So you’re planning on going off to college?
It’s one of the most important journeys that you will embark on in your entire life. It’s not the end all and be all, but it can decide what kind of career and life you will have for the foreseeable future. It’s also the first time that you will be away from home and left to your own devices.
Making friends, learning how to socialize and trying to stay on top of your studies is all going to be a new experience. It’s a challenge that some gladly face while others get a bit anxious for.
Understandably, there are many things about college that scare some people. Will you find people with the same interests as you? Will be able to make friends that are genuinely care about? What kind of time schedule will you have? How can you study and have a good time at the same time? All of these questions are probably filling your mind right now.
Just take a deep breath
First things first, you’re not the only one. The only one what? Well, whatever it is you’re worried about, you’re not the only one in that boat. Thousands and thousands of other people are in your exact position at your college. There will be many people who have never been further than outside their own state or city.
Many people will be missing home but also loving the newfound freedom they have. If you’re ever nervous about making friends and perhaps being a bit socially awkward, just take comfort in the fact that you’re not the odd one out. Other students will also be tackling the same thing, so just be yourself and don’t try too hard.
Start eating and exercising
Since you’re away from home, your meal plan is your own responsibility. There’s no one to care for you now but there’s also no one to babysit you either. It’s time to be a grown up and begin learning how to cook. Staying in shape is an issue to take seriously as the more and more time is taken up by study the easier it becomes to start eating with less discipline.
Stephen Troese Jr advices that you form a meal and workout plan. He’s been through college and now owns his own business so he knows how to balance out the college life. Maybe you have overindulged on fast food because it’s convenient. You’re not the only one, but you can’t stay on that path. It’s not good for your mentally or physically. In between spring break, learn how to cook at least 2 meals and you’ll always have something to fall back on.
Schedule your study
Don’t pick up a book when you feel like it, you need to have a study schedule and stick to it. College life will become very busy for the first semester so you need to form a schedule now which you can stick to from the very beginning.
College is incredibly exciting but daunting at the same time. You will have many challenges in front of you, but none of them are insurmountable as long as you are planning ahead.
