This is for all incoming college freshmen, whether it be this coming semester or the next. College was not what I thought it was going to be, but I love every minute of it. There are many things that I wish I would've known before entering college and this is what I intend to write about. College is an actual roller coaster ride that includes, but is not limited to, the heavy work load, midterms, finals, and gaining a social life. I understand I have only been a college student since August, but I have gained some knowledge over the past 4 months. I hope this is a guide for any incoming college freshmen that is doesn't really know what to expect when entering the world of college.
1. STUDY.
Okay, usually I could have gotten away with not studying at all in high school, but in college it is ESSENTIAL. Not studying for an exam can be detrimental to your grade! I would get a group of people together from your class and form a study group a couple days before the test!! Studying can be fun, if you want it to be!
2. Going out is a lot of fun, but be safe.
Going out is really a lot of fun, especially being with friends who you know you will have a great time with. Make sure you stay with a group of people and never leave sight of them. There can be some weird creepy drunks out there who are nasty, but just know to always stay with friends and people who got your back no matter what. Have fun!!! Live it up, you only go to college once after all!
3. Know that everything will be okay.
You definitely will get to the point in time where its almost the end of the semester and you have so much crap to do and so little time to do it but remain calm. This only happens twice a year and if you take a step back and realize that everything will be okay, then I'm sure your outlook on certain situations will be a lot better. Just remember, this is not permanent.
4. You will miss home.
This is for the students who are leaving home for the first time and haven't really been away from home living on their own. Homesickness will kick in the first month of being at school and yes it absolutely sucks. You are not going to want to do anything or be with anyone except watch Netflix or call home every 20 minutes. You think it will never get better, but it does. You start having a daily routine that you follow and after a while, its second nature.
5. You are not going to like all of your professors.
Professors come in rare forms and unfortunately there are going to be some you just cannot stand. Just remember you only see them 3 or 2 days out of the week and they are not going to be your teachers forever. You might not agree with some of their opinions but remember to be a little bit on their good side only because they have access to your grade.
6. Textbooks are too expensive.
I would at all costs, wait to purchase your textbooks until the professor confirms that you actually use them in class. I rented textbooks and I rarely use them in any of my classes so it was clearly a waste. I would save the money until you know you really need them.
7. You won't have a normal bedtime anymore.
Yeah, your sleep schedule is screwed up as soon as you start taking classes in college. My usual bed time in High School was like 11am sometimes 12am.. but now, well I couldn't even tell you the last time I got some decent sleep. Either you're studying, or you are having late night thoughts, or you are completely stressed. I've even had all three!
8. Mini panic attacks will occur.
You will seem like you had enough of everything going on in school and you will lose it.
9. Check the syllabus.
The syllabus your professors hand to you the first day of class will be your best friend throughout the whole semester. They are not always going to tell you what is due so its your job to look for yourself and see if there is anything that needs to be done. Don't just throw them out like you did in high school, this shit is real.
10. Making friends is important.
Since this is a real stressful time in your life, it is important to have people that will keep you sane. They are going through the same exact thing so hanging out with friends is crucial. You can take your mind off a things for a while and go shop, eat, walk around, etc.
11. You are going to miss high school.
I couldn't wait to get out of high school, graduate and go to college. Don't get me wrong college is amazing, but I miss the familiarity of high school. I miss seeing my friends everyday and knowing I'll be able to see them or the dances that were held there and my teachers. I take for granted speeding up my senior year because if I could do it all over again, I would in a heart beat. I miss it every single day and you will too.
12. College will change you.
I feel I changed so much already in just the first 4 months I have been here. You'll change physically and emotionally. You will start to think like an adult because you'll have adult-like responsibilities, you might do something drastic like get something pierced and maybe get a new hair style, and you will start figuring out who you are and what you want to be. I was just a whiny teenager entering college, but now I have matured and grown up a bit. I am much more confident than I was last year.
I hope this was a good guide as to what to expect while going in to your first semester as a college freshmen. All I have to say is have fun, be safe, and good luck! :)
