I am at a community college and am transferring soon. I applied to several schools and prefer to go to the one in my city but one a little outside of my city (an hour or so) qualified me for automatic admissions and scholarships. I might be commuting if I go to the school but I am not sure yet. I am very excited but also nervous about going to a real 4-year university. I have no idea on what to expect in regards to the community, adjusting, making friends, student life, pressure, environment, and etc…pros? cons? do’s? don’t do’s? making friends? how to make my experience better? Advice would be wonderful. Thank you so much!
This is JMHO but if you can live on campus rather than compute, do so. An hour drive each way, each day is a long time and a big chunk of your day. It will make it harder to truly immerse yourself into the college culture.
Join clubs, organization and groups. Smile, be friendly, be approachable, approach others and make yourself open to the culture and experience. Be positive. Relax and take it all in.
You’ll be great! Good luck and enjoy!
Tips for making friends in college
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1808143-having-trouble-adjusting-to-college-making-friends-top-10-things-to-do.html
Tips for Doing well in college
http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/college-life/1920853-college-is-a-step-up-from-hs-16-tips-on-doing-well-in-college.html
In general I would say that you get out of college what you put into it.
So don’t expect professors will come after you for homework. Read the syllabus and keep up with what is going on.
If you have an issue (bad grade, homesick, illness, boyfriend/girlfriend problems, etc) find out what campus resources there are and use them! And if you don’t know, ask your Dean of Students or a trusted professor. I read so many stories about people who fail out and they never use any of the resources of the college.
Take advantage of what your college has to offer besides classes…leadership, research, cultural, & recreational opportunities.