The first day of college can bring feelings of excitement mixed with anxiety. You're officially on your own, but before you pack your bags, there are things you should know about entering the 'real world.' Here are 14 things nobody tells you about college:
1. You'll become a pro at getting ready in two minutes or less
You'll be especially good at this if you have an early class. Late night study sessions and early classes don't go well together.
2. "Due tomorrow" becomes "do tomorrow"
You're not procrastinating, it's just that between classes, projects, studying, your job and the three hours of sleep you manage to squeeze in, sometimes assignments are put off a little longer than they should be. But let's be honest, sometimes it really is pure procrastination.
3. Skipping class isn't as great as it sounds
Most college professors don't take attendance, but it's in your best interest to attend. You'll feel like you're five months behind if you miss even one lecture.
4. Getting a package in the mail is the best thing ever
It'll feel just like Christmas when you get something in the mail, especially if it's from your parents.
5. Make friends with someone who has a car
If you have a car, you'll have a lot of friends. If you don't have a car, find someone who does! Your arms will be thanking you when you don't have to carry 30 pounds of groceries from the store to your apartment.
6. Your professors want you to succeed
Despite what all your high school teachers tell you, some of your college teachers actually do care about your success. Your professors can be some of your greatest mentors in college and can even help you as you start your career.
7. There will be no room in your fridge
If you have roommates, try to claim a small portion of the fridge. Otherwise you'll find yourself struggling to find a place for your veggies. Try to save space by sharing common items such as condiments, eggs and milk (but this could turn into a big debate about how to split the cost, so be careful with this one).
8. Books will cost more than one month's rent
Try to find your books online to save a few bucks. Your wallet will thank you.
9. Campus is the best place to study
It will be easier to concentrate when you don't have to hear blasting music from your upstairs neighbors or loud conversations happening right outside your apartment door. Find a quiet place on campus with little or no distractions to get the most work done.
10. There are still people who act like they're in high school
College students range from teens right out of high school to empty-nester parents. But you'll meet a few people whose maturity level isn't university-level. Be patient with them - living on their own should help them grow up.
11. You and your roommates will fight
Dishes pile up quick and the trash can fills up fast. You'll have roommates who are clean freaks and roommates who couldn't care less about messes. You're going to experience a lot of fights over a dirty apartment during your four years of college.
12. Group projects are the worst
With the right group, you can create an "A" project together. With the wrong partners, you'll either have to do all the work yourself or you'll be the person who does none of the work. If you're the latter, just know everyone else in the group secretly dislikes you.
13. Being on your own is awesome
Yes, you'll miss your family, but it's rejuvenating to live on your own. You're independent now and experiencing life in a new city. But don't forget to call your parents once in a while. They miss you, too.
14. Friends will come and go
You'll meet so many friends in college: your roommates, your roommates' friends, people from your classes and people you work with. You will build and lose friendships throughout all four years of college, but there are some golden friendships that could last a lifetime.
Even through all the sleepless nights, stress and neverending to-do list, you'll look back on your time at college and wonder how it came and went so quickly. And of course, you'll always be a proud alumnus.
