As someone who just completed their freshman year in college, I have a lot of friends who are about to begin their freshman year this upcoming fall. I find that a lot of them as me the same questions, so I’ve compiled a list and I’m going to answer them all for you today!
Question: Why is college any different or better than high school?
Answer: College is way different from high school for two main reasons. The first is obvious, you live there. The people you interact with during class time are the people you’re going to see when you're hanging out on the weekends. You’re on your own, most likely for the first time and while its fun, it’s a whole learning experience on its own. Secondly, You have so much more free time than you did in high school. In college, you take about five courses a semester and you don't attend each class every day. This leaves you with tons of time that you need to find a way to occupy. A few suggestions I have for filling this time is joining clubs and getting involved on campus or getting a job because trust me, you’re going to need the money.
Q: Everyone says you get more responsibility but why is that better?
A: I know that having more responsibility may seem a bit scary, but you will feel so much more self sufficient and “grown up” after your first month of college when you see all that you’ve accomplished. Being held completely responsible for every aspect of your life comes with more than work. It comes with the pride you get when you complete tasks and reach goals. You can finally say that you did it all by yourself.
Q: Is it good to get involved in the school or just strictly studying?
A: I think that getting involved on campus is extremely important. In college learning does not only take place in the classroom, but in your extracurricular activities and clubs as well. Plus, getting involved is an amazing way to meet people who have similar interests to you.
Q: People say you stay up all night for studying, how is that fun?
A: I think that certain people definitely stay up all night every night, but I definitely think this is avoidable. Like I said before, you have so much free time, so if you’re the type of person who is productive during the day, and you set your schedule so that you have time to do your work and study during the day, you won't have to stay up all night. However, sometimes even when you study and do work during the day, your nerves make you want to stay up all night to keep reviewing. Again these things are all personal preference and after your first few weeks of school you should figure out what you like doing better.
Q: Going around drinking and the typical image of college doesn't seem fun to me. Am I going to be bored?
A: The most important thing to remember when it comes to this question is that no one is forcing you to do anything. If the party scene isn’t your thing, I’m sure you can find plenty of people who share your interests. Personally, my friends and I watch Netflix and play games a lot, and we have a really good time. However, if partying is something you like to do, you can totally find people to go out with. You just need to find a group of friends that fits you.
Q: The food's bad, the rooms are small, you share a bathroom, so what's there to look forward to?
A: Well, I’m not going to lie to you and tell you the living situation in college is glamorous, but I will say this. The dining hall is not as bad as the rumors say, and as far as the dorms go, they become little families. You’ll bond with the people on your floor and in your building. Also, because the bathrooms are shared, you aren't responsible for cleaning them, so that's a positive. That being said, please be respectful and don't be a slob in public spaces, no one will appreciate it and it probably isn't the best way to make friends.
Overall, I think what you should take from this is that college is new and exciting. Don’t be afraid because you’ll adapt and feel at home there. Your first year of college will help you learn more about who you are and what you love so make the best out of your first year.
