The thing with college is that no matter how many things to read or watch beforehand, you’ll never truly know what to expect. Everyone has a unique and individualized experience every step of the way.

Why, then, am I writing this post? Just to give you some insight onto what I’ve learned so far and what I’ve seen to be true. These things might not apply to you either now or in your future college career, but regardless, I wanted to provide some sort of update on my end!

One thing I can tell you (that I hope is a universal thing): college is way better than high school. The schedule is better (albeit way harder to balance) and you get to meet all new people all the time – in high school, being stuck with people you’ve see around since Kindergarten got old very fast.

So far I’ve been loving college, but a cost of that is having to cut down time to work on this blog. I absolutely love The Fashion Newcomer and would never just abruptly abandon it (but throwback to that April Fool’s Day post…). So even if you don’t see things coming from me on a regular basis, know I’m human and trying to figure out how to balance everything!

Your sleep cycle will become irregular | In high school, I tried not to go to bed later than 11:30pm/12am (and that was at the latest during senior year). Now, I’m on a completely different schedule, particularly because my classes are later in the day so I never have to wake up at 6am. This is a blessing and a curse; my days start later (sometimes I feel as if I’ve wasted time), but I can do a lot more work at night and not have to worry about waking up in a few short hours (I’m pretty productive at night!).

Look for people who share same values as you, but have different interests | My friends here have all discussed how different we are – we all participated in different activities in high school, and have different outlooks on a lot of things. At the end of the day, we all have the same morals and are all pushing towards success. These things create a cohesive and supportive group that I am so lucky to be a part of.

Don’t ever get discouraged, just keep working harder | If ever stressed or overloaded, take a deep breath, and keep working. Don’t let anything deter you from your academic goals (if you have them) – push on and get ahead. Although it is easier said than done, cracking down is necessary – making to do lists, creating mini rewards, and separating yourself from distractions is the best way to ensure your own personal success. If you do need a real stress reliever, I recommend a session of zumba: fun, still productive (fighting the freshman 15!), and gets your juices flowing.

Athletic clothes are 100% acceptable at any time | In high school, I truly hated wearing leggings to school. In fact, I rarely ever did it. In college, it’s a whole different ball game. First and foremost, sometimes I go through 3 outfits in a day just depending upon what’s going on. The days when I have nothing going on, I throw on leggings, and if I want to look more together (it really doesn’t take much more effort), jeans. It’s completely acceptable to wear whatever you want whenever you want – as long as you are comfortable and happy, that’s what counts!

Take things at your own pace | Moving to college is a adjustment, so take everything at your own pace. Everyone has a different tolerance for various things, so don’t push yourself to do anything you know would drastically effect you negatively. You know yourself better than anyone else, and make sure to get the necessary sleep, rest, and nourishment you need to be successful.

Try to go home sometime in the stretch before Thanksgiving | My school doesn’t have a designated fall break, but luckily there was a long weekend in which I was able to go home before Thanksgiving. No matter what, I knew I would see my parents and brother as they were coming up for family weekend – but there is something about being home and in a comfortable environment that is so nice. I’m looking forward to going home not because I don’t like it here, but simply because I crave homemade food and being able to chill with my family in my house! Although familiarity can become a handicap, it is nice to be able to return to what you know from time to time.

Look for ways to switch up eating at the dining hall | This is a piece of advice I’ve been having a hard time taking myself. I’m getting so sick of the dining hall food and I don’t quite know what to do! I bought Campbell’s K-Cups and some amazing oatmeal (post on dorm room snacking/food to come soon!), but other than that, it is very hard to gain massive variation. The food here is not amazing, and it’s hard on a daily basis to find something I know I’ll definitely enjoy.

Generally, say yes more than you say no | I’m unsure as to whether or not this is something I’ve been following, but I think it’s a good rule of thumb. College presents so many opportunities, and although you may be over scheduled and exhausted, sometimes you need to say yes, get out there, and experience new things. (Although do know your limits and don’t push yourself too far!!)

Written by Jamie from The Fashion Newcomer