Hi everyone!
Let's kick off Kat Chat right, shall we? Today I will be talking about college *cue cheering*
First I want to make clear that I am currently in my second year of college, so this post is essentially for all of you out there who have started college this year, or will be starting in the spring or next year!
College is a time for discovery, hard work, redirection, and learning about yourself. I have always been a very independent person (sometimes a little too much), and I believe that being so independent has made my transition into college a little easier. For those who are more dependent it becomes a little more tricky. Being dependent isn't necessarily a bad thing, however, it is important to learn that your life is what you make of it, and that there may not always be someone around to pick up the pieces for you or help you out. Again, I am not bashing those who are dependent on others, but let college teach you to stand on your own and become who you truly are!
Some thing I learned:
1). You don't have to become best friends with your roommate(s)
If you do, then that's fantastic and it's great that you have a friend to begin your college journey with! I believe that the media portrays college (especially for girls) as you move into your dorm, and will always be besties with your roommate. This is not always the case. I was placed into a dorm room by myself and had suitemates instead of an actual roommate, but I can tell you that I didn't become best friends with all of them immediately, but over time I gradually became friends with them. Not "joined at the hip" best friends, just friends with them. I really do like most of the girls that I shared a suite with.
Another thing- it is ok to not like your roommate. Sometimes you get paired up with someone and you two just don't have a connection. Again, this is fine. You are not entitled to like everyone you meet. I'm not preaching for you to go out there and hate your roommate(s)... I still think it's necessary to find something good in them, but it is not the end of the world if you don't have a strong connection with them. I, for one, had 2 additional suitemates that I didn't know at all. They were rarely there, but when they did return home they would make a mess, be noisy, rude, or would steal things. I did not have a good feeling about them. At first I felt extremely guilty for feeling this way, then I realized that it is a part of life and it's alright that I didn't care for them too much. We went our separate ways and left each other to our own business. Be civil, but don't expect to become the best of friends with everyone you live with.
2). Actually, you may not make any "best friends" at all.... well not just yet anyway
This is where patience comes in. There are sooooo many people at the same college that you attend, and sometimes you can feel so alone, even when surrounded by tons of people. Don't feel discouraged if you don't instantly click with someone. Friendships can take time, and honestly it is ok if you are friendly with people and consider them an acquaintance (or more than) before considering them your friend. As long as you are nice to people, and treat them how you what them to treat you, then you will have people to count on in no time. Patience my friend, patience.
3). Not all frat guys are scary
Again, the media plays a huge role in this. We (in general) have this preconceived idea that all frat guys are party animals, don't care about school, usually are the best looking, possibly too direct in a sexual sense, and are overall possibly a little douchey. This is not always true. Are there guys like this? YES. Are they always the guys in Fraternities? NO. I have met a few guys that are in fraternities that are absolutely nothing like this. I have also met guys that I would've never thought were in a fraternity, but are. Overall, don't believe everything that the media portrays to you. Not everything is like the movies. In terms of parties.. well, I couldn't even begin to tell you because I have never been to a party, let alone within 50 feet of one. Things may be different in that setting, I don't know. What I've observed has solely been through living in a dorm, and going to classes.
4). It is ok to not party... really
Speaking of parties..
This was one that I was nervous about. Unless if you are going to a "party school" then don't worry if you don't want to party. I can honestly say that I have never been to, or have wanted to attend a college party. I am not the party type, and when I tell people that they understand. Around here parties are quite "hush hush" and you can only get into one if invited. Fine by me, really.
5). same with drinking.. don't want to drink? that's cool too
Some people think it's quite admirable, really.
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