What’s the first thing someone asks anyone who is in college? The answer is obvious “How’s college?” Well, I hate to break it to you but college students are sick of every form of that question.
Going into college everyone thinks they can handle it, but that is not the truth at all. You are just kind of going with the flow, trying to get a hold on how life works. For many it is the first time they are on their own, figuring out time management, how to live a healthy lifestyle, and how to balance friends and classes.
As a college student you have so much going on: homework, classes, clubs, work, friends, family, a life really. It is overwhelming, no one feels more overwhelmed than a college freshman who is on their own for the first time ever.
“How’s college?” The one question that every single college student dreads. Do you tell the truth or do you lie? I guarantee you will lie. You do not want anyone to know how much of a mess you are. This is the first time on your own and you have to prove to everyone you can do it.
You have not gotten any sleep in the past two weeks, you are studying every waking moment! You have only been to three parties this semester because let's face it, there just is not enough time! Your hallmates are up all hours of the night screaming about some joke. Your dorm room is either a sauna or Antarctica, there really is no in between. You cannot forget about the debt you are going to be in when you graduate. Although all of this will go through your head when you are asked the dreaded question you’ll smile and tell everyone about how great college is and how much you love it.
When this terrible question pops up in your conversation the advice I give to you is do not lie. Tell everyone the truth. Tell people that you are stressed and scared and lost. Do not be afraid to tell someone how things are really going. Everyone has been in the situation you are in now. Everyone has had the loud hallmates, the cold room, the long nights. Do not be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Next time you are talking to your friend or even your child that is in college my advice is do not ask "How’s college?" Ask how they are, if they like their classes, if they like being on their own. Ask anything besides how’s college. Think about your college days, how were they? Do not lie, tell the truth. College is fun but it is scary. Nevertheless, you will make it.
