Goodbye, G312

My first year away at school has officially come to an end. I'm back home now for the next four months and, although I'm excited to be back with my family and old friends, I actually really miss my school. Which I totally didn't see coming. It took me a while to actually start liking my university (like, the whole first semester).  But I ended up really enjoying it in the spring.

Anyway, seeing as how my first year is behind me, I figured I'm now qualified to write about what I've learned as a freshman in college.  And if any incoming college freshmen are reading this, consider it friendly advice.

The Roommate
I signed up to room with a girl I didn't know and had never met before.  When we both first moved in, things were definitely a bit awkward.  But once you get through the awkward, I-don't-know-how-to-act-around-you stage, things smooth out fast.  My roommate and I ended up getting along really well and we became good friends.  Inevitably, there were things that she did that would get on my nerves (like leaving dirty dishes around), just as there were things that I did that would get on her nerves (like not hearing the six alarms I would set for myself in the morning).  You can't really expect to get along with someone perfectly, 100% of the time.  But we managed to get on pretty well for the most part.

 
The Dorm
I had the classic dorm set up: two people in one room, with a communal bathroom down the hall.  I was worried about the bathroom since I had heard horror stories about how gross the toilets and showers could be.  But I think I lucked out with my floor.  All the girls were pretty clean for the most part, and I never had to wait for a shower or a bathroom.  Shower shoes should be worn.  Clean the sink when you're done.  Make sure the toilet flushes completely.  The room seems small at first, of course, but don't worry, you'll have enough space.  Stackable drawers from the Container Store are your best friend.  (Side note: If you want to make friends with the girls on your floor, do it as soon as you get there.  My roommate and I didn't talk to anyone but each other.  We realized pretty early on in fall semester that practically all the girls on our floor were friends except us).

The Freshman 15
Let me just say that the Freshman 15 is real and terrifying.  I started off college by avoiding the dessert table at the dining hall and working out pretty regularly.  It was spring semester that really messed me up.  I didn't gain 15 pounds, I don't think.  To be honest, though, I don't

remember what I weighed before college.  But I think I probably gained around 10 pounds.  So now I'm trying to get back to my pre-college body this summer. Summer '15: the summer of getting #swole.

The Major
Coming from someone who changed my major three times before I even started attending classes, you seriously don't have to figure out your major as a freshman.  Most students I talk to have changed their major at least once.  I'm very lucky, though, to have found my major and feel extremely confident that it's what I want to do.  I've honestly never gotten so excited about school before as I am now.  Sure, some of the pre-reqs suck and some of the beginning classes are boring and repetitive, but it's so worth it.

The Old Friends
My friend group from high school is possibly one of the most close-knit groups of people ever.  We've been friends since middle school, actually, so I wasn't concerned at all when we all went away to different schools.  We're all still friends and we will probably hang out constantly over the summer, but to say nothing has changed would be a lie.  Distance and different time zones and hectic college schedules are bound to take a toll on any friendship.  I didn't expect to feel as distant with some people as I do, but I know that they're still some of my best friends.

The New Friends

Honestly, it took me a while to make good friends at college.  I met a lot of new people in the first semester from clubs (join clubs!!!) but I didn't feel really close with them until spring.  Meeting new people in college is the best, though, especially when they're part of the same major and have similar goals as you do.  I was worried I wouldn't make any good friends in the fall semester, but honestly just give it time and you will find your people.