What can I expect from college, and how can I prepare for it?
I will be going to college next fall, and I'm not sure what to expect. Many of my friends who are in college tell me conflicting stories. Some of them say that they are having a great time and they go out a lot. Some of them tell me that it is very hard academically and that they often spend the vast majority of their time studying, staying up very late to finish their work. What is college really like? Is there some way I can prepare for it? #college #university #school #high
2 answers
Bryant’s Answer
Hi Albert,
I always told my high school students that college is exactly what you make of it. My advice for you isn't so much about planning for day 1, rather it's about what you are going to start doing on day 1 to get the most out of your college experience. You'll see that college gives you a great amount of freedom and independence that you may be experiencing for the first time in your life (especially in a school setting). Take this freedom and seek out all opportunities available to you! Go to office hours, talk to your professors, make a commitment to attend all of your classes and study sessions, seek out tutoring, form study groups with friends/in your dorms etc. etc.
It's so easy for students to not seek out different opportunities and stay in their comfort zone because there isn't anyone telling them that they have to. My advice for you, seek out as much as you can from your college/university and you will undoubtedly have a great experience.
Happy Holidays!
Bryant
Thank you for the advice, I will try to step outside my comfort zone and get involved in the different opportunities my school offers. Happy holidays to you as well!
Albert
Ken’s Answer
Hi Albert!
There is a great difference between high school and college.
Here are some sites that will tell you some interesting things about college:
http://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/the-differences-between-high-school-college
http://www.campusexplorer.com/college-advice-tips/75E0A417/10-Differences-Between-High-School-and-College/
The most important thing learn in college is balance. You have much less supervision at college and much more of an opportunity to go astray if you to not manage you time properly. Here are some tips:
http://www.mycollegesuccessstory.com/academic-success-tools/college-life-balance.html
http://www.collegeconfidential.com/dean/000241/
Also, here are some tips on how to balance school and work if you choose to work a part time job, which may be good to provide a good distraction from school work, provide some extra money, and possibly provide for experience in your career area:
https://www.unigo.com/in-college/college-experience/creating-a-workschool-balance-a-college-student-perspective
Hope this helps!! Best of luck! Please keep me posted. I would like to follow your progress!