By JESSICA DOYEL, Staff Writer
Most freshman are finally beginning to settle in for the year. For me, this first month has absolutely flown by. Between classes, new friends and a plethora of stores only minutes away, I’ve been busy. In the meantime, however, I’ve learned a few things about being at college, so behold: the top 7 things I learned my first month of freshman year.
1. It’s not as hard as high school… if you’re disciplined.
Everyone and their mother used to tell me, back in high school, “Just wait till you hit college, it’ll be so difficult!” And to an extent, that’s accurate – it’s certainly an adjustment. – but for the most part, the opposite has been true. With the majority of my coursework done on Blackboard, plus a downright blissful lack of busywork, it’s been an amazing transition from high school.
2. You’re going to need to buy things. I don’t care how much you brought from home; you will buy things.
Invest in some good Tupperware and an actual bit of silverware. I’m serious. I came to college more or less thinking that I’d spend no money aside from fees – I had a meal plan included with my room and board. But after being here a month, I’ve already acquired several dishes and Tupperware set just because I needed them for something or other. So, prepare to buy things and spend some money. You are going to be living here for two years, after all.
3. You won’t need to study (as much).
This was a BIG thing in high school, at least for me. I had to study for everything, because every test was jam packed with names, dates and terms. Gratefully, the professors at college are less focused on getting a curriculum over with and rather on teaching you a concept. If you listen in class, chances are you really won’t need to study.
4. You’re going to make friends eventually.
For me, this was a concern. However, I’ve not only made friends, but I’ve gotten multiple chances to hang out with them outside of school and I’ve had an absolute blast. However, that brings me to my next point.
5. Sleep actually matters here more than it did in high school.
In high school, I would regularly get 3-5 hours of sleep and somehow function perfectly the next day. Once I hit college, I quickly learned that wasn’t going to cut it anymore. As you get older you simply need more sleep; plus, college is a lot of walking. When in doubt, go for 7 hours minimum. Or read until 3 am. It’s up to you (and the professor assigning your readings).
6. You can pretty much wear whatever you want in college.
I know, I know, old news – but coming from a public school, this was a shocker for me. For most girls especially, that seems to mean unleashing their inner fashionista… for me, it means putting about as much effort into my outfit as I always did, if not less. To each their own, of course.
7. There’s a lot of diversity in college.
This hasn’t been a problem for me, but it did come as a mild shock when I started meeting people of different religions, orientations and sexualities. I didn’t realize that was as common as it was, since I grew up in McAlester. Each person I’ve met has been a wonderful new friend and has taught me more about the world, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
And that’s it. Obviously, each person’s college experience will be different, but those are the big 7 that made an impact on me so far.
