Six things I wish I had known before college

by Alexus Moreno

Now that the semester is wrapping up, here are some things I wish I had known before starting college.

1. Buying textbooks before classes start may not always be a good idea.
   Sometimes professors will list two or even five different textbooks in an e-mail and send it out to everyone. However, you probably will not use all of them. While this does not apply to all professors, it’s definitely something I have experienced. I spent $60 renting a textbook I opened once. Textbooks costs a good chunk of money, so be 100% sure you will open them more than five times before you buy. Waiting it out is a good idea unless your professor makes a huge deal about it beforehand.
2. Professors are not going to baby you about homework.
   Coming into college, I knew that professors would be much different than high school teachers and the classes would be more rigorous, but I didn’t know how much different. You are an adult now, so you are treated like one (which is refreshing…but new). Professors will mention a homework assignment that is due on a certain date or a quiz you might be having and that will be the only and last time they will mention it. It’s up to you to keep track.
3. You are going to feel lonely at times.
   You are away from home surrounded by hundreds of people you don’t know. It’s easy to feel lonely. You’ll meet people, but sometimes you’ll feel lonely even in a group. It’s not anything to feel frightened by…I guarantee you everyone has felt like that at one point or another, it’s just how it is. Embrace the independence at times but also remember you aren’t alone.
4. Freshman 15 is a thing.
   At least, it can be…it’s SOOOOO easy to sit in your dorm and do absolutely nothing. No one is telling you to get up or what to do. I am guilty of getting bored and just eating. Food is literally 30 seconds away from you on campus so eating a lot is common. So STAY ACTIVE!
5. The temptation is real.
   It’s college, people! Your friends and you yourself are going to want to have fun and have the full college experience. You’ll want to go to parties and try new stuff and see what all the other folks are doing. And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that…I say live it to the fullest and make memories. However, do not do anything you are uncomfortable with, no matter how tempted you may be. Make choices you won’t regret.
6. Lastly, freshman year will fly by.
   This year has gone by SO fast, I can’t believe it. And it’s so sad, because I’ve had the time of my life here. I’ve met so many amazing people who are now my closest friends and I’ve made the best memories. Time goes by so fast…so have as much fun as you can and work hard. I cannot wait to see what the next three years have in store for me.