A Guide to College for Girls...

In September 2013 I left secondary school and made my next big step in the education system and started Derby College. I chose to study AS levels and my options were Combined English, Sociology and Digital Photography. I loved almost every minute of college because it was so relaxed, I could go into town for lunch and I met some amazing people. The idea of college was amazing for me and so exciting. I was finally going to be treated like an adult!
However, there were some things I missed out on and regret. There are also some things I wish I'd have done better and could change now. I see first years at my college making the same mistakes that I did and they make me cringe to myself.

These thoughts are the little things that are inspiring me to write this post. If you are starting college this year, repeating a year, even starting a new job or anything like this, then here is a survival guide for you!

1. Make new friends! This is an obvious one. Whether you're starting college with a group of old school peers or flying solo, it's always important to put yourself out there and meet new people.  Be confident and go and talk to someone new in your induction period who is taking the same subject as you, or is sitting alone. Tell them something about yourself, you may have things in common which could spark a whole new friendship. If you're moving to college with a close friend, that doesn't mean you have to stay glued together, you can make new friends together. If you sit there like a lemon and don't socialize, it will be a very lonely and dull year...
2. Stay away from drama This is so so important. Seriously, just steer clear of those who you may feel are capable of causing drama. Don't bitch or gossip because you will get caught out. You're there for an education and if you get involved with drama or the 'wrong crowd' it will have serious implications on your grades and progress. I found last year because I was in such a big friendship group that words got twisted and spiraled out of control. You could say something so innocent and suddenly someone will take it the wrong way and cause a massive fuss over nothing. Restrict yourself, give people the benefit of the doubt and stay out of arguments that have nothing to do with you.
3. Drugs and alcohol... On a daily basis my twitter feed is full to the brim of people saying how college has improved their sex life and is great for drugs, sex and parties. It's more than ok to have fun. I went to a few parties in my first year and enjoyed them thoroughly. Just don't put yourself at risk and respect yourself. You don't need tons of alcohol in your system to have fun, but having a bit is fine (I've heard people gloating about having their stomach pumped and it's not impressive), drugs are a no-go especially if you know nothing about them, and sex really isn't a big deal if you don't love the person you're having it with, it can also hurt people's feelings if this is the case. All of this can cause drama, and drama ruins the main purpose of college. BE CAREFUL.
4. Never change yourself Be true to yourself. When you go to a college you will see people adapting and breaking out of their shell into their desired and true subcultures. At my secondary school we weren't categorized into emos and CHAVs, we were just pubescent and bitchy teenagers. People will start to explore more at college because they know they have more freedom. So can you! But just because one person conforms to a certain way of life, it doesn't mean you have to go out of your comfort zone and do the same! 
5. Don't get hung up on boys A big regret of mine was getting into a relationship which didn't have a fair balance with my studies. If you meet someone who you think is genuinely nice and supportive of you succeeding, go for it and make sure they let you compensate with your work loads, as any college course is demanding. Don't go for a relationship if you have a suspicion that it's not going to work because again, it will start drama and one or both of you is going to get hurt.
6. Don't get grouchy... Something I've experienced is when I get back from work or college, I've become increasingly moody and taken things out on Tom and misinterpreting things he's said. This is damaging and unfair. When at work or college, you need to balance things. Keep work at work, and your home life at home. If you have worries, express them but don't get aggravated because it just ends up with one or both of you getting upset and then arguing. Try to enjoy what you do and don't get angry with someone about something that's beyond their control and has nothing to do with them!
7. Support your friends College can be stressful in terms of exams and deadlines. If you see one of your friends is getting stressed, help them out. My best friend and I were in the same Sociology class and we always helped each other revise. It was fun and beneficial for both of us! 
8. Meet deadlines...  Sounds nerdy but it helps so much. If you don't meet deadlines your work load just increases and it gets stressful, you will cry and get upset. Do yo' work. 
9. Don't get hung up about what to wear Seriously I cringe when girls walk into college in heels and stuff thinking it's more important to impress people and also pity them for the discomfort they will feel and blisters they will have on their poor feet at the end of the day. I thought it was so important to impress people and dress well in my first few months but as the days went by I cared less and less and just wore what I was comfortable in. If you're not comfortable you can't really focus well.

I hope this has helped all you up-coming college newbies for September 2015. I also hope you're doing alright in regards to your GCSE's. Don't stress too much and I hope you enjoy all your pre-college preparation. 

Stay safe xo