7 Thing To Expect In Your First Year Of College
Start writing a post
Student Life

7 Thing To Expect In Your First Year Of College

Get ready for the best years of your life.

31
7 Thing To Expect In Your First Year Of College
Pexels

You finally made it, you graduated high school. You survived those four years of asking to use the restroom, prom, and all the useless drama you got dragged into. You went through all of that just to receive a document that has your name on it and will forever determine your career path. Now you're heading off to college and you don't know what to expect, I'm sure you've had tons of people give you advice but you can't help but worry about it. Well here are 7 things that you should expect to prepare for your first year of college:

1. Parties. It's college, so there is 100% going to be at least one party. Now just because you're finally in college does not mean that you have to party. A lot of people make the mistake of going to parties just because they're in college now; if that's not who you are, then you don't have to go. Don't let anyone try and convince you that you need too, some people just want to focus on their studies or just don't like partying. It's totally acceptable to not party.

2. Homework. Every high school is different, for me I rarely had homework. My first year in college, I had a good amount of homework. Homework depends on the classes you enroll in. One of my best friends had homework every single night because of her business classes, while on the other hand, I had homework maybe every other day.

Tip: It's very rare that you'll have homework "due the next day at 8:00 a.m", it's usually due in a week or so. Knowing this, it's completely up to you to use your time management skills and get it done either early or last minute.

3. Professors. Professors can be really amazing or actually really terrible. Some are very relaxed and calm about their teaching and others are uptight. In the end, the professors don't care if you turn in the paper late, it doesn't change anything for them. YOU are the one paying for your education, if you turn in something late or not at all, it's entirely YOUR fault.

4. Friendships. College is about growing and finding yourself. Its a hard truth but you will lose friends you never thought you'd lose. Just because you don't talk anymore or see each other doesn't mean that you guys aren't friends anymore. You just grew apart, changed into different people and are finding yourselves during your time at college, it's completely normal. On the bright side, with the loss of friendships, you'll gain new ones.

5. Family. Your family is going to miss you. I started at college about 3 1/2 hours away from my hometown and it was super hard for my family. Later, I transferred to a college only 45 minutes away and they still called me at least every single day. If you're the oldest child be prepared for the emotions your parents will radiate about you going to college. If you're the baby, your parents probably won't be as emotional, but I have no experience with that being I am the oldest in my family. Either way, your parents will miss you, and you will miss your parents. Going to college is the first steps into adulthood; it'll be tough but worth it.

6. The first week of college. Usually the first week of school is designated to the freshman and helping them get acclimated. This can be quite stressful. You're shoved into activities and groups you're not comfortable in at all. My first week was super awkward. Everyone is trying to be someone they're not just to make friends and not feel alone. The real fact is: about 99% of the people you talk to during that week, won't end up being your closest friends you depend on during the year. Just be who you are and you'll make it through the week and find your real friends.

7. Cost. Lastly, you should be prepared for how cheap you will become during your years in college. You won't be splurging on food every night, you won't be shopping, and you definitely won't be driving as much as you'd like. On top of the horrible student loans you'll need to buy groceries, room decorations, laundry, parking passes (if you have a car), school supplies, textbooks, and occasionally stuff you'll think you "need." All in all, you'll need to be savvy with your money otherwise you'll be out before you know it.

In the end, college will be the best years of your life. You've probably heard that a million times, but it's true. The nervousness you feel will fade away and college will be an amazing experience that you wish will never end.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

95369
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments