What they don't teach you in high school

In middle school, they tell you how to prepare for high school. In high school, they tell you how to prepare for college. Well, speaking from experience, half the things they tell you, is crap. Those teachers have been out of college for a long time, and things have changed. So, whoever is going into college this fall, let me give you some tips.

1. "You have to choose a major" or "They don't like it when you go undecided"
Nope. Honestly, they don't care if you're undecided. I came in with Psychology as my major, and two weeks into school I changed to undecided. Honestly, even if you know what you want to do, it's okay to change your mind about it. All these people try to put pressure on you to choose something or stick with something you don't want to do. Do what you want to, try out things to see what you like and don't like. You never know, you could go for something totally different. Relax.

2. "They hate it when you don't go to class"
Yes, some teachers don't like it, but about 95% of them will let you have 3 unexcused absences a semester. Don't feel bad for missing a class, as long as you let them know by email or phone that you won't be in class. Sometimes, you get sick, sometimes you have to work or have doctors appointments, or sometimes you just need a mental health day. Take it. If you're not feeling well, stay in your room and sleep. If you are over-whelmed, take a day off. They really won't mind, they understand. One important thing you NEED to remember is that if you are going to be falling asleep in class, just don't go. If they ask where you were, just tell them you had a hard time sleeping that night and took the day to rest. They will appreciate your honesty and will pretty much be 100% okay with it. Just get your homework.

3. "You need to buy all of your books"
If you have a class, and know someone who had it with that same teacher a year/semester before, ASK THEM IF YOU NEED THAT BOOK!!!!! Trust me, no one wants to spend 100$ on a book that you will maybe open once to look at a picture in it. Ask! If you need to, ask me! Ask my brother, ask a random person. Just do it, don't waste money.

4. "Buy your things from the bookstore"
Do not. Ever. Buy books. From the book store. Ever. The bookstore is a horrible thing that some a-hole made to make poor college students more broke. Amazon.com is your new best friend. Buy used books. No one cares if someone colored on the cover, as long as you have the book to do your homework you'll be fine.

5. "You need to make friends right away" or "You need to go do stuff right away"
I starting making friends about a month and a half after school started. I'm a shy person, I don't like many people either, but you will find people you like and will be around a lot. You don't need to be a complete hermit like I was/am, but go out with your roommate for a while, meet their friends that went to school with them, or maybe have them meet some people you went to school with. Don't feel pressure to go out and do new things and make new friends right away. After a while you'll meet people, don't stress.

6. "Roommates suck"
Yes, some do. I've had two this year. (neither of them sucked BTW!) It is weird rooming with someone from a totally different place than you, but it is really not a big deal. A few days unpacking and hanging around each other will be a good ice breaker, plus the college sends you a letter with their name so you can talk to them on facebook or call them so you can get to know them before you meet. Always be honest about things you like/don't like. If you don't like smoking or drinking, let them know you don't want that stuff in your room. Not only can you get in major trouble for having it in there, but if they don't respect that, change roommates. If you don't get along or agree with what they do, (let it be drugs, or drinking, or having a boy in there every night) change roommates! There is no use in going through a semester with someone you don't like.


A couple things you need to know about roommates though is that not all of them clean their side, not all of them smell nice, not all of them are shy about having sex every night with you in there or not. Yes, it's gross, but it happens. Sometimes you get lucky and you get a quiet, OCD girl who has a boyfriend and respects your likes/dislikes. If you get one of those, you're golden.


Just keep in mind these things and you'll be fine. Any questions, let me know. I'll be happy to tell you everything about all the things that goes on on campus.

Yup, me and the roommate with an alligator.