Kaitlyn Lewis, News Editor
Although many students fret transitioning from high school to college, there is nothing really to fear. College is a completely different environment than high school, and transitioning can be a great learning experience for students. As a former freshman starting her sophomore year in the fall, I know what it is like to be the new student on campus. Many things have changed since high school, so I’ve made a helpful list.
1.) You are free to roam.
Unlike high school, you are no longer stuck in a brick building for seven hours with only five free minutes in between classes. You do not have to report to the lunchroom during lunch. Depending on the availability of the class you sign up for, you can make your schedule the way you want it to be. There are no teachers or administrators to tell you where to go.
2.) You are on your own for the first time.
Many freshmen have just moved into campus dorms and are living on their own for the first time. Unlike them, I’m a commuter student. Although I haven’t quite experienced living on my own yet, I feel like I have learned to be self-dependent regardless. I spend most of my day on campus or at work. I provide most of my own meals, and pay for my own gas. It does not matter if you are living in a dorm, in an apartment or at home; college will teach you how to live on your own.
3.) You are stressed all the time.
During my first semester of college, I signed up for 15 credit hours and took a part time job working 20-30 hours a week. I felt like I was going nonstop, even on the weekends. One of the only things that you can be sure will not go away in college is homework. Some of my friends who took 8 AM classes were still writing essays and doing homework at midnight the same day. College is simply stressful overall. Living away from family and friends, homework and simply being in a new environment are some factors known to cause stress in many college students.
4.) You’ll often have to choose between having a social life, good grades and sleep.
The weekends are a perfect time to catch up on sleep lost from a busy week but also a perfect opportunity to hang out with your friends. You know you have two essays due the following Monday. You know you’ll have to choose to spend your time wisely, but you’ll end up watching Netflix all day instead.
5.) You’re 100% responsible for your own grades.
This will be a wake-up call for many freshmen. Most of us are away from our parents, and they can’t “punish” us for getting a bad grade. Your teachers are not there to cheer you on, and there may be too many students in your class for the professor to care about each individual. It’s all up to you; you can determine the grade you get in a class.
6.) People don’t care about you.
In high school, you’re always worried about who your friends are and where you fit in. The college social environment is not like this because you don’t see the same people every day. Walking on your way to class, you’re just another face in the crowd. Everyone’s mind is on themselves. People don’t judge you the way they did in high school. You are free to be whoever you want to be.
7.) You decide your own future
No can tell you what your major should be. You are free to pursue whatever career you want, but opportunities will not land in front of you. You can seek internships and opportunities in order to build your desired career path.
College may seem scary, but there is nothing to fear. It will all work out in the end as you find your place on campus and discover more about yourself.
