Surviving College Life

As a fourth year student in Missoula I find myself thinking about how much I've changed since I moved here in August of 2003. A lot can happen in 3 years and thinking back I wish someone would have prepared me for the things to come in college. So, here are my top five tips for those preparing to start college.

Things I wish I would have known before coming to the University...

1. Quarters are actually gold. With your spare quarters you can do almost anything. Buy a meal, go to a movie, do laundry, or go to that concert you really want to see. It's amazing how rich you will feel with a jar of quarters by your side. And no matter how much money you have saved up, you will become one of those 'broke college students' you've heard so much about. Be prepared.

2. Getting junk mail can actually be exciting, especially in the dorms. Checking your mailbox will become one of the most exciting parts of your day. And when you look through the little mailbox window and see an envelope in there, your day will be just a little brighter. Even if its junk mail, it is always exciting to receive mail at college.

3. Just because you don't have to go to class doesn't mean you shouldn't go to class. I must say that it is nice to have the choice of whether or not to go to class. But keep in mind, even though you're too tired to get up for your 8:00 a.m. class it is still taking place. And you are missing out on information that you will be tested on. If you aren't a morning person, don't try and convince yourself that you'll get up. Just sign up for later classes.

4. Who you were in high school doesn't matter anymore. So you were the homecoming queen, or the captain of the football team, or maybe even the student body president. Guess what? Nobody here cares. Not to say that those aren't great achievements and moments in your life that you should be proud of; just don't get too full of yourself. Because once you are here, you are just another incoming freshman. Another new face on campus. And even though you think you blend in with everyone, we see the lost looks on your faces during the first few weeks when everything is new and exciting. We know who you are and one day you too will find humor in watching the new students find their way around. It's a right of passage.

5. There will never be such a fine line between friends and family. You are out on your own for presumably the first time in your life. The people you choose to surround yourself with will become the most valuable friends you have ever have. They will become your support network, your best friends, the shoulder to cry on, your Friday night entertainment, and the closest thing to family you will have in your college career. So choose wisely who you decide to have in your life. Because trips home can be few and far between, so your friends will truly get you through the tough times.

There are so many other things I wish I could tell you but that would take far more time than either of us are willing to commit to this blog. So hopefully this information is helpful to those preparing for college and somewhat humorous to those who read this and thought "That is so true."