Your first year of college will be exciting as you start a new chapter in your life. You may go in with a lot of expectations, whether from your friends, family, or what you’ve seen on TV. But a lot of those expectations may be completely wrong. Here are a few things you should NOT expect, to help the transition be a little easier.
Less reading assignments.. In fact, it will be the opposite.
If you expect the majority of your learning to happen inside the classroom, think again! Since college classes often meet just a few times a week (sometimes only once) professors assign plenty of work for outside the classroom, especially reading assignments. Reading the assigned material in college allows you to effectively participate in class, often a large contribution to your final grade, and helps you better understand the information your professor lectures about in class.
Successful cram sessions.
Studying may not have been your top priority in high school, but it’s going to be a big part of your college life. Avoid leaving study time to the last minute by establishing healthy patterns early on, and building upon them to really set up an effective method for yourself.
Sticking with the same major.
Though many students enter college with a decided upon major, few leave with the same career goal in mind. Nearly 50% of students change their major at least once, many changing three times before graduation. College is a great time to explore different subjects and discover new passions.
Finding nothing new to try.
Being placed in an entirely new environment where you might not know anyone can be a scary situation. Don’t worry, you certainly aren’t alone, and there is a nearly endless list of possible opportunities. Meet new people at your dorm, classes, clubs, sports, the gym, fraternities and sororities.
Depending on others to do things for you.
Although your family and friends are just a text message away, they won’t be there anymore to make sure you are keeping up with your responsibilities. It’s up to you now to wake up in the morning, go to class, do your reading, study for tests and, eventually, graduate.
