Hello! I have been very curious recently about what college life is about (academically, socially, etc.) I watched videos on YouTube but I want to see how the experience has been for different people, so comment your first year experience (good or bad, doesn’t matter) and any tips/advice for me to know before entering college! Also, it would be nice if you pointed out any major differences between college & hs.
Academically, any college courses will require you to be more self-motivated than high school courses. There will be fewer days for each course, and greater expectation of out-of-class reading and preparation. Assignments and projects will typically be fewer but larger. Instructors won’t be monitoring you as closely to keep you from falling behind as they do in high school.
Socially, it may depend on whether you will be a commuter or resident, and whether the college is heavy with commuters or residents.
Commuter at commuter school: probably more like high school, but the students are all adults, and there will be some older non-traditional students of significantly greater maturity.
Resident at residential school: the stereotypical “college experience” (though a minority of actual college students’ experiences); frosh sometimes get carried away with social activities and partying as they are now no longer under close parental supervision.
Commuter at residential school or resident at commuter school: may be socially limiting.
Commuters with longer commutes may have more challenges in terms of social life than those with shorter commuters. Long commutes may also impact academics, such as limiting the time periods when one may schedule classes.
In college, you spend less time in class, and more time doing homework. You get to choose your own schedule and hours, but make sure you can handle them. And although attendance isn’t always required, it’s still good to come to class. Also, college is a larger environment. I went to a very small High School, and it was easy to make friends because everyone either had classes together, saw each other in the cafeteria, etc. In college you really have to seek people out.
Academically, I personally did not have any differences between college and high school. If anything, I found college to be easier. This is not the case for 90% of students. Most people have never done any higher-level independent study courses when they come into college, so those people struggle to find the right work methods during the first 1-2 semesters. If you have the right work ethic, however, then anything is possible. Perhaps my only real problem was the excessive socializing during my first year. It ate into some of my time that I could’ve used for more constructive activities.
College really is all about finding a balance and building yourself as a person. I’d recommend just watching and observing everyone around you(esp upperclassmen) very closely the first 1-2 weeks so that you can see how other people manage their lives and what kind of opportunities are available. And go to the freshman-orientation events, because they’ll be a good place to meet new people and see what your school has to offer.
And lastly, don’t be shy! Your ability to socialize and reach out to people will be crucial in making friends. Don’t be afraid to ask random people in the dining hall if you can sit with them or strike up casual convos with people in your classes. Many freshman start to find their niches early on and the faster you find yours the happier you’ll be. Good luck, college is amazing!
College is MUCH BETTER than high school imo
This is the time where people really can be themselves and not worry about what a certain group thinks of them. Hierarchies and who you are before college are thrown out the window and you are given a chance to start anew. Granted, most people stay the same but it’s really refreshing to find your niche and there is much more open mindedness in college than in high school imo. I agree with the point about building yourself as a person. Already I feel as if I have developed and opened myself up to a whole new range of possibilities, not just within the classroom, but by talking to people from different walks of life.
Also you live with some of your closest friends at the same time. This was a huge difference for me because I can just walk a few paces to hang out with people versus having limited transportation prior to college (I pretty much biked or walked everywhere). Living away from parents also allows you to find yourself and discover who you want to be. Having gone through the experience of cooking for myself, applying for jobs/internships, and doing basic things like grocery shopping makes you feel much more like an adult.
Academically, it may be easier to make friends in other places than classes, but I have found I have enjoyed college classes more. You really get to schedule it however you like and professors really respect you and treat you like adults. The biggest realization was that you did not have to raise your hand to go to the bathroom and you could just leave if you wanted to. It’s much more independent, and you in turn to be much more responsible, although that is something I have enjoyed. Best advice: whether you go to a big or small college, get to know your professors. They are invaluable assets for research, job advice, and just as mentors even outside of class. Seek them out in office hours or make a specific effort to get to know them.
Lastly, perhaps the most important thing I have to say is: although college life may seem great, there are it’s downsides. Don’t feel like you have to live up to some expectation of what college life should be. You make it to what you want it to be and realize that everyone has different experiences. Yours might be different than an older sibling’s for instance even at the same school. Make a name for yourself. Don’t go on your friend’s social media sites and get jealous of what they might be doing, because I guarantee you that they have their own ups and downs behind the scenes. It’s honestly ok to admit that things aren’t perfect and to throw out the book that says it has to be. You have people there for you and you shouldn’t forget that, even if it might seem that they are not going through the same things you are, they are probably facing the same challenges on the inside.
It’s also the first time you are surrounded around peers your age, so in a sense you have lost that sanctuary at home where you can be by yourself. Instead of going on nature walks and doing artwork, I have found myself hanging out with other people more. While I very much enjoy my company, don’t be afraid to say no and leave some quality time for yourself. Reflection and relaxation can be just as important as spending time with others.
Best of luck! College is a great time, and like anything it “is what you make of it”
@Roadtripgirl So I can choose between morning and afternoon classes? Do majors have different hours available or is it pretty open?
Generally, yes, you can choose to schedule classes in the morning or afternoon. Though there will likely be some required classes, they will often be offered every year. I don’t know what you mean by “do majors have different hours available”.
Classes are offered at different times throughout the day. Sometimes, there will be multiple lecture times available for a class and you can choose the one that suits you the best. Sometimes, classes will only have one lecture time available, so you either have to take the class at that time or take a different class. When you sign up for classes, you’ll be able to look at a schedule of classes that say when all classes are offered so that you can plan out your schedule so that you don’t have any conflicts. Sometimes, you’ll be able to arrange your schedule so that you have all morning or afternoon classes or only have classes on 3 or 4 days a week or whatever you want. Other times, you won’t have much choice at all because you have to take certain courses to graduate and they are only available at certain times. It just depends. It won’t be like in high school where you’re in class from 8-3pm everyday.
It’s less busy work and babysitting, but the material is more challenging.