5 Things I Wish I Knew Before College

(Part 3)

1. Making real friends takes time so just take things slow.

You will meet someone on the first day of college, or even the first week, and they will become your instant BFF. 6 weeks later, you awkwardly pass them on the sidewalk and wonder why you were even friends to begin with. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. You don’t become instant best friends with someone in the matter of a few hours. Finding true friends who will be there for you might take even more than a year. 

2. Just because a karan johar movie portrayed love in college in the most cliched way possible doesn't mean you will fall in love right away. i know, its college and all that.. but again coming back to the theme of taking things slow, dont just rush into relationships or flings. These are the mistakes you'll regret for the next 3 years and maybe for the rest of your life. Spare yourself the torture. Being nineteen is a weird age. You’re brought into a world full of possibilities, but are barely old enough to embrace them. The freedom is intoxicating, as are, you know, the actual intoxicants.

3. You NEED to know this. That drinking a bunch of water before drinking would also help prevent hangovers and drinking on an empty stomach can dramatically affect how drunk you get. That drinking is exponential; “one or two” last shots can be the difference between a wild night and a big mistake. “A drink and two beers” can be anywhere from three to seven drinks, and that range is wildly different. And most importantly, That people respond differently to different things, so trust your instincts and body.

4. Learn how to deal with roommates. It’s not easy living in the same room as someone, no matter how well you get along. From coordinating sleep schedules to when you can have guests over, having a roommate requires constant communication and compromising. Whether you choose to live with someone who you already know or with someone new, being direct, open and considerate can help build a successful relationship with your roommate. 

 5. Manage your finances. It is very important to start managing your finances early, and college is a great place to start. There are many ways you can cut back on costs while in school if you think strategically. Search for the cheapest place to buy textbooks, such as renting them for the semester through Amazon. Look into scholarships through your school or outside organizations. Sites like Scholarships.comcan help you find scholarships that are specific to your needs. And if your schedule allows, get a part-time job so you can help pay for food and housing. Be prepared for a roller coaster ride.