. Let me tell you, none of these guys in college give one sh*t about my shoulders nor my knees.
8.) You’ll appreciate home so much more
I was always the person to say “There’s so much more for me than this town”. But once you move out of your hometown, you find a whole new appreciation for it. I especially appreciate the company of my family so much more. Weekends at home are now split between catching up with friends and family Scrabble nights. You’ll realize how much your mom does for you and how being away from her is like missing a piece of your heart in a different city.
9.) Your friends are golden
You win some and you lose some. But, this year I met a few new people who became my best friends. Along with that, all of my closest friends from high school stayed in my life, and I couldn’t appreictae them more. Your friends in college, old or new, are going to be your life support. They are the people you laugh until you cry with, you’ll learn to appreciate spending time with them so much more.
10.) New adventures, whether you expect them or not
College throws a lot of curve balls at you, but a few of those consist of some fun new adventures with all of the people you love most. (Like the time we accidentally crashed a meet and greet with Taylor Hicks or spontaneously skipped classes to go see Hilary Clinton speak.)