10 answers
Joanne
Student
Derry, New Hampshire
1
Question
Asked
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how can you face the problems to be encountered in college?
i am a high school graduate looking for genuine answers about college life
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10 answers
Peter Coffee
Business Strategy and Technology Consultation
17
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Peter’s Answer
If you have been a Boy Scout or a Girl Scout, you may have already experienced a key difference between pre-college and college: at the early levels of scouting, one completes standard requirements to advance in rank, but at the higher levels one makes choices of skills to develop ("merit badges") and has to seek out counselors and facilitators ("merit badge counselors") to that end - and also define and undertake a project for Eagle or Gold recognition. Once past freshman year, college gets a lot more like the higher levels of scouting, compared to high school where one can be a high achiever merely by doing well the things that one is tasked to do. This is not meant to be a daunting statement, but it's a different kind of challenge.
John Hand
User Experience Designer
28
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
John’s Answer
Repeat after me: "No, I can't do that tonight, I have to study."
This is a useful phrase, but know when to use it, and when to socialize. Networking is an important part of college. Most of the jobs you'll get in life come through people that you know, and college is and amazing place to extend your social network. The key here is to develop and practice good TIME MANAGEMENT.
Cultivate healthy habits for yourself and your friends. Join or build a community around a healthy practice. IE: Reading, walking, biking, exercise, hiking, camping, meditation, yoga, studying (join or start study groups), etc.
Go to your teacher's/TA's office hours. Hardly anyone ever does and doing it even once a semester will make them remember who you are. They'll be more inclined to help when you are struggling, need advice, or a favor (like a letter of recommendation).
Don't shy away from community college the first two years. You'll get smaller class sizes, flexible hours, and you can save money living at home. Then it's much easier to transfer to a big university/your dream school after you got an associate's degree with transferrable credits. Dorms are overrated in my opinion.
Avoid going into debt. Try to take some classes you'll enjoy (research teachers beforehand). Take some hard classes too. Build a good relationship with your Academic Advisor. They know all of the tricks, scholarships, and opportunities that get few applicants.
Practice self-care. take time to recharge your batteries and take care of yourself. Sleep enough. Eat well. Exercise. Relax and unwind. Socialize (not too much). Read. Make friends. Date. Drink lots of water. Etc.
Travel abroad if you can. Even if you just go for a month during the summer, traveling abroad is a great experience you'll never forget!
Find student groups to join. It's a great way to meet people with similar interests. If you can't find one based around your own interest, consider creating one!
I hope this helps! Enjoy - but remember, your main job in college is to learn and make good grades. Your degree will tell future employers what you know about, but your GPA will tell them how well you learn and adapt.
This is a useful phrase, but know when to use it, and when to socialize. Networking is an important part of college. Most of the jobs you'll get in life come through people that you know, and college is and amazing place to extend your social network. The key here is to develop and practice good TIME MANAGEMENT.
Cultivate healthy habits for yourself and your friends. Join or build a community around a healthy practice. IE: Reading, walking, biking, exercise, hiking, camping, meditation, yoga, studying (join or start study groups), etc.
Go to your teacher's/TA's office hours. Hardly anyone ever does and doing it even once a semester will make them remember who you are. They'll be more inclined to help when you are struggling, need advice, or a favor (like a letter of recommendation).
Don't shy away from community college the first two years. You'll get smaller class sizes, flexible hours, and you can save money living at home. Then it's much easier to transfer to a big university/your dream school after you got an associate's degree with transferrable credits. Dorms are overrated in my opinion.
Avoid going into debt. Try to take some classes you'll enjoy (research teachers beforehand). Take some hard classes too. Build a good relationship with your Academic Advisor. They know all of the tricks, scholarships, and opportunities that get few applicants.
Practice self-care. take time to recharge your batteries and take care of yourself. Sleep enough. Eat well. Exercise. Relax and unwind. Socialize (not too much). Read. Make friends. Date. Drink lots of water. Etc.
Travel abroad if you can. Even if you just go for a month during the summer, traveling abroad is a great experience you'll never forget!
Find student groups to join. It's a great way to meet people with similar interests. If you can't find one based around your own interest, consider creating one!
I hope this helps! Enjoy - but remember, your main job in college is to learn and make good grades. Your degree will tell future employers what you know about, but your GPA will tell them how well you learn and adapt.
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
480
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Great question! You have some excellent responses already, so I'll try not to duplicate those comments.
First, a key skill to master is time management. There will be a party going on somewhere every day and night. Events to distract you from the reasons you are at college are everywhere. Creating a schedule of work, rest, and play all need to be created. You will have the opportunity to set much of your class schedule. This allows you some control of your time, possibly having several classes on some days and no classes on others,
Second, use your instructors as resources. In HS, there is a tendency to avoid conversations with teachers, but in college there is a benefit in seeking them out for conversations on opportunities, what you can do, where you can excel, and, on occasion, some feedback. This may not work with all instructors, but treating them as resources will help you.
Third, be sure to find time to enjoy the college experience, such as sporting events and other activities that bring students together. These will be the activities that you remember well into old age.
The fact that you posed the question confirms that you are viewing college from a good perspective. I know you will succeed. I wish you well.
First, a key skill to master is time management. There will be a party going on somewhere every day and night. Events to distract you from the reasons you are at college are everywhere. Creating a schedule of work, rest, and play all need to be created. You will have the opportunity to set much of your class schedule. This allows you some control of your time, possibly having several classes on some days and no classes on others,
Second, use your instructors as resources. In HS, there is a tendency to avoid conversations with teachers, but in college there is a benefit in seeking them out for conversations on opportunities, what you can do, where you can excel, and, on occasion, some feedback. This may not work with all instructors, but treating them as resources will help you.
Third, be sure to find time to enjoy the college experience, such as sporting events and other activities that bring students together. These will be the activities that you remember well into old age.
The fact that you posed the question confirms that you are viewing college from a good perspective. I know you will succeed. I wish you well.
Jeff Sloan
Software engineer - firmware Retired
106
Answers
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Joanne,
Very good question! And, know that most students entering college have the same fears. It can be daunting and a bit overwhelming but it is an amazing time to learn, experience and get a feel for all of the wonderful options open to you!
Your first two years in a four year program are primarily dedicated to liberal arts. You will take lots of introductory classes to get a sense as to where your interests lie. I started as a biology major, planning on Marine Biology as a career. I took my first computer science class, way back in the early days of computer science (the stone age!) and fell in love! My entire career ended up in technology.
My first recommendation is to take a deep breath! Understand that this new world will be different but incredibly exciting! Second, face this new world with awe! It's a time for you to experience and learn all kinds of new things! But, as others have said, rely on your fellow students, you are all in the same boat together. Set up study groups and ask questions. Also, reach out to your professors. If you have questions or don't understand something, ask. Most professors truly want you to grasp the concepts and understand what they are teaching. During my years in academia, I always felt that if a student didn't understand a concept, it was my fault for the way I presented it and not their fault. I always appreciated when a student came to me for office hours and asked questions. I can always find different ways of explaining a concept or idea.
My best piece of advice is to enjoy your journey! It is a fun, amazing, wonderful adventure you are about to embark upon! Good luck!
Very good question! And, know that most students entering college have the same fears. It can be daunting and a bit overwhelming but it is an amazing time to learn, experience and get a feel for all of the wonderful options open to you!
Your first two years in a four year program are primarily dedicated to liberal arts. You will take lots of introductory classes to get a sense as to where your interests lie. I started as a biology major, planning on Marine Biology as a career. I took my first computer science class, way back in the early days of computer science (the stone age!) and fell in love! My entire career ended up in technology.
My first recommendation is to take a deep breath! Understand that this new world will be different but incredibly exciting! Second, face this new world with awe! It's a time for you to experience and learn all kinds of new things! But, as others have said, rely on your fellow students, you are all in the same boat together. Set up study groups and ask questions. Also, reach out to your professors. If you have questions or don't understand something, ask. Most professors truly want you to grasp the concepts and understand what they are teaching. During my years in academia, I always felt that if a student didn't understand a concept, it was my fault for the way I presented it and not their fault. I always appreciated when a student came to me for office hours and asked questions. I can always find different ways of explaining a concept or idea.
My best piece of advice is to enjoy your journey! It is a fun, amazing, wonderful adventure you are about to embark upon! Good luck!
Tasha Frazier
Software Sales
29
Answers
Aurora, Colorado
Updated
Tasha’s Answer
Joanne, thanks for asking this question. For many people, their college years are some of the best of their lives! That doesn't mean those years are challenge-free, though.
For a lot of people, college is the first time living on their own. And college professors are different than high school teachers so you will need to take a LOT more responsibility for yourself, for your time, and for your learning. This can be tough in the beginning, but it's important throughout life.
The likelihood is that there will be people for whom college is much easier than it is for you. Don't feel bad about it, just use all the resources that are at your disposal. One of the most successful people I know only earned Bs and the occasional C in college, so ensure you are focused more on learning than just on getting a good grade.
I am sure you will get a lot of other great advice, but those are the things that come to my mind right away. Good luck!
For a lot of people, college is the first time living on their own. And college professors are different than high school teachers so you will need to take a LOT more responsibility for yourself, for your time, and for your learning. This can be tough in the beginning, but it's important throughout life.
The likelihood is that there will be people for whom college is much easier than it is for you. Don't feel bad about it, just use all the resources that are at your disposal. One of the most successful people I know only earned Bs and the occasional C in college, so ensure you are focused more on learning than just on getting a good grade.
I am sure you will get a lot of other great advice, but those are the things that come to my mind right away. Good luck!
Erin Austin
Learning and Development Manager
2
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Erin’s Answer
College is the best learning experience. It helps you transition into adulthood with training wheels. You are responsible for yourself and make most of your day-to-day and life decisions while having support from adults around you. College is fun but also work. You are there for school first, friends and parties second :). Be intentional about your time. It is easy to slip into the social aspect of college and forget that you are there to earn a degree. The level of work required of you is different and, at times, difficult. College is preparing you for adult life. Going to class and getting good grades is the same as going to work (on time) and doing a good job. If you do not perform in school, you get a bad grade; if you do not perform at work, you get a low rating on your review and no raise. Be open to new experiences, meeting new people, and becoming an official adult!
Aaron McKinley
Copywriter
1
Answer
Rochester, New York
Updated
Aaron’s Answer
If there's one big piece of advice I can give you, it's to use everything and everyone available to you. College is hard. Classes are challenging, and adjusting to adult life can be tricky, but everyone around you will be going through or has already gone through the same thing, so you have more help than you may realize.
Talk to your classmates or friends if you're struggling with a class to see if you can work together to help each other understand it better. Your school may also offer free tutoring, and you can stop by your professor's office during their office hours to ask them for help. The same goes for challenges in life in general. Be honest with your roommates, friends or family about what you're going through. Don't be afraid to ask them for advice. It can feel embarrassing to ask for help, but the truth is, no one gets through it alone, and no one is as alone as they may feel sometimes.
I'd also encourage you to look for local groups or organizations in your college town that could offer help. Student groups, intramural sports, churches, and clubs are great places to meet people who can help you out with school or life. Your school's Student Life program may list a few options like this you can get involved in to get connected and have more resources to help you through.
Talk to your classmates or friends if you're struggling with a class to see if you can work together to help each other understand it better. Your school may also offer free tutoring, and you can stop by your professor's office during their office hours to ask them for help. The same goes for challenges in life in general. Be honest with your roommates, friends or family about what you're going through. Don't be afraid to ask them for advice. It can feel embarrassing to ask for help, but the truth is, no one gets through it alone, and no one is as alone as they may feel sometimes.
I'd also encourage you to look for local groups or organizations in your college town that could offer help. Student groups, intramural sports, churches, and clubs are great places to meet people who can help you out with school or life. Your school's Student Life program may list a few options like this you can get involved in to get connected and have more resources to help you through.
Jason White
Lead Product Manager- Network Security
80
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Joanne,
Good question. My personal answer would be to be resourceful. College can seem like a very big place with a lot going on. It's not talked about enough that there are a plethora of resources at ones disposal to be able to get the things that they need to tackle the problems they encounter. A good example being when you struggle in a course. There are options like getting a tutor (which is likely covered in your student fees), there is also meeting your professor for office hours to ask them questions directly, and potentially setting up a study group with classmates. Sometime identify the proper resource will be easier than others but the art of figuring it out I believe is one of the most important skills any college student or working professional should have.
Good question. My personal answer would be to be resourceful. College can seem like a very big place with a lot going on. It's not talked about enough that there are a plethora of resources at ones disposal to be able to get the things that they need to tackle the problems they encounter. A good example being when you struggle in a course. There are options like getting a tutor (which is likely covered in your student fees), there is also meeting your professor for office hours to ask them questions directly, and potentially setting up a study group with classmates. Sometime identify the proper resource will be easier than others but the art of figuring it out I believe is one of the most important skills any college student or working professional should have.
Aman Kumar
Software engineer
161
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Aman’s Answer
Hi Joanne,
Navigating the transition from high school to college can indeed be challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can tackle any problem that comes your way. One effective way to face problems in college is to build a strong support network. Reach out to your professors during office hours or engage with them after class—most professors appreciate when students show initiative. You can also join clubs or organizations related to your interests, which can be a great way to make friends who share your passions.
For example, if you're inclined towards science, joining a science club or participating in study groups can provide both academic support and social interaction. Remember, when you build connections, you create a safety net during tough times. College can be overwhelming with academic pressure, but knowing you have friends and mentors can make a world of difference. Don’t hesitate to lean on your network for guidance and encouragement.
Good luck! You’ll find your footing in no time.
Best,
Aman
Navigating the transition from high school to college can indeed be challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can tackle any problem that comes your way. One effective way to face problems in college is to build a strong support network. Reach out to your professors during office hours or engage with them after class—most professors appreciate when students show initiative. You can also join clubs or organizations related to your interests, which can be a great way to make friends who share your passions.
For example, if you're inclined towards science, joining a science club or participating in study groups can provide both academic support and social interaction. Remember, when you build connections, you create a safety net during tough times. College can be overwhelming with academic pressure, but knowing you have friends and mentors can make a world of difference. Don’t hesitate to lean on your network for guidance and encouragement.
Good luck! You’ll find your footing in no time.
Best,
Aman
Rey Zamora
Psychotherapist
14
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Rey’s Answer
Don’t be afraid. Education will always take you further in life and open new doors in your life. Any struggles will make you smarter, stronger and will help you develop your character in life.