There are a bunch of movies and TV shows that have the main characters heading off to college. Let’s face it. Even if it gets chaotic at times, they do have a point. When you’re on campus, you’re on your own. That’s when you finally realise that you’re growing up. But what does “growing up” really mean?
You need to be responsible
It’s hard to hear this, but once you move to college, you’re a young adult. It’s a huge step from middle school or even high school, especially if you’re living away from home. From hindsight, you need to be your own chef, your own cleaner, and stay organized and on top of things. Being in full-time education can seem scary, but the good news is you have 4 years to get your life started. Responsibility comes from not only seeing what you need to, but also recognizing when things don’t work for you.
Responsibility also doesn’t have to be just you. I’ve learned from experiences that asking for help is never a bad thing. In fact, it could even help you become more responsible once you have the confidence. There are so many people you can talk to, from your roommates to your lecturers. It can really help you to stay on top of what you need to do.
You have to be independent
College is about independence. This doesn’t just mean being physically independent, like paying for bills and doing laundry. But it means being socially independent. Being on a big campus can feel intimidating, but sometimes taking small steps can make a huge difference. This could be saying “hi” to someone you’ve never spoken to, raising your hand in class, or joining a club that’s entirely new to you.
The best part is that this is your place. A place to experiment, understand, and be your own person. This is more likely why rush week is so important. It forces you to come out of your comfort zone and make things happen for yourself. The real independence comes when you take advantage of all your experience rather than just going for the usual household work. This is what makes a rich and special college experience.
You’ll make new friends
What people don’t realise and what doesn’t get nearly talked about enough is that college is a great place for friendships to blossom. It’s a time to have the most random conversations that you’ll cherish for a very long time. Sometimes, you don’t know whether the people you’ve met one week will come over the next week. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing, though. You’re on a big campus, and it’s almost certain you’ll be meeting new people every day.
Your connections don’t have to be in the classroom or in your dorm, but anywhere you can think of! A party, a sorority event, or even just in the library. Finding common ground with someone you’ve never thought you would is just so special. Sometimes that’s when some of the special bonds come from. That’s where the best friendships come from.
Things aren’t perfect
I will be shocked if anyone says that they haven’t had at least one negative experience in college. There’s often the idea that, because people are in college, you have to be this picture-perfect adult. That’s not the case and will never be the case. As a college student, you’re going to feel homesick. You’re going to face burnout when you least expect it. It’s going to feel like everything is out of reach. It sounds like I’m just spitting out facts, but here’s the kicker – you’re going to be okay. Your college experience is supposed to be as messy and uncertain as possible, because that’s when you can look back at everything and smile.
When it comes to perfection, sometimes the best thing you can do is live in the moment. Take everything in moderation and take your time in the situation. Being an adult doesn’t mean having everything figured out or having no challenges, but having the right mental attitude to get through the challenges.
What this means
If there’s one thing that you take from this article, it is to take your education seriously. This doesn’t mean to throw yourself in the deep end in your studies, but it means taking your educational experience seriously. Go to your lectures when you need to. Make use of the free hours that you have to do what you want to do. Make a meal when you get home.
Even at the end of the four years, you’re unsure of what to do next, that’s okay. Being an adult doesn’t mean having everything together. It means accepting that you don’t and building your path towards it. College doesn’t have to be scary once you embrace it for what it is – a small walkway to adulthood.
