The Unknown 16 Pitfall's of College

What did they miss out when they told you about college? Is "Freshman 15" really a thing? Are textbooks at a college bookstore expensive? I am in my first year of college, half way through my second semester. I went through my first semester without knowing most of these things but I am here to share it with you all!

1. Buying books from your University Bookstore isn't best.

Online books are cheaper than books at your University Bookstore. I learned that the hard way. Unless you can not find the book your looking for online, it'll be best to purchase them at the bookstore. Make slugbooks.com useful, this website is helpful for comparing book prices from other websites.

2. You shouldn't be afraid to ask for help

There are so many resources on college campuses such as financial, health, and counseling. Even if you need academic support like a tutor, the writing center or your professors, EVERYONE is there to HELP! Use it, take advantage of all of it.

3. You'll get locked out of your dorm at least once

They don't tell you that you'll have to pay to replace your student ID or room key. The worst thing you could ever do is lose both, it can be times where your just forgetful especially if you're in a rush to class or having random fire drills.

4. YOU'RE BROKE ALL THE TIME

It's no way around it. No one in college is labeled as "RICH." Everything isn't always free. You'll wonder where all the money went: ordering out, textbooks, parties and more! Getting a job is an option but may be hard with balancing schoolwork and being involved on campus. If you aren't in college yet, START SAVING EARLY!

5. It's best to take a nap when you can

You'll need it especially when you have four or more back to back classes. If you get a break in between a 12pm and 2pm, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT.

6. You''ll get everything done at the library: LIE

Even though the library may be 24 hours, being able to get your work done at the library is a LIE. You'll still end up procrastinating, there will be people making noise and walking back and forth. There's no way, you will be distracted.

7. SLEEP for DINNER

There's time when you will run out of meal swipes or flex dollars but you're also broke so you have no choice but to go to sleep for dinner or eat a bowl of cereal. You'll get used to it eventually.

8. The parties aren't like what you see on TV

There are at least three or more different parties. There's one that have jungle juice, you never know what's in it so BE CAREFUL. You'll be in the basement of someone's house with music, hundreds of people, sweating and inhaling whatever they're smoking. Day parties and cookouts are my favorites, they're more calm.

9. Making friends takes time

College is a learning experience but making friends takes time. You have to be careful of who you call your friends but they come and go. You never know where you'll meet new friends but best place to start would be orientation. Just don't try and be someone you're not when you're around those you don't know. Try making friends in your University group message, at the gym, in your classes or at on-campus events.

10. It's actually FRESHMAN 10

The beginning of my first year I gained at least 10 pounds, I did not believe in gaining 15 pounds. After break, I came back to school 10 pounds lighter and decided to keep it that way so I made a workout plans and stuck to it. I decided to balance school work, classes, being involved and the gym all together.

11. Don't do 8AM-9AM

I never had a 8AM but I have friends who complained about 8AM and 9AM.

It's early, you'll be annoyed with getting up and having to go to class to listen to professors bore you.
It'll be times when you go to sleep at 3AM then realized you have to get up at 6AM or 7:30AM to get ready for class but end up oversleeping
Only PROS would be you getting done with classes early but getting up early can be hard too. You'll get to experience how quiet a campus can be around that time though which is lovely.

12. You will FAIL your first test whether you study or not!!!

Professor's will tell you this whether you like it or not! You're lucky it isn't your final. If it bothers you and you think you did not study as much as you should've, take advantage of the resources on campus. Talk to a professor to see what you can do to boost your grade or go to a tutor before your next test to get help understanding the material.

13. Use Ratemyprofessor.com and get to know your professors well

Ratemyprofessor.com is a great website to use when your scheduling classes and would like to know the reviews on the professor you're interested in. You can check out the ratings on professors, the amount of work they give, how difficult their class is and more!

It is best to get to know your professors because:

You'll get comfortable with asking for help.
If they are willing to, they will give you a great letter of recommendation. Having a highly respected professor say amazing things about you would be great especially if you need it for a future job or internship!
You'll succeed in their class and they will be willing to help you with no problem. Show them that you care.
You can go to them about advice. Take advantage of their intelligence by asking of help or material your confused about. That's what they are there for.

14. College goes by QUICK

College goes so much quicker than high-school. It may be because in high school, you take the same classes for the entire year. Meanwhile, In College you change your schedule every semester and you move around a lot from time to time. As you get older, you realize time goes quicker and you get busier.

15. Long-distance relationships are hard but can mature you

It’s all about learning experiences. You become more independent and you realize you have more important things to focus on. Such as schoolwork which is the most important thing to you and your boyfriend/girlfriend. Long-distance relationships can make you realize if it is meant for you to even be in a relationship while in college. In the long run, it can be worth it but you never know.

16. You'll second-guess about the school you chose and major you've picked

It's okay to second-guess your major. It's best to go into college with a undeicded major when you're not sure on what you want to do. Talk to an advisor to see what they think or let them know what you're interested in so that they can help you out. You don't necessarily have to have your future figured out your first year. College is mostly about finding yourself and figuring out what's best for you.