Hey bestie,
So you’re heading off to college—cue the confetti 🎉 and maybe a few nervous butterflies. First of all, deep breath. You've got this. College is this magical, chaotic, unforgettable mix of freedom, new faces, last-minute cramming, and midnight pizza runs. But it can also feel like someone handed you the adulting manual… in another language.
If you’re sitting there wondering, “Why didn’t anyone warn me about this stuff?”—I’ve got your back. Consider this your crash course in everything I wish someone had told me before move-in day. No sugarcoating, no generic “get involved” advice—just real talk from a big sister who lived it, learned it, and lived to tell the tale.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
1. 🍕 Always Eat Before the Party
First things first—if you're heading out for the night (yes, even if it’s “just a few drinks”), please eat something substantial beforehand. I know it’s easy to skip dinner while getting ready or feel like you'll just grab something after, but trust me, a full stomach = your best friend. It’s the difference between a fun night and a why am I crying in this random bathroom kind of night.
Pro tip: Keep easy snacks in your dorm like protein bars, microwave mac & cheese, or bagel bites for quick, pre-going-out munchies.
2. 🗣 Be the First One to Say “Hi”
Okay, I know this sounds painfully awkward if you’re shy, but hear me out: everyone is feeling just as awkward as you are. That girl you pass in the hallway? She's wondering if you're friendly. The guy in your psych lecture? Also trying to figure out how to make friends without looking weird.
Just start with “Hey, I’m [Your Name], what’s your major?” or even, “Do you know if the professor posts notes online?”—you’re not trying to win an Oscar for small talk, you’re just opening the door.
3. 🤷♀️ Not Everyone is Gonna Be Your Person (And That’s Fine)
College is like speed dating for friendships—you’ll meet a lot of people, and not everyone will vibe with you. You might feel pressure to find your “forever friends” in week one, but real friendships take time. If someone seems uninterested or standoffish, it’s not necessarily about you.
Focus your energy on the people who make you feel good. The ones who text to see if you got home okay. The ones who remember your big test. Those are your people.
4. 🎓 Being Undecided Is Not a Red Flag
Let’s clear something up: you don’t need to have your entire life figured out at 18. If you’re going in “undecided,” that’s not a failure—it’s actually smart. Use those gen eds to test the waters. Maybe you’ll fall in love with sociology, or suddenly find accounting… oddly satisfying?
And if you change your major once, twice, or even three times? You’re not behind. You’re discovering what lights you up. That’s what college is for.
5. 🤝 Friendships Need Initiative
One of the hardest college truths? Sometimes you have to make the plans. I know it can feel scary to text “Hey, wanna grab dinner?” or invite someone to a study session, but often people are just waiting for someone else to initiate.
Be the inviter. Plan a group coffee run or movie night. Yes, you might get a no here and there, but you’ll also create memories and connections that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
6. 🦠 The Freshman Flu is Real
Listen, dorm germs are no joke. You’re sharing bathrooms, doorknobs, and the same recycled air with dozens of people. Stock your “sick kit” before you get sick—think DayQuil, Emergen-C, cough drops, tissues, and a heating pad for those mid-winter chills.
Also? Start washing your hands a lot. You’ll thank me in October when half the floor is coughing and you’re still standing strong.
7. 💸 DoorDash = Budget Enemy #1
It starts innocent—one little Chipotle order. Then suddenly you’re $300 deep into delivery apps by mid-semester and wondering where your laundry money went.
Stick to your dining plan as much as you can, and save delivery for nights when you really need a treat. Bonus: learn a couple of easy dorm meals (hello, microwave quesadillas) to keep your budget happy.
8. 🏃♀️ Watch Out for the “Freshman 15”
Okay, let’s talk about this one gently. Your body is adjusting to a lot—new food routines, stress, less sleep. It's totally normal to gain or lose a few pounds. But if you're not feeling like your best self, small habits can help.
Try walking to class, drinking more water, and throwing in the occasional yoga video or group fitness class. Moving your body isn’t about weight—it’s about feeling strong and centered in the chaos.
9. 💔 Homesickness is Inevitable (And It’s Okay)
Even the most independent students hit a homesick wall. One minute you're thriving, and the next you're crying in bed to old photos of your dog. IT'S NORMAL.
Set up weekly check-ins with your people back home, but also push yourself to build new routines. Go to club meetings. Walk to a cute coffee shop. Create a little home-away-from-home that feels safe and comforting.
10. 👕 Learn How to Do Laundry Before You're Desperate
There’s something very humbling about standing in a laundry room, holding pink-tinged white socks, and realizing you’ve made a terrible mistake.
So, here’s your checklist:
✔ Learn to sort lights and darks
✔ Get detergent pods (less mess!)
✔ Use those color-catching sheets
✔ Always check the lint trap
And yes, folding your clothes right away actually makes your life easier. Shocking, I know.
Final Pep Talk 💕
College will test you, change you, and teach you more than you ever imagined—not just about academics, but about yourself. You’ll learn how to navigate awkward convos, bounce back from bad grades, and find joy in the tiny wins (like getting the last brownie at the dining hall).
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep showing up, keep learning, and keep leaning into the moments that light you up.
So go get that syllabus. Join that club. Ask that person to get coffee. You are braver than you know—and this new chapter? It’s yours to write.
You've got this. 💛
Want more college survival tips, budget hacks, or dorm decor inspo? Scroll through the blog for more big-sis-approved advice. And if you have questions, drop a comment—I'm always here to help.
📌 Pin this for later so future-you can come back when you need a pep talk!
