High School Mentalities You Shouldn't Bring To College

So you accidentally blinked, high school is in the rearview and graduation is becoming a memory. It's summer now, which means it's time to work on some soul-searching and tanlines. Ideally you do both concurrently.

As a way to make your transition back down the totem pole from senior to freshman a bit easier, here are some mentalities that you can leave at home. After all, dorm rooms are small so learn how to say goodbye to the things you don't need.

"I wish the weekends were longer."

Have you ever wished there was a third day in the weekend? Maybe even a fourth? That's fine. You're in college now, and you get to set your schedule. Granted sometimes you're just at the mercy of when the classes you absolutely have to take are only offered, but for the most part, you have full control over when you're parked in a classroom. Don't want to go to class Monday, Wednesday, or Friday? I don't blame you. From K-12, all you've known was school from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. That's nearly 40 hours a week of sitting in the classroom. What a drag.

"I'll just finish my assignment at the end of class so I don't have homework tonight."

Remember when your high school teachers would give you time to work on your assignments in class? Did you think college would be the same way? Cute. But not quite. In college, professors do a stellar job of droppin' knowledge. But it's up to you to pick up what they're puttin' down. Outside of the classroom. On your time.

"Excuse me, may I use the restroom?"

This is a weird concept to grasp, I know, but you're an adult now. Which means you no longer have to ask for permission to pee. You're paying for classes, and if you gotta go, go. Feel the room and don't be rude. It isn't polite to just walk out and disturb the entire class while the professor's up there talking about God knows what. But when nature calls, they understand that you must answer.

Go on with the chlorophyll.

"I'm naturally smart, I don't need to study."

You hit a 25 on your ACT without the help of John Baylor or Sylvan. You made honor roll almost every semester and you, like, never had to study. You go, Glen Coco. This is college, and it doesn't matter that you're "kind of just naturally smart." You've got to earn your grades now, chief. Set goals for yourself, work hard to achieve them, and make the syllabus your bae.

"DQ Blizzards after track practice. You in?" 

You don't realize how active you are in high school until you see the effects of no longer being a three-sport athlete taking its toll come freshman year of college. Whereas you once could eat whatever you wanted because you'd work it off on the court the next day, that's not quite the case anymore. Chances are, you're not playing any sports in college. And intramurals aren't quite as intense as two-a-days. So eat healthy and make smart choices. Beverages can pack a surprising amount of calories. Make the wellness center your best friend.. Develop a gym crush.. Fall in love.. Find out he has girlfriend.. Have roommate tell you he has weird teeth.. Move on.

College is an incredible experience. More than anything, have fun. And prepare for all of the fun that lies ahead. Keep an open mind about people, activities, and majors (there's a good chance your path won't be a straight and narrow as you think now). Be prepared to learn some stuff from text books, but even more from outside of them. Start thinking about what clubs you want to join. Is Greek life for you? Start researching. Be prepared to jump right in from the start. No one talks about their "Day 32" friends, it's all about the #DayOne. Go out and git it.