What is college like? Is it as difficult and stressful as everyone says it is? Is it hard working and going to school

Hi Celine!

Congrats on getting into college! That is so exciting! I can 100% say that college was the best four years of my life and even still I wish I could go back all the time. Given that, there were times that I was stressed throughout the four years but the good news is that everyone is and as much as it might be stressful at times, going to college was the best decision I have made this far. It is also important to remember that when asking about college most people will mention the work load so it can seem overwhelming when you hear a bunch of people say that over and over again but in reality you will have stressful days but not every day is stressful and it gets easier as you go along.

My first thought when I think about college is never how stressful it was but rather how much a gained from the experience. Freshman year is hard on everyone because college is such an adjustment but once you make the adjustment, it will seem normal and your stress level will go down. It is definitely important to stay organized and keep on top of assignments but again, this will come with practice. I remember I did terribly on my first college exam. I had studied hard and had done the readings and homework but still didn't do well. I remember thinking I had made a mistake and couldn't handle college. But the truth was, I was still adjusting. By senior year I had figured out what worked for me and gotten the hang of college. So don't stress about the work load, it might seem like a lot at first but you will be able to handle it and you will love college.

Hi Celine! I understand where you're coming from. I worked a part-time job all throughout college. Throughout my four years, I worked on campus, at a local mall, and eventually at a local business in my internship. The important thing is finding the right balance between your schoolwork, social life, and work. During your first semester, if you can financially, I would recommend only working a few hours per week and focusing on adjusting to your new school work and classes. It would be great to get a job on campus as they are often understanding of your educational demands and know that school is priority number one. Most schools will have an on-campus job fair at the beginning of the year. I would recommend getting a resume ready and planning to attend the job fair. You may even qualify for Work-Study, which is a form of financial aid.

If you find during your first semester that you're unable to juggle both working and school, you may want to consider working over holiday breaks in your hometown. If you work a full-time job during the summer/winter break and save your money carefully, you may have enough money to help cover your expenses throughout the year. Good luck and remember school is your #1 priority!