Things They Should Tell You About College

I have been thinking quite a bit about how different my life is now as opposed to last year. In thinking about this, I realized that although I was pretty well-prepared for college, having taken concurrent classes, there were a few things that I really didn't realize until I got here. In saying that, I will now include my list of things I wish that someone would've told me a year ago. Hopefully, some of these things will resonate among those of you who have already attended college, and perhaps provide a laugh! Enjoy!
-You know how you knew pretty much everyone in your high school classes? That’s probably not the case in college. Guess what? It won’t matter. You don’t have to know everyone, just like they don’t have to know you. If you want to get to know a person, that’s great, but on the same note, it isn’t necessarily obligatory…keep that in mind.

-High school was full of drama. Unless you are just a dramatic person, the only drama that might exist in college is when a professor says or does something controversial. On occasion, a classmate might spark something, but usually it has to do with a professor. It is actually possible to be in a drama-free environment!

-Remember your five best friends from high school? In most cases, after the first semester of college, they will change, just like you, and your “best friendship” will cease to exist. You might remain friends, but you’ll probably never be as close as you once were. You’ll probably stay close with one of them, but not all of them. Another thing, you will also realize that college is way better by fall break & will probably never want to step foot in high school again. Crazy thought, huh? Yes. It will happen.

-Another thing that’s different from high school: Dating. College dating is on a completely different plane than high school. You won’t automatically see them every day just because you’re at school. College dating takes a little bit more effort and initiative. However, if you are single, college is a great place to meet someone new! There are more opportunities to meet people who share your interests, meaning more chances of finding someone!

-Get a stapler. Remember how every classroom in high school was equipped with a stapler, tape dispenser, etc.? Not anymore. You might get lucky and find one in the library or by a printer, but don’t count on it…or the person next to you who might not be willing to share their stapler.

-Another worthwhile investment in college: a flash drive. Those will save you more times than you realize. Trust me.

-On the same note, printers are at a premium. Those, like staplers, are rare. Don’t wait until the last second to print something off, because as surely as you do, all computers on campus will be down and printing will be virtually impossible at that point. Another plausible situation is that the printer will be out of service, which happens more than you would realize. Plan ahead.

-It will rain. It is possible that you will get caught in a random downpour. It is advisable to carry an umbrella in your backpack in the event this happens. Also, you should really invest in a good raincoat.

-Always take a pen/pencil and paper to class. In some shape or form, do so. Even if the teacher says that you “won’t be doing anything that day.” Chances are that you just might get a pop quiz or random assignment. The same goes for if you are watching a film in class. Unlike in high school when you would watch “Twister” just to kill time, that doesn’t happen in college. If a teacher wanted to kill time, they would probably cancel class. You will more than likely have to take notes over the film, so deal with it.

-Pray for a good roommate. You will either get a good one or you won’t. In the event that you don’t, try to make the best of it and find common ground. Things might not be just peachy, but they don’t have to be completely unbearable.

-In the event that you live away from home, you may be faced with some life changes. It won’t matter if you can only sleep in the dark, if your roommate keeps the lights on for whatever reason. An eyemask is a peaceful solution to this problem. (By the way, thank you for the eyemask, Audra!) 

-While talking about roommates, just know that it really works better if the two of you don’t shower at the same time of day. It is much easier if one of you showers at night and the other in the morning, to lessen the risk of having no hot water, no time to get ready, etc.

-If you eat in the cafeteria, remember what has been served, because you’ll probably see it again…and again. Pizza is usually a safe bet, but don’t go crazy. Also, eat your fruits & vegetables, and not in some unhealthy way…eat fresh!

-Know your advisor & don't wait until the last second to enroll. Call/e-mail them and make an appointment as soon as humanly possible. However, if underwater basket weaving and ancient arts & cultures sounds like your idea of a good time, then it is okay to wait around.

-If at all possible, don’t take ITV classes. They are nice when everything works, but when it doesn’t? It is one of the most frustrating things you will ever experience. If you do have to do so, be patient and utilize all of your resources possible to make it easier on you.

-Don't procrastinate. It's not worth it.

-You will have to study. Even if homework isn't "required", you should probably do it anyway.

-If it is a plausible option, try to get an on-campus job. They are convenient, for one thing, and they are also a great way to earn a little bit of extra money.

-Get help if you need it…know professors’ office hours and make an appointment, if need be. Also, all campuses offer peer tutoring facilities. Those are part of the fees you pay, so you might as well take advantage of it. It doesn’t matter how you go about it, but don’t wait until finals roll around to realize that you don’t understand anything about the class.

-In most cases, avoid baseball players like the plague. This is probably an inaccurate generalization, but as far as I know, you aren’t missing much...I would almost venture to say that most frat guys fall along the same lines. Beware.

-Don’t skip class. Enough said.

-Most professors don’t really care who you are; if you skip class, don’t do homework, and don’t even try, they have absolutely no sympathy for you and will probably not be of much help in the event that you ask them for help/lenience. In bigger universities, they won’t even know who you are, so then they REALLY won’t care. Here’s the thing: You aren’t in high school anymore. You have to be responsible. You are actually paying for your education for the first time in your life (Unless you have an amazing scholarship). Grades aren’t handed out; you earn them. Remember that.

-Lastly, have fun! Take up a new hobby or sport. Join a club. Make a random trip to Walmart at midnight. Get food at any hour of day. When in the right crowd, you will probably even find a party that might be worthwhile. You need to let loose and have fun!