My entire high school experience was always described as becoming “prepared” for college. There were always teachers talking about how everything is harder, no time for hobbies, and the things that worked in high school won’t work in college. Unfortunately, I don’t find that to be the case at all.
1. The first thing I wasn’t expecting was how much free time you have, especially the first couple of weeks. I was so bored waiting for clubs and classes to pick up, and sometimes, I still feel like I am waiting for things to pick up. St. Bonaventure University luckily provides a lot of opportunities to keep busy, so my schedule has been gradually stacking up with events.
2. The large amount of freedom. I will admit, when I first got here, I basically lived off of eating pizza and ice cream all day, every day. Where else could I have done without dropping at least $100 a week? However, with that being said, I also am close enough to things that benefit me. I’ve been going to the gym pretty regularly, as well as walking around the trails. I guess the bonus of Freshens being far away for me is that I get to burn some extra calories!
3. The AMOUNT of opportunities that are here.. I was shocked to see how much I could actually do. I am a part of pretty much every group at “The Buzz,” which adds up pretty quickly: Her Campus, PAC, and more. I don’t think a lot of campuses have nearly as many options for freshmen. I have already started two radio shows, which I have been having a blast with. I don’t think I could’ve done something like that at many other places. If you haven’t already, get out and join clubs!
4. Feeling alone. I have the best roommate, and I have a couple of family members near me, but it was still very hard at the start to adjust to living on my own in a way. Luckily, living less than an hour away allowed me to go home and “reset” a little bit, but I dreaded having to come back. My dogs aren’t here, my friends aren’t here, none of my life is really here. The first few weeks were spent crying…a lot, but they were also spent telling myself that it wasn’t bad to feel that way. It’s going much better now, and I’m happy to say that I stuck it out.
5. Figuring out what you like. I feel like being home didn’t get to show me what else is out in the world. My hometown is very small, so there’s really not that much around me. Even though Olean is considered my “city,” I still feel like it’s a whole new world for me. Being at college allows me to pick out my own meals, go shopping whenever I want, and find hobbies I didn’t even think I could have. Starting college, I realized I really, really like keeping my space clean, even though my room at home is a mess 90% of the time. I noticed I really liked going to the gym and watching Dancing With The Stars.
Starting college can be hard, but it is so worth it. I really like finding myself, my people, and my place.