Leaving for college is one of the most daunting experiences of your teenage years. Heres why: Your whole life, you knew it was coming. You think youre ready to leave home. You think you know what it will be like, how it will feel. You think youre prepared. I hate to spoil the ending for you, but you arent. And thats OK! Theres simply no way to prepare for the unknown.
The good news is, youre on a college campus, and everyone around you is in the same boat. Everyone is figuring out how to be on their own, and learning as you go is part of the process. To help out a little, I thought Id share some bits of advice I wish I knew when I was a college freshman.
(And to all the former college students who had to learn the hard way, youll know exactly what Im talking about.)
First, and most importantly, it is normal to be uncomfortable.
Even so, try to be open to having new experiences, and meeting new people. You wont like everything, and thats fine. Finding out what you like and what you dont is an important part of growing up. You wont regret getting out of your comfort zone. The greatest memories are made outside of your dorm room.
Second, you are not as grown up as you think you are. You have more freedom and financial obligations than a high school student, but far less than an entirely independent adult. We didnt gain all the wisdom of adulthood when we turned 18, so you cant expect to know everything. Its important not to get discouraged if things arent turning out the way you thought they would. It may be difficult, and you might struggle, but there are so many people around you who care about you, and are willing to help. All you need to do is ask.
Third: Time-management is the most important skill you can have as a college student. Your parents dont remind you to do your homework anymore or to study for exams. Its all on you. Having fun is part of the college experience, but you also need to designate enough time to give your coursework the attention it demands.
Fourth: Theodore Roosevelt said, Comparison is the thief of joy. It is so easy to look at students around you and wonder how theyre balancing everything perfectly. In reality, we are all college students, and we all struggle. Work on yourself, and dont worry about what everyone else is doing. When you stop comparing yourself, youll be happier.
Fifth: However many Command strips you think you need, double it. Actually, triple it. You can never have too many Command strips.
Sixth: Use your resources! Allens Academic Success Center offers free tutoring in a variety of subjects. Tutoring services are located in Allens library. If youre falling behind in a class, youre confused about something, or you just need something proofread, head to the Academic Success center! I also cant stress enough how helpful it is to speak to your teachers. They have office hours for a reason, and they are happy to help.
Seventh: Get involved off campus. The city of Iola has beautiful trails, cute shops, and lots of volunteer opportunities. Hope Unlimited is always looking for volunteers, and Thrive Allen County will definitely put you to work. I hear students complain about how bored they are here. I know it sounds cliché, but you really do get out what you put in. Allen County has so much to do and explore. There are tons of community events open to everyone, often for free.
Eighth: Call your parents. Even if its just a five-minute phone call to say hi. Leaving home for the first time is hard on your family, too. They miss you, and theyll be thrilled to hear from you.
Ninth: Take tons of pictures. There will come a day when you dont remember the basketball games you attended with all your friends, or the sleepovers in your dorm room. Capture as many memories as you can.
LASTLY, take care of yourself. Your grades are important, dont get me wrong, but they arent the most important thing. If you find yourself choosing between your grades and your mental health, your mental health should always, always come first. You know yourself better than anyone. Make sure youre getting enough rest. Take a break when you need one. Too much stress can be hazardous to your physical health, mental health and overall well-being, so pay attention to what your mind and your body are telling you.
