Things To Know Before Starting College
Starting college feels like stepping into a whole new world. It’s exciting, overwhelming, and full of unknowns. As a sophomore now in my second semester, I have already experienced both the highs and the lows. Looking back, there are so many things I wish someone had gently told me before I got here.
This is for the high school seniors who are about to begin this chapter. These are the things I learned through trial and error, the advice I wish I had been given, and the reminders I think every student deserves before starting college.
1. Scholarships and FAFSA
During your senior year, apply for as many scholarships as possible. If you apply to enough, you can end up with a full ride or even receive a refund check. A refund check happens when there is leftover scholarship money after tuition is paid, and instead of returning it, the school gives it to you. I have received multiple refund checks so far, each worth thousands of dollars. I used mine for dorm decor, art supplies, and clothes, but you can use that money for whatever you need.
One of the biggest reasons I was able to earn so many scholarships was my GPA. Having a GPA of 3.0 or higher opens the door to so many opportunities. Deadlines matter. Submitting your application early can increase your chances of being selected. I also made the process easier by writing one strong general essay and adjusting it slightly for different scholarships instead of starting from scratch every time. Pay attention to whether a scholarship is renewable. Renewable scholarships apply to your tuition yearly or by semester, but they usually come with requirements. You must maintain certain grades or meet specific conditions, or the funding can be taken away.
FAFSA is another major source of financial help. It stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and provides funding through grants and student loans. The application usually opens in early December and asks detailed questions about your financial situation. Being honest and thorough is important because this determines how much aid you qualify for. Scholarships and FAFSA can completely change your college experience by easing financial stress.
2. Meal Plans and Housing
Choosing a meal plan matters more than people realize. Colleges usually offer several options, ranging from basic to unlimited. I chose the lowest plan because I don’t eat very much, and at my school, unused meal swipes do not roll over to the next semester. Choosing a higher plan would have meant wasting money. Pick a meal plan that fits your lifestyle, not what you think you should choose.
Housing comes next. This is when you choose your dorm and your roommate. Be intentional when looking through potential roommates because this is the person you will share space with for an entire year. Once you feel good about someone, find them on Instagram and reach out. A short conversation beforehand can save you a lot of discomfort later. I chose a roommate who was very respectful, but we were completely different in almost every way. I missed out on the experience of becoming close friends with my roommate, so consider this a fair warning. Pay close attention to the roommate selection quiz.
3. Dorm Life and the Reality of Shared Spaces
Living in the dorms is one of those experiences people romanticize, but the reality can be very different. Sharing bathrooms and common spaces with so many people means you are exposed to habits you would never choose for yourself.
One thing I was not prepared for was how unsanitary shared bathrooms can be. Girls can be just as nasty as boys. Toilets are often left unflushed, sinks are left dirty, and basic hygiene is sometimes ignored. It can be uncomfortable and frustrating, especially when you are someone who values cleanliness and routine. There is also a strange energy that comes with it. You walk in with your shower caddy, your skincare, your matching pajamas, ready to take care of yourself and start or end your day feeling good, and somehow that alone feels like it draws unnecessary animosity.
Another challenge is the lack of privacy. Having to use the bathroom in a public space is not easy for everyone. For me personally, it was something I struggled with, and it is definitely something to think about before choosing dorm life. On top of that, when staff comes in to clean, it can feel more disruptive than helpful. Sometimes the cleaning does not feel thorough, but it still takes up time when you are trying to get ready or move through your routine.
It can also feel awkward at first walking around the dorms in pajamas. But the truth is, the dorms are your home now. You live there. If you would walk around your house in pajamas, there is no reason to feel embarrassed doing the same in the dorms. You are allowed to be comfortable in your own space.
Safety is another important thing to take seriously. Late at night, especially on weekends, people can be drunk and careless. There are times when boys wander into dorm buildings they do not belong in, opening doors and pretending they are lost. Always keep your door locked and be aware of your surroundings. Protecting your peace also means protecting your safety.
Dorm life teaches you quickly what you can tolerate and what you cannot. It is not for everyone, and that is okay. Knowing yourself and your boundaries makes all the difference.
4. Managing Your Schedule
College schedules are very different from high school. You may have long gaps between classes or only one class a day. It sounds nice, but without structure, it can quickly become overwhelming.
If you are not a morning person, do not choose early classes. It is very easy to skip class and sleep in, but it will hurt you later. Attendance still matters, and you may end up teaching yourself the material when exams come around. The same goes for night classes. They sound appealing because you have the whole day free, but nighttime can be draining and you may miss out on campus events.
Using a planner or digital calendar can help you stay organized. I personally use the Goodnotes app to make to do lists for each class with all my assignments and due dates. I cross them off as I complete them, and that small sense of accomplishment motivates me to keep going. Try to build a routine around your classes so your days feel balanced. Having structure helps you stay grounded and prevents everything from piling up at once.
5. Making Friends and Choosing the Right Ones
One of the hardest things about college that people do not talk about enough is making friends. Everything you do in college is up to you. No one is going to hold your hand or automatically include you. If you want community, you have to push yourself to be outgoing, go to campus events, join clubs, and put yourself in unfamiliar spaces.
People are not just going to walk up to you and say you have the same major and should be best friends. You have to approach people, introduce yourself, and make the effort to keep the connection going. Friendships in college require intention. For me, making friends has not been the hard part. Keeping them has. The energy it takes to maintain friendships can feel draining, especially when you realize you are not surrounded by the right people. I noticed that I often attract friends who are not goal oriented. Friends who spend most of their time complaining about family issues or relationship problems, but never take the advice they ask for. Over time, that kind of dynamic became exhausting for me.
I am learning that it is okay to let people go when you are no longer on the same wavelength. If your goals, values, and energy do not align, the friendship will eventually start to feel heavy. That does not make you a bad person. It means you are growing. I want friendships where I feel safe sharing the good things happening in my life without worrying about jealousy or comparison. I want friends who are mature, but still funny, silly, and a little goofy. Friends who can support growth while still enjoying life. People like that do exist, and it is okay to want that for yourself. You do not have to settle when it comes to friendships, just like you would not settle in a relationship. The right people will meet you where you are and grow with you, not drain you or hold you back.
6. Budgeting and Toiletries
Another thing that becomes very real in college is budgeting, especially when it comes to toiletries and everyday essentials. Things like soap, toothpaste, laundry detergent, paper towels, and skincare add up faster than you expect. It helps to budget for these items ahead of time and restock intentionally instead of buying things impulsively. Keeping a small list of what you use regularly can make trips to the store less stressful and prevent you from overspending. Investing in products you actually like and will use consistently can also make daily routines feel more comforting and manageable.
College teaches you a lot, not just academically, but personally. It pushes you to learn what you need, what you can tolerate, and what you are no longer willing to accept. You are allowed to take up space, protect your peace, and build routines that support your mental and emotional well being. There is no right way to do college, only the way that works best for you. Give yourself grace, trust your instincts, and remember that growth does not have to be loud or uncomfortable to be real.