Now is the time that high school graduates transition into college freshmen. The first step to this is going to your college orientation. This is where you ask questions, meet new people and get a feel for what campus life will be like. However, the orientation leaders tell you the good, they want you to think that nothing will go wrong for you during the next four years. I am here to tell you five realities of what they don't tell you at college orientation.
1. Professors don't care if you miss class.
Many college classes allow two class absences before it impacts your grades. Your professor will not save handouts for you. You are expected to get the notes on your own, whether it is from a classmate, on the schools connective website, or a PowerPoint presentation. You will be expected to know the information you missed as well. Professors will get paid whether you are in attendance or you're in your dorm watching Netflix. Professors also have the authority to not let you into the classroom if you are late. They will lock the door at 8:00 a.m. and not think twice about it.
2. College parties are not always fun.
Many of the parties at college happen off of the campus itself. Many parties are held in fraternities where there is a fee to enter. Many of these parties are BYOB (bring your own beer) or you will be charged to drink. These parties are usually crowded and hot. You will sweat regardless of the amount of clothing you wear. There will not be anyone hosting the party making sure that you are OK and not passed out, getting behind the wheel after drinking, or being the parties "mom" giving you advice on things you shouldn't do. Going out in public intoxicated can get you arrested for being drunk and disorderly. Drink responsibly and call for a ride.
3. Rape and sexual assault are very real.
As stated in number two, no one that is hosting the party really cares about your safety, they want your money and they want to get laid. If you are intoxicated or unconscious, you cannot legally consent. Everybody has the right to say no, but not everybody will listen. Be responsible when going to parties. Bring a DD, and stay with your group. It is sad that people have to tell each other this rather than telling someone not to assault someone.
4. The freshmen 15 is not a myth.
There is no one telling you what you can and cannot eat. You could eat four meals a day and eat as much as you want. To help prevent this you can ask for dietary information such as serving size and nutrition information. Many colleges also have fitness facilities that are little to no cost to you. Many of these facilities also have trainers that will help you get in shape or stay in shape.
5. Balance is key.
School, grades, friends and a social life. These are the key sources to surviving college. Go to class: You will be paying thousands of dollars, it's a waste of money if you spend your college years partying every night and sleeping the entire day. Your grades are important, but they're not everything. Many employers do not care that you graduated with a 4.0 GPA, most employers just care you graduated, and it will be a lonely four years if you do not make friends. You will have mental breakdowns, you will get homesick, and you don't want to go through it alone. Having a social life is actually very important. You will go insane if you only got to class then go back to your room. Go out on a Friday night, study on Saturday, and use Sunday to recuperate from the weekend and get yourself prepared for the week.
