Diary of a New Collegiate
Starting College Single
Making the leap from high school to college reaps many changes. Academic, social, and personal responsibilities expand as freedom grows. Romantic relationships are also a topic of concern and interest in college, as they were in high school. So, what happens if you are going to be starting off college single this fall?
I couldn’t believe that high school was over, and that I had only these last few moments to make a statement and spend time with my Somerville High classmates. The next day, some of us would be starting summer jobs, others packing for exotic vacations, and a few would be preparing for careers in the military, but all of us would be official high school graduates, and we probably wouldn’t see each other again until our first class reunion, which of course not everyone would attend. It was a very unreal experience. There was not much I could do about it, so I simply walked across the stage (without falling—yes!) and flashed a wide smile as I held my red diploma and posed for the stereotypical here’s-my-diploma-and-I’m-so-nervous-omg professional picture. When I walked off the stage, I was no longer a high school student, but a rising college freshman ready to start my new journey.
As I think about my future in college, I am filled with both nerves and excitement about starting, but my excitement starts to take over more and more control over my nerves every day. I started cherishing little moments, like the amazing quality time that I am able to spend with my mother now (we have gotten along so much better since summer started, and have spent more time together these past few months than we have during my lifetime) and I am working hard at my summer job to help pitch in towards my college expenses. Life is good.
I am most looking forward to learning to be completely independent. Since I was a little girl, I have always had such an independent spirit, but moving away to college eight hours away from my home will give a completely different meaning to my independence. I am least looking forward to not being able to see my mom every day, considering how close we’ve gotten this past summer, but I know that I’ll have Skype and letters and phone calls to keep in touch with her, and that it will all work out together perfectly in the end.
June 5th may have been a big day, but August 23rd will be bigger. I will move into my dorm at my dream college, meet my new roommate (embrace my second roommate whom I have known since preschool), and breathe in the fresh Pennsylvania air as I realize that this will be my new life for the next four years, and boy am I looking forward to cherishing every single minute of it.
I couldn’t believe that high school was over, and that I had only these last few moments to make a statement and spend time with my Somerville High classmates. The next day, some of us would be starting summer jobs, others packing for exotic vacations, and a few would be preparing for careers in the military, but all of us would be official high school graduates, and we probably wouldn’t see each other again until our first class reunion, which of course not everyone would attend. It was a very unreal experience. There was not much I could do about it, so I simply walked across the stage (without falling—yes!) and flashed a wide smile as I held my red diploma and posed for the stereotypical here’s-my-diploma-and-I’m-so-nervous-omg professional picture. When I walked off the stage, I was no longer a high school student, but a rising college freshman ready to start my new journey.
As I think about my future in college, I am filled with both nerves and excitement about starting, but my excitement starts to take over more and more control over my nerves every day. I started cherishing little moments, like the amazing quality time that I am able to spend with my mother now (we have gotten along so much better since summer started, and have spent more time together these past few months than we have during my lifetime) and I am working hard at my summer job to help pitch in towards my college expenses. Life is good.
I am most looking forward to learning to be completely independent. Since I was a little girl, I have always had such an independent spirit, but moving away to college eight hours away from my home will give a completely different meaning to my independence. I am least looking forward to not being able to see my mom every day, considering how close we’ve gotten this past summer, but I know that I’ll have Skype and letters and phone calls to keep in touch with her, and that it will all work out together perfectly in the end.
June 5th may have been a big day, but August 23rd will be bigger. I will move into my dorm at my dream college, meet my new roommate (embrace my second roommate whom I have known since preschool), and breathe in the fresh Pennsylvania air as I realize that this will be my new life for the next four years, and boy am I looking forward to cherishing every single minute of it.
I couldn’t believe that high school was over, and that I had only these last few moments to make a statement and spend time with my Somerville High classmates. The next day, some of us would be starting summer jobs, others packing for exotic vacations, and a few would be preparing for careers in the military, but all of us would be official high school graduates, and we probably wouldn’t see each other again until our first class reunion, which of course not everyone would attend. It was a very unreal experience. There was not much I could do about it, so I simply walked across the stage (without falling—yes!) and flashed a wide smile as I held my red diploma and posed for the stereotypical here’s-my-diploma-and-I’m-so-nervous-omg professional picture. When I walked off the stage, I was no longer a high school student, but a rising college freshman ready to start my new journey.
As I think about my future in college, I am filled with both nerves and excitement about starting, but my excitement starts to take over more and more control over my nerves every day. I started cherishing little moments, like the amazing quality time that I am able to spend with my mother now (we have gotten along so much better since summer started, and have spent more time together these past few months than we have during my lifetime) and I am working hard at my summer job to help pitch in towards my college expenses. Life is good.
I am most looking forward to learning to be completely independent. Since I was a little girl, I have always had such an independent spirit, but moving away to college eight hours away from my home will give a completely different meaning to my independence. I am least looking forward to not being able to see my mom every day, considering how close we’ve gotten this past summer, but I know that I’ll have Skype and letters and phone calls to keep in touch with her, and that it will all work out together perfectly in the end.
June 5th may have been a big day, but August 23rd will be bigger. I will move into my dorm at my dream college, meet my new roommate (embrace my second roommate whom I have known since preschool), and breathe in the fresh Pennsylvania air as I realize that this will be my new life for the next four years, and boy am I looking forward to cherishing every single minute of it.
I couldn’t believe that high school was over, and that I had only these last few moments to make a statement and spend time with my Somerville High classmates. The next day, some of us would be starting summer jobs, others packing for exotic vacations, and a few would be preparing for careers in the military, but all of us would be official high school graduates, and we probably wouldn’t see each other again until our first class reunion, which of course not everyone would attend. It was a very unreal experience. There was not much I could do about it, so I simply walked across the stage (without falling—yes!) and flashed a wide smile as I held my red diploma and posed for the stereotypical here’s-my-diploma-and-I’m-so-nervous-omg professional picture. When I walked off the stage, I was no longer a high school student, but a rising college freshman ready to start my new journey.
As I think about my future in college, I am filled with both nerves and excitement about starting, but my excitement starts to take over more and more control over my nerves every day. I started cherishing little moments, like the amazing quality time that I am able to spend with my mother now (we have gotten along so much better since summer started, and have spent more time together these past few months than we have during my lifetime) and I am working hard at my summer job to help pitch in towards my college expenses. Life is good.
I am most looking forward to learning to be completely independent. Since I was a little girl, I have always had such an independent spirit, but moving away to college eight hours away from my home will give a completely different meaning to my independence. I am least looking forward to not being able to see my mom every day, considering how close we’ve gotten this past summer, but I know that I’ll have Skype and letters and phone calls to keep in touch with her, and that it will all work out together perfectly in the end.
June 5th may have been a big day, but August 23rd will be bigger. I will move into my dorm at my dream college, meet my new roommate (embrace my second roommate whom I have known since preschool), and breathe in the fresh Pennsylvania air as I realize that this will be my new life for the next four years, and boy am I looking forward to cherishing every single minute of it.
I couldn’t believe that high school was over, and that I had only these last few moments to make a statement and spend time with my Somerville High classmates. The next day, some of us would be starting summer jobs, others packing for exotic vacations, and a few would be preparing for careers in the military, but all of us would be official high school graduates, and we probably wouldn’t see each other again until our first class reunion, which of course not everyone would attend. It was a very unreal experience. There was not much I could do about it, so I simply walked across the stage (without falling—yes!) and flashed a wide smile as I held my red diploma and posed for the stereotypical here’s-my-diploma-and-I’m-so-nervous-omg professional picture. When I walked off the stage, I was no longer a high school student, but a rising college freshman ready to start my new journey.
As I think about my future in college, I am filled with both nerves and excitement about starting, but my excitement starts to take over more and more control over my nerves every day. I started cherishing little moments, like the amazing quality time that I am able to spend with my mother now (we have gotten along so much better since summer started, and have spent more time together these past few months than we have during my lifetime) and I am working hard at my summer job to help pitch in towards my college expenses. Life is good.
I am most looking forward to learning to be completely independent. Since I was a little girl, I have always had such an independent spirit, but moving away to college eight hours away from my home will give a completely different meaning to my independence. I am least looking forward to not being able to see my mom every day, considering how close we’ve gotten this past summer, but I know that I’ll have Skype and letters and phone calls to keep in touch with her, and that it will all work out together perfectly in the end.
June 5th may have been a big day, but August 23rd will be bigger. I will move into my dorm at my dream college, meet my new roommate (embrace my second roommate whom I have known since preschool), and breathe in the fresh Pennsylvania air as I realize that this will be my new life for the next four years, and boy am I looking forward to cherishing every single minute of it.
I couldn’t believe that high school was over, and that I had only these last few moments to make a statement and spend time with my Somerville High classmates. The next day, some of us would be starting summer jobs, others packing for exotic vacations, and a few would be preparing for careers in the military, but all of us would be official high school graduates, and we probably wouldn’t see each other again until our first class reunion, which of course not everyone would attend. It was a very unreal experience. There was not much I could do about it, so I simply walked across the stage (without falling—yes!) and flashed a wide smile as I held my red diploma and posed for the stereotypical here’s-my-diploma-and-I’m-so-nervous-omg professional picture. When I walked off the stage, I was no longer a high school student, but a rising college freshman ready to start my new journey.
As I think about my future in college, I am filled with both nerves and excitement about starting, but my excitement starts to take over more and more control over my nerves every day. I started cherishing little moments, like the amazing quality time that I am able to spend with my mother now (we have gotten along so much better since summer started, and have spent more time together these past few months than we have during my lifetime) and I am working hard at my summer job to help pitch in towards my college expenses. Life is good.
I am most looking forward to learning to be completely independent. Since I was a little girl, I have always had such an independent spirit, but moving away to college eight hours away from my home will give a completely different meaning to my independence. I am least looking forward to not being able to see my mom every day, considering how close we’ve gotten this past summer, but I know that I’ll have Skype and letters and phone calls to keep in touch with her, and that it will all work out together perfectly in the end.
June 5th may have been a big day, but August 23rd will be bigger. I will move into my dorm at my dream college, meet my new roommate (embrace my second roommate whom I have known since preschool), and breathe in the fresh Pennsylvania air as I realize that this will be my new life for the next four years, and boy am I looking forward to cherishing every single minute of it.
I couldn’t believe that high school was over, and that I had only these last few moments to make a statement and spend time with my Somerville High classmates. The next day, some of us would be starting summer jobs, others packing for exotic vacations, and a few would be preparing for careers in the military, but all of us would be official high school graduates, and we probably wouldn’t see each other again until our first class reunion, which of course not everyone would attend. It was a very unreal experience. There was not much I could do about it, so I simply walked across the stage (without falling—yes!) and flashed a wide smile as I held my red diploma and posed for the stereotypical here’s-my-diploma-and-I’m-so-nervous-omg professional picture. When I walked off the stage, I was no longer a high school student, but a rising college freshman ready to start my new journey.
As I think about my future in college, I am filled with both nerves and excitement about starting, but my excitement starts to take over more and more control over my nerves every day. I started cherishing little moments, like the amazing quality time that I am able to spend with my mother now (we have gotten along so much better since summer started, and have spent more time together these past few months than we have during my lifetime) and I am working hard at my summer job to help pitch in towards my college expenses. Life is good.
I am most looking forward to learning to be completely independent. Since I was a little girl, I have always had such an independent spirit, but moving away to college eight hours away from my home will give a completely different meaning to my independence. I am least looking forward to not being able to see my mom every day, considering how close we’ve gotten this past summer, but I know that I’ll have Skype and letters and phone calls to keep in touch with her, and that it will all work out together perfectly in the end.
June 5th may have been a big day, but August 23rd will be bigger. I will move into my dorm at my dream college, meet my new roommate (embrace my second roommate whom I have known since preschool), and breathe in the fresh Pennsylvania air as I realize that this will be my new life for the next four years, and boy am I looking forward to cherishing every single minute of it.
First off, know that you’re not alone. Many high school graduates will be starting college single. You’re not weird if you decide to ride solo. In fact, not having a partner might help you focus more on adapting to the adjustments that college brings.
Soon, you will be swimming in an ocean of unique guys and girls to spend time with. Due to this, it’s possible that one of them could be your future partner. As exciting as that sounds, try not to rush into a relationship right away, since it’s also important to enjoy the rest of what college has to offer. It’s also nice to be friends with the guy or girl that you’re interested in before you become Facebook official, since you’ll know more about them before the relationship gets too serious.
Being single in college also means that you are free to hook up with whomever you choose. Since this option is tempting for so many, make sure that you’re being responsible by using protection. Check out this great Birth Control Explorer and find a method that works for you so that you can continue your time at school without additional worry. Don’t forget that “Waiting” is one of the options of birth control in our explorer, so don’t feel bad if you want to wait! For every student that is hooking up, there’s another one choosing to wait, so do what feels right for you. It’s important to be sure that you are hooking up because you want to, not because you’re being pressured or feel that you should in order fit in!
But don't forget – as a single college student, remember to respect your friends that are already in serious relationships. It’s hard to be single sometimes, but don’t think that because you have friends that came to college with a boyfriend or girlfriend that they have a better love life. It’s a struggle for those in long distance relationships, some for the first time. Regardless of your relationship status, know that the dynamics will change, but that it will all work out in the end!
Finally, don’t let being single be your only focus when you arrive at college. Heading off to school is going to be a wonderful new experience in your life. You will meet peers who share your views, and those who feel the exact opposite options. You may be overwhelmed by a challenging professor or a difficult assignment, but you’ll also experience great success and pride when you receive an awesome grade on a paper or project. You may have some personality conflicts with hall mates or classmates, but you’ll also meet best friends for life. So, enjoy it all while it lasts, and have fun!
* image source: http://www.sfsu.edu/news/2010/fall/5.html
Jennifer is 18 and from Somerville, Massachusetts. She is a member of The National Campaign’s Youth Leadership Team. She’s kind of a big deal; not only can she successfully sport bright red hair, she’s met Ben Affleck. Have a question for Jen? Email us!
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