How to: College

Before You Go...

1) You'll hear a lot about people's experiences in college, and you'll either be scared or comforted by them. Here's something I realized, everyone's college experience is different. What happened to them has no effect on what will happen to you. They got D's because they didn't try, because they were used to coasting by in high school. They are so busy because they're majoring in something crazy and trying to do every club. Well let me tell you:

They're not you. You're not them.

Don't get scared by what people tell you. They don't know you. You know you. Some people just aren't meant for college and some are. Where will you fall?

2) Depending on when you are, college will seem far away. If it's a year or even half a year away, take comfort. You've got time to figure things out. That being said, it will come. One day you'll look at the calendar and it will be a month away, a week away. Tomorrow. Today. It will come. It may seem like a far off entity, way in the distance, and for a time, it will be. But it will come; don't worry.

3) Speaking of that last month life is gonna get crazy. That's a promise. Shopping, packing, organizing, scheduling! There will be a lot to do. But it is possible. Ask around to people who have done what you've done and see what kinds of things they wished they'd packed. For me, I'd say a hole punch, ice cube tray, and a vacuum of some kind. Also, I;m glad I brought cold weather clothes. Depending on how far away you'll be from home and the climate you'll be in, pack ahead. I don;t mean bring your parka and snow boots but at least bring a couple bigger jackets for when you're out at night or a few tank tops for the random hot week. Keep in mind how much space you'll have too. Dorms, depending on where you are, can be weirdly spaced. You may have a huge closet and small dresser, or no closet at all. Sometimes you can raise your bed and store underneath too if needed.Just do your research and pack accordingly. Your family can always take things back with them if you don't have room. But it may be hard to get things you don't have. Also check what you can do with the walls; nails, push pins, tape, putty, etc. And bring a tool kit. Trust me.

4) It's going to be hard, but try to make to be with all your people one last time. And make it something special too. I had a fancy tea party with my best girls. I went to coffee one on one with a friend who had been traveling all summer. I went on a day trip with my parents that we had wanted to do for years and years! Time is running out, make it count. Do all your favorite activities one more time; your favorite restaurant, hiking trail, or beach spot. You'll come back to it all, of course, but it may be awhile. It really is true, you don't know what you have until it's gone. Enjoy it while you can.

5) One day more! Tomorrow is the day you start a new adventure, a new world, a new life. It's gonna be crazy, you will be afraid at times uncertain at others, but you can do it. Think about how many people have done it before you. But for now, it's not here yet. So enjoy your last day. Double check your bags and boxes. Eat some good food. Watch your favorite movie. Pack any last minute items. Ans get a good night sleep if possible. Your head will be going a mile a minute with anxiety but try and calm down. You need to sleep, trust me, tomorrow is going to be a whirlwind adventure.