Things I learned in college

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1. Housekeeping 101. Doing the laundry is a talent I never possessed, nor was it something I had to do until I got to college. Coins were not money for me in the past; now I search high and low, under beds, and in pockets to find loose change to pay for my laundry. I have also mastered the art of washing dishes, dusting, taking out the trash and making my bed. In fact, I've discovered I'm actually quite good at these things. 2. The value of nap time. Something I once despised as a child, something I once saw as a punishment, has ironically become a reward. Naps are a wonderful thing, especially if you have a crush in your 8 pm class and need to look fresh to impress. 3. The luxury of privacy. Don't expect to get as much privacy as you want, especially when you're sharing living space with a roomie. When it comes to phone calls, changing, or trying to study, she will always be there - so you might as well get used to it. 4. Freedom, finally! One thing I love about being in college is the freedom. Curfews are nonexistent in college. If I want to stay up until 5 am, I can, If I want to blast my music on a Saturday afternoon, I can. And if I don't feel like going to class, I don't have to (not that I would ever do such a thin). 5. Family matters. I value my family a lot more now that I spend so much time away from them. Since they're not around as often, I have a chance to miss them, and my absence gives them a chance to miss me, too. When I'm home, it's difficult to fight with any one of them, with the exception of my hormonally imbalanced teenage sister (Some things, like sibling rivalry, will never change. 6. Food for thought. The "gourmet" meals at the hall aren't typically something to write home about. But it's college - what do you expect? The good thing is that when you go home on breaks, your parents feel sorry for you. They will take you out to dinner, make your favorite desserts, cook whatever you want. You may even have breakfast waiting for you when you wake up in the morning! You never miss a good thing until it's gone. And in college, there's nothing you'll appreciate more than a home-cooked meal. 7. Friendships: before and after. I learned that " best friends forever" does not guarantee forever. In fact, it doesn't even guarantee a year. Just because you were inseparable in high school doesn't mean you friendship will flourish through college. In many cases, it won't even make it through the first semester. But college will make true friendships stronger and weed out the false ones. 8. Life lessons. College is not all about books and studying and final exams. Nor is it all about parties or girls. College is about the experiences you gain and people you meet who transform you into a better person. College may teach you about the different species or phyla, but the things you will treasure most are the memories.