College is rough, but it’s also great.

You learn so many new things, you meet so many new people, and you experience life in ways you never have.

The classes are really difficult, but you have so much time to get it done in between classes so that you can spend time with your friends after.

IF you go to college with a boyfriend/girlfriend be aware of the fact that its going to be different. It is definitely a good different for me, but its different nevertheless. My university is everything I hoped it would be and so much more.

Enjoy it but please don’t get behind on your work.

Stay Golden,

Emily

Today one of my friends said something that really hit home with me. She is home from her first year of college. We had a long talk about college and how much better/different it is than high school. This is what she said.

You’ll Fit In

I’ll admit it. Our whole high school career is full of drama, cliques, frenemies, and peer pressure. College is different in this aspect. You can be yourself and find friends that truly care about you. You don’t have to be someone different to fit in. College is all about finding yourself and all of the people are there to help you on your journey. The peer pressure is still there but if you say no IT MEANS NO. Nobody is going to judge you for saying no.

Your Parents Will Be Your Best Friends

You may butt heads with your parents now, but you will become close with them while you are in college. You’ll want to call them up crying after you fail a test. They’ll help you through the times that you just want to give up and come home. They’ll be your safe haven and you’ll appreciate them more for all they are doing to put you through school.

You’ll Be Responsible For Yourself

“Where there is freedom there is responsibility.” In college the professors are not gonna check up on you. They are not going to care whether you miss class or not. That’s on you. You choose to make the grades and go to class. You choose whether or not to party the night before a big math test. It is up to you. This is a big change from what you are used to, but it’s okay. You will get through it, and you will grow up.

You Will Cry… A Lot

Girls, this is mainly for you. We are built emotional. We cry for no reason. Heck, we cry for EVERY reason. You will get stressed; you will feel alone. You will feel like the whole world is against you. You will cry a lot, and you will get over it. College is hard, but it is one amazing ride. You will spill your heart and soul to new people you never knew you would meet. Crying is OKAY. Let it out, just let it out.

You Will Be Different

College changes people. This is usually for the better, but make sure to be who you want to be. If you surround yourself with successful people, you become successful. If you surround yourself with goal-oriented people, you’ll make goals. On the other hand… If you surround yourself with people who don’t care about their future, you’ll become the same way. Don’t let college change you for the worst. Go into college with your head held high, and do what you came there to do. Get an education and grow up.

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This talk that she had with me really made me think about what I’m about to get myself into. I really appreciate her taking the time to help me prepare.

Stay Golden,

Emily

ANYONE can work out. Working out is not just for people who need to lose weight. I am 105lbs and I work out 3+ times a week. When I started working out 2 months ago, I was 95lbs. Yes, I did gain weight, but it is all muscle!

The Freshman 15 is a real thing. College students generally do not have much time in their busy schedules set aside for working out, but it can be prevented. In fact, most colleges have a FREE (included in tuition) on campus gym. Even if you don’t really gain weight, you should still work out to stay healthy and make absolutely sure you don’t become a victim of the freshman 15.

Working out makes me feel better. When I have had a long day, I love to go work out. It gives you energy. Even if you only do 15min on a treadmill.. It’s better than nothing!

So go out and buy some good sneakers and some workout clothes! Remember not to push yourself too hard.

[inserts picture of my cute sneakers here]

Stay Golden,

Emily

The time between the High School Graduation and Move-In weekend in college can be one of the most bittersweet times of your life. However, here are a few tips to get the most out of the summer before college. I know I am going to miss my best friends like crazy!

[inserts pictures of my friends and I here]

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Go on a road trip with your best friends.

It doesn’t have to be far, but a road trip with your friends before you go your separate ways will be one of you most memorable moments that occurred before college. I suggest NYC or local sights around you that should be seen. My favorite place is the beach!

[inserts beach picture here]

Make a Scrapbook!

There is no better way to cherish the memories you make with your friends and family over the summer than to take lots of pictures and put them in a scrapbook to take with you to college. This will help you when you are missing them.

Get a Summer Job and SAVE UP.

I know what you are thinking, but this is something that you are really going to appreciate when everyone around you in college is broke, and you are “rollin’ in the dough.” Not having to ask your mom and dad to give you some money is a great feeling.

DIY Projects

If you are a creative person, (and even if you aren’t) you are going to want to create a lot of the decor you put up in your dorm room. Pinterest is a great tool to use to find some ideas if you cannot think of anything. I am definitely going to do some DIY things for my dorm room to save a little money and still have a cute room.

Contact your roommate and plan a meet-up

This is an important thing to do, because you can plan how to decorate your dorm room to please both parties, and you can go ahead and lay down some ground rules. This communication proves that you are willing to learn to live with them.

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Hope these will help you have a great summer before you head off to college.

Stay Golden,

Emily