When I first arrived at college, I had high hopes for what would occur. I expected to enjoy the food, the people, the professors, and housing. They were pitched so well during orientation, leading me to believe that I was embarking on undergraduate paradise. Within the first semester, I realized that this couldn't be further from the truth. Everyone around me is enjoying their college years, but I have opted to skip out on a lot of the "college experience". This is why:
The dining halls appeared to be amazing during orientation but that is all a ruse. The food is never as good, and the options get old after eating there three times a day every day. Eventually, my mini fridge became stocked full of food that would prevent me from going to any dining halls. The freshman fifteen never hit me, and I regret nothing.
Some of the people are very friendly, but nearly all of them differ from me. They often come from wealthy backgrounds or are here on scholarship while my family struggles to pay tuition. It makes it especially difficult to make friends when you are not interested in the same things that they are. I never had the urge to join a sorority or a bunch of clubs. I joined the things I was interested in which proved to be the things that a lot of people weren't. The most involved I was with the campus was sporting events, and that is probably my favorite thing about college.
The professors can be a hit or miss. I have had several professors that have truly enlightened me and helped me to become a better student and person. I also have had professors that I despised, causing their class to be the worst part of my days. I learned quickly that looking up professors was important, but even then, there is always that chance that they are not listed and really should be. I wish I had known what I was getting into with some of the professors I have had.
The housing is probably the worst part. Finding a roommate is stressful and uncomfortable, and sharing a bathroom with 7 other people is never fun. The dorms can be unsafe, such as when people vandalized my floor's common area and someone tried to enter my room when both my roommate and I were there. The rooms are also incredibly cramped and feel as if you are living in a tissue box.
Now, I am not going to say that this is all standard for my college or the college life in general. I think these things are all circumstances of preference. The college life can be wonderful for those who are great at socializing and have the desire to become involved in everything. I am just not one of those people. I want to get an education without feeling as if school is my entire life. I feel that the best way to do that is to live off-campus and have some separation. I do what I need to do on-campus, then I go home and live my life as more than a college student.
Just as you wouldn't want to live in your workplace, I don't want to live in mine.
