Surviving College: 5 Things I wish I was Better Prepared For

Surviving College

5 Things I wish I was Better Prepared For

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Starting college can be a terrifying and trying experience. Your schedule changes, you're surrounded by new people and places and you're living in a new place. If you are just starting school this article is for you. College life can flip your life upside down if you aren't ready. Here are the top five biggest changes you will have to face and the top five tips to get you through them. 

1. Suddenly, You're an Adult

Well, kind of. In all honesty I don't act much like an adult half of the time but what I mean is, you are suddenly totally responsible for yourself and you are held accountable for your actions. You are in charge of your finances, your grades, your car, your groceries, and your apartment. If you're used to living with mom and dad a transition to this can be quite scary.

 My advice: manage your time. Sit down and account for all of your responsibilities and plan out your week. Plan out your class time, your work time, and give yourself time for friends. If you budget out your time like you do (or should do) with your cash (and stick to it) you will find that everything seems a little less crazy. 

2. You're in a New Place

Most students have moved from their parents place to an apartment in a new place. This can make you feel totally insecure and nervous. Not to mention that college itself is like a whole different world and navigating through your campus can be overwhelming. 

My advice: Make friends. Making friends with roommates or fellow classmates can relive tons of stress and fear. If you have someone to discover the campus with you won't feel so alone and insignificant. You're new friend is probably coping with the same things and you can help each other. Better yet, find a friend that is further along in their college year to help you out. You can also utilize services that the school offers like tours and counselors.

3. You Have to Work Twice as Hard

Get ready for your workload to increase 10 fold! College classes demand more work. A good rule of thumb is for every hour of class account for 2 hours of studying. And if you are like me you will have to get a part time job to support yourself through college. You will be required to work hard at your job with as many hours as you can handle to support yourself. Combine work and school and you have a pretty heavy workload. 

My advice: Start small. Don't load the credits on your first semester. Try taking 4-6 credits instead of 12-14 and work your way up. Give yourself time to get used to the routine and work load of college and gradually increase to full time studying. If possible find a job working for your school. Universities offer many jobs for students and are very flexible with your class schedule and you won't have to commute. 

4. Your Learning Environment has Changed

In high school you get used to just sitting by as teachers lecture and give you assignments. In college the learning environment is a lot different. Professors lead discussions and expect you to contribute to the discussion. The coursework is harder and based on your ability to solve problems on your own. One of the greatest things you will learn from college is how to think cognitively and solve problems; unfortunately this can be hard to get used to. 

My advice: Make sure you go to your classes.

Seems pretty obvious right? That you would go to your classes in college? Yeah, just wait until you get going. Most professors don't implement a strict attendance policy so it can be easy to stay home from class now and again. (This goes back to the whole responsibility thing.) Get your butt to class and you will find that you catch on and get used to your new learning environment quick. 

5. College can be TOO Fun

I know this one seems kind of dumb but you'll find that it is totally true. Once you get settled in, you will start making friends, and going on dates, and going to parties, and forgetting about your homework (or just not caring about your homework). It can be really easy to get caught up in the social life of college and totally lose interest in your school work. 

My advice: Give yourself boundaries. You are allowed to enjoy your new found freedom, just remember that you're working for something bigger and better than that party this weekend. Try and get your homework done before the weekend and try not to get behind on your work and you should be fine. And remember, have fun! 

College can be scary and hard at first but once you get the hang of things you will find that you really enjoy it! Just hang in there until and you will get used to this new life soon. Be true to who you are, find some new friends and do your best and you will have a positive college experience and who knows you may even get a degree out of it!