I walked into my first class of the year honestly not knowing what to expect. Of course, I had taken dual enrollment classes before, but those are nothing like being in the actual college classroom and being around thirty-five people I had never seen in my life. After completing my first week of college, I have already learned so many new things. I met so many new people and have already made some friends that I know I am going to have for life. I have compiled a list of five things I learned my first week of college, and hopefully you or someone you know can relate.
1. There is virtually no busy work.
Something that is very different from high school is the lack of busy work. I can promise that on almost all of the syllabuses I received there are about three tests and a final. That is it. Those are your grades. You have three chances to make a good grade. College professors do not mess around. There are no “filler” assignments, and you might get extra credit if you ace that pop quiz they surprise you with. It is something that is VERY different from high school, and I now understand why college kids study their butts off all the time.
2. You might have a class with fifteen people... or ninety.
This was something that shocked me a little bit. My biology lab only has about fifteen people in it. It is quiet and I can remember almost everyone’s name. But, my actual biology class has over eighty-six people in it. I was appalled as people just kept filing into the room, and the whole lecture classroom filled up. I have never had more than around twenty-five people in a class with me, so this was totally new. So, my advice is to not be alarmed when you see how many, or how little people are in your class.
3. You will meet a TON of new people.
I have met so many new people, and they are from all walks of life. I have met so many people that I honestly have a hard time remembering all of the names. Honestly, I don’t even think anything of it if people ask me my name a couple times, because I am probably going to do the same to them. It’s astonishing how many new people I have met. I really like meeting all these new people because you can really pick and choose your friends. There are only a couple of people that I have multiple classes with, which is very rare. Also, not everyone is going to be your age. I have classes with seniors in college and older adults who have come back to get a degree—or finish a degree.
4. Class times are not like high school.
Personally, my earliest class is at 8:45 am, and I get out at around 12:15 p.m. every day. This is one difference I love compared to high school. It is so nice to not have to get up before the sun comes up. Now that I am in college, and I can make my own schedule, I can plan classes to how I want them—to an extent. But, on the other hand, some classes meet at 7 a.m. just like high school. Actually, one of my friends doesn’t get out of class until 9:30 p.m. Your schedule really is up to you and how you want your classes.
5. College is SO MUCH FUN.
Hands down, college is better than high school. All of the things that were important in high school fade away. You get to pick the people you surround yourself with, and college is how you make it. I definitely believe college is going to be the best years of my life thus far. Of course, some aspects of college are harder than high school, but it is overall so much better. Now that I am full time college student… You couldn’t make me go back to high school!
Overall, these are just a couple of things I learned over my first week of college. I am so happy that I chose the college I am attending, and I have met so many new people that I know will be in my life for quite a while. If you are a high schooler reading this—college is amazing! It allows you to pursue the things you love, and make lifelong friendships. If you are a college student reading this—I hope you can relate. College is probably one of the best things that has ever happened to me, and I am so excited for the future.
