1. Forget whatever typical college experience you have planned in your head. Even if you have the most typical experience, it will still have its own twists, turns, and happenings that make it your own--your college years. Let it come to you. Don't confine your 4 years of college to one specific image of what you think it should be. Just like many things in life, spontaneity is often the key.
2. The "freshman fifteen" is a real thing. And you'll quickly realize that you can make that a thing for every year of college if you want. But I'm not here to tell you to ditch the french fries and live off steamed broccoli and chia seeds. It's all about finding a balance that keeps you healthy but lets you live. Moderation people!!! If you want to go out with your friends and down a milkshake and cheeseburger, do it. Just don't do it every night (I am all about a Chipotle burrito or an overly sweetened latte every now and then). You don't have to be miserable to stay healthy. Hit up the gym or go for a run. You'll thank yourself for it every time.
3. You have to study here. I'm looking at you, high schooler that spent the last 13 years on All-A Honor Roll without making a single flashcard. I was not that person. But I do know people that were, and they quickly realized that doesn't slide here. Even as someone that did study through high school, I was a little shocked at how much more time I had to put in at college.
4. Just go to class. I'm not going to lie to you. I've skipped my fair share of classes. And you'll definitely come across those classes that you can skip and still receive an A in. But for the most part, it's really helpful to just go to class. You're paying for that, after all. Most classes will be 10x more difficult if you don't show up anyhow. Avoid that.
5. Have fun!!! Now that I've reminded you to stay healthy, study, and attend class: Your best college memories won't be centered around going to class and then back to your dorm to study while consuming carrots and your daily 8 glasses of water. Say yes to things. Get involved. Go out on Friday night. Go out 3 nights in a row. Or take a day trip with your friends. Spend your day in the sun with your friends, sipping on iced coffee. Whatever! Just take time to do the things that make you happy and that you have fun doing...things that leave you with great memories. Make the absolute most of your time in college. Why wouldn't you?
6. Drink coffee.
7. Take time to stay in touch with your family and friends from home. Call your mom and dad. FaceTime your best friend. Update them on your life. If your friends from high school are important to you, and you to them, you can stay in touch from across the country! Put in the effort.
8. Learn from your mistakes. Just like any other stage of life, you're going to make mistakes. Make them. Learn from them. Do better next time. Move on. You might make more mistakes in college than anywhere else. But you'll probably learn the most about life in these same 4 years.
9. Keep your friends close. You'll meet a lot of people. You'll make a lot of acquaintances. But hold tight to the people that become more than just a new Facebook friend or another like on Instagram. Hold on to the people that become your friends. They'll be key to your entire college experience.
10. Know what you believe in. Stay grounded. There are a lot of people out there and a lot of opinions. Don't let the world sway your worldview to match their cookie cutter vision. Let your professors teach you, but don't let them tell you what to think or how to think. Don't fall for anything thrown at you. Listen, but question. Think and form your opinions on your own.
Well that's a start anyhow.
xo, Emma
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