1.) Homesickness is a real thing. If you're anything like me and talked to your parents/siblings at all back at home I guarantee you'll miss them. Being on your own is great, don't get me wrong, but not having that same support system around for your first big test and first cold is killer. (not literally, colds go away if you take care of yourself!!) I try to throw out a text to my mom everyday and talk on the phone at least once a week, and I've already planned my first trip back home. (SHOUT OUT TO MOM AND DAD- I KNOW Y'ALL ARE READING THIS!!)
2.) Remembering to eat is hard??? I never expected that to ever come out of my mouth, I freaking love food. But in all honesty, with classes scattered throughout the day, and trying to study and get lab minutes complete too, you can lose track of time. I sometimes find it's five o'clock and I'll I've had is my morning cup of coffee before my morning class. Now, I set aside a certain time everyday to make sure I get meals in. If you're anything like me and you don't eat you get HANGRY. (hungry + angry) ((very tragic combination)) So get ready to make a schedule for yourself so you can stay healthy and take on the craziness that is freshman year.
3.) Homework doesn't end. I am a 'get it done' kind of girl. I have an essay, I write it all in one sitting and I'm done. I have math homework, I plug in my headphones and don't get up until they are all complete. Now let me tell you, there is NO possible way for that to happen in college. You have assigned reading each night, on top of homework assignments and projects. Even if you think you're done with homework, I promise that you're not. There is always something to be studied, memorized, or written. You have to accept the fact that you can't do it all, you just have to do it all over time. Pace yourself and do parts everyday and do NOT wait until the last minute.
4.) Jesus is ALIVE :-) I was so worried that with what the stereotypical college looks like I would instantly lose myself and go crazy. (All my friends said I would turn wild) However, that wasn't the case. There are amazing college bible studies and groups to join here. I really enjoy Stumo and I've attended two different churches since moving here. Being Catholic, the Catholic church is obviously my favorite. :') My roommates also do a great job of keeping me grounded and we have even had a spontaneous worship session in our suite already. My boyfriend and I have also read scripture together, we are doing a little Bible study and try to read once a week. It's easy to fall behind with everything going on, but with the groups here, as well as my friends, it's not too difficult to keep priorities straight and to stay close with the Lord.
5.) The library is my safe haven. I never went to our school's library in high school, I always studied in my room. But with basketball boys next door SCREAMING at their video games it can get pretty hard to focus. I found a spot I go to at least once a day, plug in my headphones, and hit the books. Or the computer. Whatever it takes I suppose. I like having a place set aside to go just because it makes things more relaxed. And my special spot is also by a window so I get to people-watch occasionally. :-)
6.) Roommates become sisters the same way sorority sisters become sisters. I knew only one of my roommates coming here, I live in a suite, so I have three total. I wasn't sure what they would be like, I let my friend pick them out and get all that set up. After going through sorority recruitment with one of the girls I didn't know, Amanda, we were immediate friends. We both pledged different sororities, but I still consider her a sister. :') I honestly thought I would just hang out with my high school friends that came to college with me, but that isn't the case at all. From walmart runs, to farmers market adventures, to nights in the library, I spend a lot of time with my roommates. I'm so fortunate with the way things worked out because these girls are awesome.
7.) I still have no idea what I want to do with my life. I thought as soon as I got here something would pop up and I would instantly know. But no... Still undecided. However, I realize now that that is perfectly okay. Every older student I know has changed their major at least once, and some are still undecided too. The older girls in my sorority (ZETA TAU ALPHA ROCKS) all also help put me at ease when I stress about that. You just have to look at the bigger picture and realize you aren't in control of your life anyways, so you should just go with the flow and do the best you can everyday. I'm really fascinated in my Psych class and I love giving advice, so maybe something along those lines? Obviously still super uncertain. :')
So to sum it up college is different than I imagined, but a 'good-way' different. Classes are harder, days seem shorter, but they are still filled with lots of adventures and laughs. I would say I picked the right college for sure and I'm thankful to be here.
XOXO, Em
(ALSO SHOUTS TO MY BROTHERS- I MISS YALL)