Class of 2011ers

I am graduating tomorrow. Yes, as in 24 hours from now. However, I am not the only one in my family who is part of the class of 2011. My youngest brother, Kevin, is graduating in two weeks. Here is some advice I have for Kevin and the other class of 2011ers going in to college.

• Forget high school, college is the best four years of your life
• Yes, you get to sleep in until your first class, which may not even be until 2 pm
• Don’t worry about not having any friends at first because everyone is very friendly the first couple of days because they are in the same situation
• You probably won’t get along with your first roommate. It’s okay. It is hard to get along with someone while you are both undergoing a new experience
• Your dorm will be the size of a closet freshman year, no matter where you go. It will get bigger each year.
• Learn how to do laundry before you go off to school
• Fine Arts classes does not guarantee it will be fun
• Ditto creative writing
• Try to get a job during your freshman year. It helps you make new friends and the extra money doesn’t hurt
• If you do get a job, do not over-work yourself. There’s a reason most jobs in college only allow you to work 20 hours a week.
• The library is the only place you will find silence and, even then, it is a 50/50 chance.
• Try to participate in every opportunity that comes your way. No regrets.
• If you insist on drinking, always bring a buddy.
• Wear flip flops in the shower. You will figure out why.
• Just because the university/ college hands out a list of what to bring to your first dorm room doesn’t mean you bring it all.
• Take pictures of everything
• Make sure you have fun because you’ll be paying off this four year bill for a very long time.
• Going to class ups your grade. Not lying. So don’t skip immense amount of classes.
• You get out of college what you put in. If you don’t read or never go to class, you’re never going to learn anything. And, let’s face it, you are paying a lot for school so you might as well learn something.
• The syllabus should come with a disclaimer that says “will only partially stick to this schedule.”
• Pay attention to the building names or you’ll be dreadfully lost.
• People can tell you’re a freshman when you wear your lanyard containing your keys and ID around your neck.
• Start a quote book.

And my super, awesome, spectacular advice that no one will ever give you is…

Don’t get a dog the summer before your senior year, expect your parents to take care of it, and then insist that you aren’t going to miss the crap out of him/her when your gone.

And most of all, good luck and have fun.