College Truths

I just finished my freshman year in college and to say I was prepared for it is an exaggeration. I read countless books, asked many of my relatives, and many of my friends on what to expect at college. None of the sources gave me any real indication of what to expect. The following are a few things that you may want to know when going off to college….

1. Pressure in both academic areas

People all over the world have money issues and going to college seems to magnify these. Getting scholarships or loans from the school of your choice helps tremendously! The only way to keep these scholarships, though, is to work hard and make sure you do well in your classes. When it comes to midterm exams and finals week, people are absolutely crazy at college. Many pull all-nighters to finish those 10 page reports that they had assigned to them at the beginning of the year, but put off till the last minute, literally. The library is packed and people are cranky and defensive. The only way to make sure you avoid these hassles is to keep on top of your work, go to all (okay, who am I kidding, most) of your classes, and take good notes. For the most part, this will help you during midterms and finals. Also, know where your professor’s office is, the hours, and how to reach him/her. They want to help you, but they won’t hunt you down and make sure you’re doing your work. High school teachers were right about that. Finally, take advantage of the various institutions on campus dedicated to helping you during the school year. Stressed and need someone to talk to? Go to guidance. Need help on your paper? Go to the writing lab. Want to learn more about a specific subject? Go to the library or join the specified club. The college wants you to learn, but it wont force you. You may just want to hang out with your friends….

2. Pressure from your social surroundings.

Parties, all-nighters, drinking, drinking games, drugs, video games, and many different kinds of activities to do with friends are okay. But do NOT let them take control of your life! You will find, especially during the first year of college, that because you are an adult and on your own, you have unlimited freedom when it comes to your time. Trust me, no parents telling you what to do is amazing. What’s equally amazing is how fast 4 hours can fly when you are playing a game of Halo 3  or Fifa 09 with friends. Classes will be skipped, friends will start to take priority. This is not wrong, but it can lead to a destructive route. Make sure you realize what you are doing. As for parties and drinking and drugs, well, you will always be able to find a place to go. It’s dangerous to do, but also fun. I don’t encourage it, but I know it will happen. Don’t let it control who you are. People who go to college spend a lot of money to get in education. It would be a damper to waste it on Wet Wednesdays, Thirsty Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and basically every other day of the week, getting drunk. You want to graduate knowing more than you came in, not less. Every now and then is okay, but don’t become an alcoholic because your parents aren’t there to stop you. Just a warning.