We’ve all been there. And if you haven’t, get ready. It’s the start of a new journey, new life, new friends, and new experiences. It’s oh-so exciting until it hits move-in day and you start panicking like you did when your mom dropped you off in kindergarten. Well, my friends, here is a list of the top 10 things no one tells you about your first year off on your own. Hopefully these tips will prevent you from buying all of the Ben & Jerry’s your broke butt can’t afford; and if not, I applaud you for buying that much ice cream.
It’s called the adjustment period; or Syllabus Shock. And it’s awful. You’ll wake up every day wishing you were back home in a familiar place with your mom at your every beck and call. But trust me, it does indeed get better. Hopefully your roommate, or one of your new friends, shares the same feelings as you, and you can binge watch New Girl together while being anti-social. Totally kidding. Get out and see what college has to offer.
I get that you’re off on your own and can do whatever you want now, like going for a Taco Bell run at 2 am on a Tuesday night. But just remember that even though your 5 page paper isn’t due for two weeks, you also have 3 other classes with papers due, and homework, and exams. Just because you have freedom doesn’t mean you don’t have responsibilities. Use your time wisely; although Taco Bell does assists with the homework munchies and productivity.
You’re not going to meet anyone watching re-runs of The Office in your dorm, so get out of your comfort zone and talk to people. I know this sounds easier than it is, but just remember that basically NOBODY knows you…like at all. So why not make a great first impression by being outgoing?
I think the easiest thing to do with all of that free time you have is waste it, and then wonder why you have to pull all-nighters for a week. Get into a routine of going to the gym, studying, doing homework, and participating in social functions. In the long run you’ll be thankful I’m telling you this now. I just want what’s best for you.
Whether you’re in one, looking for one, or just getting out of one, college relationships are much different than high school ones. You are legit with that other person so much more, so it’s easy for the relationship to take up all of your time. Try not to rush things and focus on getting into the norm for a little; you might be surprised at how useful waiting for a relationship may be.
Luckily, my roommate and I clicked from the start and have a great group of friends to hang with together; in some cases that might not always be true. Just because you’re not posting cute pics on Insta of your matching bedroom doesn’t mean your freshman year sucks; it actually encourages you to get out into the campus and talk to more people instead of clinging to your roommate for a social life. And if you’re BFFL with your roomie, that is great! Just make sure that you don’t double-post roomie pics on the daily. Those can get real annoying, real fast.
You know that $40,000 you’re paying annually for that sub-par dining hall food and education? Yeah, well that large amount of cash also goes into your “free” gym membership. Not only does having a gym schedule help keep off the Freshman 15, but you’ll also feel more energized and motivated to get work done. I know being in a large room full of sweaty dudes checking themselves out while lifting doesn’t sound appealing, but the elliptical and ear buds will become your friends if you let them. Plus, you’ll get a nice booty from all that time on the stair climber. It’s a win-win.
That study break doesn’t only consist of random dancing with your roomies. You need fuel to run that brain of yours. Fast-food runs are frequent. Too frequent. Try not to go on them alllll that much because after all, you are a broke college student. You don’t have doe to be spendin’ on McChickens.
It’s true. Those midnight food runs and the constant snacking are gonna add up the first few months. The freshman fifteen may not be the extent, but at least five pounds will most likely be added on to that perf figure. But who cares, you’ve got the gym right near you and five pounds doesn’t make a huge difference. Just make sure you see it coming. You didn’t hear it from me….
Freshman year is honestly going to be one of the greatest times of your life. Take chances, join 10 clubs, get your homework done, or don’t. College is the time to do what you want. So do it. Be the best version of yourself you can be, girl. I believe in you.
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