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What to expect at college
I will be going college this fall and I'm really nervous about it. Obviously I am going to be a college freshman. I've heard so many things about college though that makes me really uneasy. I want to go into college prepared, of course.
So, what can I expect at college? I guess it must be a lot different than high school but in what ways? Do I need to do or bring anything special to college?
Any info please!!!!
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Maybe give some free advice about: Colleges & Universities?
Not all colleges allow Microwaves and coffee makers in the dorms because they're a fire hazard so check with your school about that.
The very best advice I could give you as far as living in the dorms---store UP! Buy stackable rubbermaid drawers. They have perfect white/clear ones at Target in three sizes and I've found that the middle size is best. They're 10 bucks a piece.
Also, do NOT go crazy with your new found freedom. During my freshman year (last year) I watched SEVEN people get put on academic probation because they partied too much. and honestly..if you have "time" to drink more than one night a week, you have a problem. Ugh, it's disgusting how much people focus on alcohol at college. Don't be that girl..so so so so SO many bad things happen with alcohol. Aside from the academic probation as discussed earlier (and 4 of those people eventually getting kicked out), I know a couple people who were raped, others that had property stolen from them, and others that lost their job-ALL due to alcohol.
You're paying an ENORMOUS amount of money for school. Don't throw it away. I calculated how much money it costs for me to attend one class period at my school and its about 150 bucks! so for every class I miss, I'm wasting that much money! It really put it into perspective when I figured that out.
Moral of the story: Store up and don't drink. :)
By the way, giving advice about college is like my favorite thing in the world so if you EVER think of a specific question or you're just plain nervous about something, I'm your girl. Just pop it in my inbox :)
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College is a huge change from high school. In a way, there is no real preparation for being on your own for the first time (I'm assuming your moving there). You can expect a heavier work load, but your teachers won't badger you about your work. Its up to you whether you do it or not. Most professors don't offer second chances, so if an assignment is late or homework not turned in, you'll just have to deal with consequences. You'll have to decide for yourself how and when to get your work finished. This might take a little while to figure out. If you were the type in high school who didn't have to study very hard to get good grades, you may find you'll need to put in more effort in college to get the same results.
Be prepared for LOTS of distractions. College life is full of new friends and experiences. Don't get too sidetracked, but don't forget to enjoy yourself either. College is a unique experience. Its one of the only times in your life where you'll be completely surrounded by your peers, and it goes by quickly, so be sure to give yourself time to have fun as well. I believe you will find that you really enjoy college life. Try not to be too nervous. Enjoy this last "high school" summer. Hang out with friends, family, if you can find work, do so because you'll want spending money once you get there. But have fun. Trust me, you'll be fine. If you can learn to be responsible with your studies but also enjoy all the experiences college has to offer, I think you'll find it to be one of the best times of your life. Good luck!
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Things to bring: A microwave, small fridge, TV, and a computer. You might also want to consider a coffee pot, if you drink coffee. Plus you should have plenty to do in your off time, like any hobbies, books, games, etc.
I really don't think there was much difference between high school and college. You going to be dealing with the same immature crowd. By immature, I mean at the same maturity level as yourself. If your living in the dorms, it's like moving out of your parents house, and now only having to listen to the RA's. They usually act a lot like parents, in the sense that they make you listen to the rules of the dorm. They just wont force you to wake up in the morning when you have a hangover and get to class. That's up to you.
And I do encourage you to actually go to class and do your homework. You need to keep tract of the fact that your paying A LOT of money (or your parents are, or in the case of a grant, the taxpayers are paying for it, and with a scholarship, you usually have to keep certain grades) But anyway, a LOT of money is being spent. You might not need to make the payment right now, but believe me, you'll understand soon enough, and if you didn't pay attention then you'll regret it.
Anyway... you'll be faced with a lot of the same things that you faced in high school. There's plenty of peer pressure, and in my case it was slightly easier to get ahold of alcohol, but there's also usually plenty of ways to stay away from it. Like clubs and activities. And, believe it or not, there are people who go to college and actually go there to study, and not to get drunk at every opportunity. Hopefully you get a good roommate (if you in the dorms). If not you might be able to change.
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