Every stage of life has its own set of new experiences. Some of these are good, some bad and some just exceptionally incredible. College is one of those stages.
You graduate high school and apply for a university, and — boom — you’re accepted. Next, you visit, fall in love with the campus of Mississippi State University and find out which dorm you will be moving into in the fall. It’s overwhelming, exciting and, for some, even terrifying.
Let me tell you, college should not be that scary. Your high school teachers exaggerated; not every professor is out to get you. Most of them actually do want to see you learn and succeed.
Dorm life has the potential to be a blast or be obnoxious, so if you don’t get your own personal bathroom in the new dorms, put on a happy face.
So, tip number one of college life: learn to roll with the punches. Chill out, relax and don’t stress every tiny detail of every tiny thing. You can leave that worry up to your parents. You will have plenty of chances to stress out during exam time, so don’t think you have to practice beforehand.
Living with a roommate for the first time can be stressful and kind of weird if you aren’t already friends, so have a sense of humor and don’t hold a grudge. If you can’t learn to look past things, I promise you will have a miserable year.
Secondly, classes will not eat you alive unless you don’t attend them. I know you will hear this over and over but go to class! I promise, it will significantly affect your grade. Most people think that college professors don’t care about attendance — wrong.
Nearly every teacher I’ve had in the past two years has had a strict attendance policy. You have to go to class to pass. Professors are pretty understanding about unexpected incidents, but don’t push your limits. Teachers want to see your face in their classes on a regular basis.
Just like you were told in high school, you’ll hear it again in college: get involved. The only difference between getting involved in college and high school is that here, it can be used as more than just a “looks good on your resume” activity. Getting involved on campus is a huge way to meet friends. There are all types of groups on campus: religious organizations, student government, art clubs, drama clubs and activist groups. There are endless options. Don’t waste time; establish yourself.
 Last, but certainly not least: have a freaking good time. You’re on your own, finally out of your parents’ house and, for most of you, several hours away from home.
These are supposed to be the best times of our lives, so don’t forget to have fun. College is the place to branch out, meet tons of people and make an impact on other people’s lives. There is always something to do when you attend a school with almost 20,000 students.
High school is over and college is now beginning. Don’t freak out when move in day rolls around and your roommate has some strange habit:; go to class so your parents allow you to come back next semester.
Stay involved in something you’re passionate about, and always remember to have fun. Don’t blow the next four, and for some of us five, years we will spend on this beautiful campus. Go big or go home.
Sarah Ulmer is a sophomore majoring in communication. She can be contacted at [email protected].