Leaving home, leaving my girlfriend, my family, even leaving my dog was going to be so hard. I was going off to college. When I was in high school I thought it would never end, but now I wish it hadn’t. I didn’t feel like I was ready, but it was time, and in time I would learn to let go and become a real grown up at university.
I stayed in the dorms my freshman year. Every single dorm room was packed floor to ceiling with modern conveniences like mini fridges, rice cookers, microwave ovens, or whatever could fit into these tiny rooms. They were cold, plain walls that looked like cinder block and painted a drab white. Thank God you shared the room, as even though it made it even more cramped, it felt pretty lonely in your little box.
My first week was insane, I was running around like a madman trying to find my classes. It was hard enough to keep track of the timetables, never mind where the classrooms where. In my first week of biology I ran so late, I was speeding towards the classroom door and ran right into the professor. He dropped his pipe in shock and I had to go and find one of those handheld vacuums to clean up for him.
I got used to it all in time, met lots of people, and found my way into meeting some really great new friends. I still missed my gorgeous girlfriend back home. She was so pretty, so smart, and I was so in love. We promised we’d stay together no matter how far apart. This didn’t really work out and she ended up dumping me 3 months later over the phone.
Luckily, there was plenty for me to distract myself with. It seem like I was at a different party every single night! I met some girls, date a bit, and it was great. There was also studying and exams to worry about as well.
By the time I got to year two, I’d hooked up with a group of guys and we agreed to rent an apartment off campus together. I managed to swing getting the largest room, with a full size loft bed, and I had my desk right underneath it, it was great.
My first year at college had it’s challenges, but eventually it worked out so well. I’ll always remember those days fondly and recommend every young person who feels hesitant about all the extra freedom to let go and just enjoy it.
