All incoming college freshman are nervous for various reasons. Some are just scared of going to college and starting something new, and others are worried about where to sit in the cafe. Below are several reasons why incoming freshman are nervous for college.
1. Where are the classes?
Most colleges are large and very spread out. For incoming freshman, finding your right class can be tricky. Especially if you aren't super familar with your school. Walking into the wrong classroom on the first day of school is embarrassing and nobody wants to be "That Person." I guess the good thing about that would be that everyone would know who are you then, so new friends?
2. New people, new friends
College is scary. Let's be real. You are leaving your high school friends behind and going to a campus filled with new people, who you will be spending four years with. With all the new people around you on campus, you will have new friends as well.
3. Change in Responsibility
Upon going to college, you have more responsibility. The big change is something that scares a lot of people. Now you are on your own. No more asking for permission from your parents! Responsibility is now yours.
4. Assignments
College assignments and high school assignments are two different adventures. College assignments take more work and more study time than high school assignments did.
5. No More Home Cooked Meals
You no longer have your parents to cook you supper. You will be in your dorm room with your roommate eating Ramen Noodles and Easy Mac 24/7.
6. Am I Smart Enough?
Some college students worry if they are smart enough to take the courses they register for. Don't underestimate your level of intelligence. Take the classes you want and keep your head up. Don't let one F in chemistry make you question your intelligence.
7. Will my roommate be weird?
Finding a college roommate is sometimes stressful. You want someone who is compatable with you and what you like to do. You want someone that you can match. With that comes patience. Some colleges have an app that you can get called Please Don't Snore, which allows you to create a profile and match with potential roommates at your college or university. Some people may find a roommate at Accepted Students Weekend, or they may not pick one out. Some may be stuck with whoever the school decides and if that is the case, then don't think of them as weird at first. Make sure you give them a chance before you boot them. Everybody is different.
8. Since I'm in college do I have to party?
NO! Going off to college does not mean that you are required to party. Partying is for those who want to do that. Even if you join a sorority or fraternity, it does not mean you are required to party. If you go into college and set your mind on not going to alcohol filled parties then fine, don't let others peer pressure you into doing that. If you don't want to do such things, then don't! Your life, your choice!
9. I haven't declared a major -- is that bad?
Of course not. Everyone does not go into freshman year knowing exactly what they plan to do with the rest of their life. Your roommate may have declared their major right away, and you may still be undecided. Take your time and find a major that best fits you. Don't be a Bio major just because your best friend is, and don't be a Education major because your boyfriend or girlfriend is. Find something for you.
10. What is an RA and should I worry about them?
An RA is a resident advisor. They live in the same dormitory as you and are there not to be your enemy. They want you to follow the rules and they enforce them. They are like your parents at college. Kind of cool right?
11. Do I have to "dress up" for class?
No. Don't do it. Just don't. Girls- norts and a tshirt will do it. Guys- break out those gym shorts and tshirts and be comfy. You are here for an education not to "park your car."
