People asked me if I was ready, and I said I was! But you never know until you try it. Now, about a week into my freshman year, I'd like to say you can never be truly prepared for college. It is a whole different experience than anything I have ever done before. You can either let it crush you or shape you. Here are ten things the average college freshman experiences in their first week away from home.
1. Anticipation
The start of school was no longer something you dreaded, but something you counted down towards. Everyday you would wonder who your new friends would be and what classes would be like. High school teachers and professors are a lot different, and if you are anything like me, you were antsy to learn the ways of our new teachers.
2. Pure Joy
COLLEGE IS AMAZING! You get to meet lots of people at your school's freshman activities. Everyone is trying to find friends and your college probably laid out many opportunities to meet new people. It is completely different from high school. If you don't like someone, you don't have to see them again! Plus, lets not forget all the food. At home, I never had so many options!
3. Back to School Blues
Homesickness. It is hard to leave home, leave your friends, leave your family. You see your friends back home having a great time, and part of you is sad you are not there with them. The ones in college are making new friends and you hope they don't forget that you're still there. Summer is over and everyone has gone their separate ways.
4. Confusion
Where is everything again? What is even in this building? Everyone is bound to be lost and confused at some point. Whether it is making your way across campus, finding your classroom, or searching for the forks in the dining hall, everything you do just confirms your freshmanness. There are so many things to be confused about.The WiFi password, the homework, the events you are supposed to go to. What should I devote my time to? Don't worry freshman, we'll figure it out.
5. Difference in Time
The days are so much shorter! You can schedule classes late or you can get done early, it is really up to you! It is not like high school where you sat in a desk from 7-3 everyday. You have so much more free time, yet it feels like you have the same amount if not less time. The amount of homework makes up for it. There is no such thing as "study hall."
6. Stress
Homework already, how am i going to balance everything?! Yes homework already, college is not easy. You actually have to try, but these are classes that will apply to your career, so you should want to do well in them. It is stressful to balance them all, and it is stressful to even think about the future. All the uncertainty, or maybe too much certainty, is stressing you out.. There are so many opportunities, how can I possibly pick the right one?! Choosing between clubs, tests and homework, scheduling classes, and time management stress us all out.
7. Excitement
I like my classes, my new friends, and all the food (the freshman fifteen is coming!). Not just the weekends - every day you get to see your friends. You are going to have great experiences and learn so much. It is different than high school, because if you picked the right major, then you will enjoy learning. You will see the benefits of the work you put into it. There are so many opportunities offered in college. Study Abroad? You bet. A class on Harry Potter? You bet. Scientific research? You bet.
8. FREEDOM
Even the mandatory events you can choose to go to. I know people who skipped the freshman class photo. Mom and Dad aren't here to tell you what to do. There is no more bedtime, boys and girls. Your room can be as messy as you want because you decide when to clean it!
9. Responsibility
Learning to manage ourselves better can be a challenge. We are adults now- in charge of our own decisions and our own schedule. Waking up for classes, diet, exercise, and studying are our responsibilities as a student. It is time to make wise decisions and prove ourselves as young adults!
10. Hope
If you are like me, you begin to look toward the future and feel hopeful about your major, your college experience, and your profession. You know you will love your college!
