Four Ways to Make the Most of Your Time Before College
So you’re starting college in a few weeks. It’s too late to talk about summer jobs, internships, or courses you need to take before you start college, but it’s not too late to make some suggestions about the social side of things. Let’s face it, you are now living in the last month of high school, even though classes ended a while back. All your old friendships are about to change dramatically, and all your old romantic relationships too. So here are some suggestions of things to do in the last few weeks before you head off to college.
- Tell someone, “I am in love with you.” You know who it is – the one you’ve been crazy about for years in high school. Chances are that saying those words will prove to be pointless. After all, you are both heading off to college in a few weeks, and there is no way you are going to start a relationship right now. But I did it. Before I headed off to college, I told that girl that I was in love with her, even though I never had a chance with her in high school. I have felt good for years because I had the guts to do it.
- Road trip! Now be safe out there, but a road trip with your best high school friends right can capture a moment of the old times, before the new times begin. I did it – drove for hours and went tent camping with three of my best high school friends, way up on a remote piece of land in New York State. I’ve never forgotten it, and it might be one reason why those guys are still my friends.
- Make a commitment to stay in close touch with one or two of your best friends. You don’t have to tell them that you are doing it – just tell yourself. In the years to come, your best high school buddies will play a special role in your life. When you pick a college major, or break up with someone, or get into law school, or have a kid (we’re looking way ahead here) — these are the people you are going to tell. And I can tell you from experience, their support will mean more to you than nearly anyone else’s. Plus, they will rely on you for support, which will enrich your life. So make a promise with yourself that you will never lose touch with your best high school friends.
- Get ready for more good times. Things are going to be a blast once you and your friends are installed at different colleges. You will go to visit them, meet their roommates, eat in their dining halls, scope out their colleges and the students who go to them. And they are going to show up at your college too. And before you know it, Christmas break will be here and you’ll all be together again, comparing notes. So even though you are in a brief period when the social side of life feels iffy and uncertain, snap out of it. High school was good, but guess what? Things are about to get even better.
College is an adventure and there will be many good times ahead, but it’s not too late to have some good times before you go. Any other tips for the last few weeks before college? Leave a comment.
