A New Life
By Kate, age 18, New Hampshire
Sweet Designs Featured Writer
Editor's Note: Kate plans to take us all with her to college this fall, reporting on her adventures and misadventures as a college freshman. Be sure to check in on her progress in future issues. Readers would also be interested in your perspective on your high school or college experience and any advice you may have.
Can you believe it? School is finally out! But it seems that this summer is going by so quickly, and soon school will be starting again. For some of us, though, it will be a whole new school in a whole new location with whole new people! It can be scary, but don't forget how exciting it can be too!
By now, if you are going to college, you've probably found out who your roommate is, your classes, and so on. I have already started talking to my roommate on Facebook. She is so awesome! If you haven't by now, and you have an account on Facebook, I suggest looking up your roomie and start getting to know each other. It will definitely help to make things less awkward on the first day.
Also, talk to your roomie about your dorm. Since you will both be sharing, it will be good to know what you and your roomie like and dislike. Maybe you can buy matching bed sets, or maybe you'll each want to have completely different sides in the room. (Kind of like that Target commercial.)
You also should decide who should bring what. My roomie won a mini fridge in some contest she entered at her school, and I just got a brand new HD TV for my birthday, so we decided we would bring those. No need for two TVs or mini fridges!
Decorating your dorm room and moving in can be a lot of fun, so don't stop at plain bed sheets! Fill up your room with anything and everything. Colorful chairs, lamps, rugs, and other little knick knacks can help make your dorm your own personal space. It's like your second bedroom away from home. You'll want to feel comfortable and want it to reflect who you are as a person.
What to bring to college can be a stress, though. For most colleges, they will have a website for new students, including a list of what they suggest you bring and leave at home. Print out this list and take it with you when you hit up the stores. Look for discounts! You won't regret it!
I know no one wants to think about school right now, but summer is already, like, halfway over! Before you know it, you will be moving in to your new school, or going back for one last year. Don't wait until the last minute to get the things you need. You are going to be filled with so many emotions the first few weeks; there's no need to be even more stressed!
And most importantly - have fun! You are going to meet so many new people in college and make so many strong friendships. Things are changing; hopefully you can see these as good changes. College is fun, but remember, it's still school! If you don't focus on your work, you will get kicked out, and you won't get your money back!
I could say everything that your mother has probably already said, like don't do drugs and don't drink. In college, you are going to experiment. As long as you know what's important in your life, you will make it out just fine. And I will be right there with all of you, experiencing college firsthand. I will be sure to update you all on my own adventures, and hopefully be able to help you with your own.
Enjoy the rest of the summer and the start of your new life!
