I’ve always had a lot of different interests. So when it came to picking a college major I had a lot of trouble narrowing it down to just one. Instead of finally choosing one major, I ended up becoming a double major in both theatre and communication. After having been a double major for a year I feel like I have enough experience now to impart some words of wisdom to incoming freshmen who also want to be double majors. Here are ten realities you'll encounter when you become a double major.
1. Your Planner is Your Bible
You have to know where you need to be, at what time, and with who, at all times. Having double the classes and double the outside work and meetings means you always have to know exactly where you need to be. Otherwise you’re going to end up double booking yourself and not being able to do everything required of you. So that means you’re always scheduling everything you do in, whether it be class, study time, meetings, or even hanging out with friends. If your planner isn’t on you, you are lost.
2. Organization is Your Thing
I have folders and binders and color coding for everything. And I mean everything. If you’re going to be a double major, you have to get good at being organized. You’re going to have a lot of different handouts and homework that you need to keep track of. And the easiest way is to keep yourself organized. Always have a set place for everything from your class work to your supplies. It’s going to make your life a lot easier and you’ll be a great model for your friends.
3. Free Time Isn’t In Your Vocabulary
While I’ve done a lot of cool things, most of them have been related to my majors. Like I said, I’m a theatre and communication major. A lot of what I do is work on shows, or work at the schools radio station. While a lot of that is fun, it’s still work. I don’t get a lot of free time and if you plan on double majoring, you probably won’t either. And sometimes it’s not always a bad thing. Being busy often can keep you productive and creative. Just as mentioned above, don’t burn yourself out.
4. You Know a Ton of People
You’re dealing with two different departments, so you know two different sets of people. Especially if you’re in two very large departments. So even if it’s just a familiar face or your best friend you know people. You may never have to be alone again depending on how good you are at making friends. It’s nice to know so many people, so when they do something cool you can be proud of them and say, “I know that guy/girl!”
5. You Have a Lot of Work
While a lot of things about being a double major are really cool and helpful, the one thing that isn’t is having twice the amount of work. College classes consist of a lot of reading. And when you’re a double major that reading seems exponentially larger. This also applies to out-of-class work, because you’re always going to have out-of-class work no matter what major you’re in. And that’s where being organized and always having your schedule comes in handy. It’s a lot of hard work to keep up with all your homework and out of-class-work. But in the end, it will be worth it even if it seems like a pain right now.
6. You Can’t Do Everything (Learn to Say No)
Being in two different departments, you’re going to get a lot of offers to do different things. While you should try and do as much as you can to get experience, you will not be able to do everything. Let me repeat that again because it’s important. YOU CAN NOT DO EVERYTHING. There may be some really cool opportunities you’ll have to miss out on, but your mental and physical health is more important. Know when you’ve committed to enough and stop there. Don’t burn yourself out by trying to always be there for everything. It just isn’t possible.
7. More Professors = More Recommendations
By being in two departments, you have two different sets of professors to learn from and help you succeed in your academic life. And by the end of your college career when you’re about ready to go out into the real world a get a job, having that many people who know your work is a plus. Every job is going to ask for recommendations on your resume. And now since you were in two majors with two different sets of professors, you have double the amount of people to ask for a recommendation. I know now having a lot of people for recommendations doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, but it’s going to come in handy at the end of your senior year. Just trust me.
8. Mad at One Department? Go Spend Time in the Other!
Now I know this may not be the nicest reality on this list, but it is very true. There were several times last year when I was upset with members of one department and I just had to take a break and calm myself back down. And going to my other department and working there was the perfect way to reset and recharge. Take some time and focus on work in the other department. You’re getting stuff done, while still trying to take some time and cool down. It can sometimes really save your life.
9. You Have a Large Support System
Probably one of the best parts about being a double major, is that you have a lot of people on your side. A lot of people are going to want to see you succeed. And they’ll help you get there too. It’s amazing how many awesome and encouraging people you will meet at school. Most of them will be there for you, and you should take advantage of that. It’s a lucky thing to have and it really does work.
10. In the End Two Degrees, Twice the Experiences
It’s going to be a lot of work and you’re going to need a lot of perseverance. But in the end you graduate school with two different degrees that can get you all sorts of places. And when you look back on all the experiences you were able to have by being a double major, you won’t regret it. It’s hard, but it’s all worth it.
I won’t discourage you from being a double major. But take these 10 realities into consideration before you declare being a double major. There are a lot of things that make being a double major hard. But there are also a lot more things that make being a double major oh so wonderful.
