College is one of the biggest transitions there is, and because of this, there are so many questions to be asked. Freshmen out there, don't be afraid to ask questions! Upperclassmen have been through this, and they're here for you.
1. Is college harder than high school?
Yes. The answer is always yes. Even freshmen who took every single AP class in high school will find something that challenges them while they're at college. Studying is something that must take place in college to be successful, and it's important that freshmen go into college with that mindset.
2. Where's the closest Walmart?
This is one of the first questions any college freshman asks. Freshmen often overpack for college, but they've also probably forgotten so many things they didn't think they'd need. Walmart runs happen pretty frequently in college, and it's an important part of surviving college.
3. Where's the dining hall?
Food is often one of the first things on a college student's mind, and if a freshman is lost, this is often their first question.
4. What's served at the dining hall?
This is an obvious follow up question to "Where's the dinging hall?" Most college freshmen won't be used to having so many choices when it comes to food, and "everything" is often an acceptable answer.
5. Does everyone party/drink?
There are many ideas freshmen have of what college should be before it's time to move in. This preconception of college is often shaped from the media and people who fall into this image. Although a large number of college students drink and attend parties regularly, it's important that freshmen know it's their choice, and they don't have to fit a particular image or do as others do, especially during this transition time.
6. What's the Wi-Fi password?
The first thing any college freshman does will probably be signing onto the Wi-Fi.
7. Is professor ______ difficult?
One of the most common conversations upperclassmen have with freshmen is about classes and professors. Give them the straight-forward answer, because a bad professor can bring an unsuccessful first year.
8. Is there a club for that?
No matter the college, the answer will most-likely be yes.
9. Where's the bathroom?
This is a common question among freshmen no matter what building you're in. In many academic buildings, the location of the restroom isn't always obvious.
10. What's that building for?
Even if they've been told before, some colleges have way too many buildings to keep track of.
11. Can I have a car on campus/where can I park?
Cars are often a big deal on college campuses. Most people envy those with cars, and those with cars often are confused at first about where they can park. If they don't park in the right spot, freshmen can be ticketed by campus police, so this is a very important question.
12. Is it OK that I don't know what I'm doing for the rest of my life?
Coming right out of high school and jumping into a world where you're basically told to decide what you want the rest of your life to be like can be extremely difficult. This question certainly isn't uncommon for a freshman and the answer depends on whether or not you're willing to explore yourself to find what you want from life. Let's be honest, most people in college change their majors at least once. Looking to the future is important to an extent, but living in the moment is where the true college experience lies.
