6 answers
1
Question
Asked
853 views
What was your biggest struggle/adjustment in college? And how did you manage to overcome it?
I am currently a Senior in high school, and I plan on attending college in the fall. I am a bit nervous so I want to know what are some common struggles faced while in college.
Login to comment
6 answers
Updated
Jeffrey’s Answer
to work and to study and the same time what I did was to take no more than 2 clasess per quarter so I have time to do my job as well
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
Hi Mariah,
Congratulations on getting accepted to college. That's a huge accomplishment. While this transition comes with a number of changes, know that you are capable of navigating all of them. For me, the 3 things that stand out as big adjustments for me were:
1. Classes move at a faster pace
2. Living away from my family and my dog
3. Finding a new social structure
Let's take them one at a time.
First, classes move at a faster pace. While I had always been successful in school, I had gotten used to the pace of classes and learning in high school. Even though I took a lot of AP classes, when I got to college, things moved faster and that was an adjustment. What I mean by "faster" is that we covered an entire textbook in a matter of months vs over a 9 month period. To adjust to this, I made sure I set aside time to study. While I had always done this, I found I needed a bit more time to get through all the reading. And for some of my more difficult classes, I formed study groups with some of my classmates. Talking through things helped the information to stick in my brain. And, talking with others helped me to get clarification on some of the topics I didn't understand.
Second, living away from my family and my dog. At first, being away was a wonderful adventure. But then, sometimes, I just wanted to cuddle with my dog, or play a board game with my brothers, or have a family dinner with all the usual conversations. I found that a lot of the other students were feeling the same. So, talking about it helped. Of course, phone calls home to stay in touch were a regular thing. And, when I would see someone out walking their dog, I would often ask "Can I pet your dog?". In short timing, I found the rhythm of being in touch with folks back home, talking with other students, and getting a substitute dog fix from people in the park or at the beach. And, today, I live next to a college campus and I purposely walk my dogs once a week on the campus so students can pet them. This is especially helpful during finals week. (Did I mention my 2 dogs are corgis?)
Third, finding a new social structure. Moving away from home required me to make new friends. Fortunately for me, meeting people has always been pretty easy. But, making "friends" is a little bit different. Living in the dorm was my starting point. Of course, I had my roommate and the others who lived in the same dorm as my starting point. After a few weeks, I found the people that were the right fit for me. Even now, many, many years later, we still talk to each other weekly and fly around the country to visit each other. This is a sign that I picked the right people for me. In addition to meeting people in the dorm, people who were in more core classes, people studying the same major, became friends too. As we all took the same classes, we saw each other all day, had lunch together, and studied together. There was a group of 5 of us that really fit and helped each other through college. Also, for me, I belonged to a gym and met people there AND I had a job, so more friends from there. So, I had friends to go get pizza with, go to a movie, go to the beach (I went to college in the Los Angeles area), and just hang out. Find the people that fit for you. Maybe that's oner person, maybe that's 5, maybe that's more. You'll know. And remember, your friends back home are still there. You can call, text, facetime, etc to get a little support if you need it.
This is my final bit of advice as you transition to college. You are a very capable individual. While I've never met you, I know you are capable because you got yourself through grammar school, middle school, and high school. You prepared for college and now it's time to take that step. Whatever comes your way, you can handle it. And, just like you asked for advice through this portal, you can ask for advice or help from your family, friends, teachers, and other students. As someone said to me on my first day at my new college, "You're an adult now and part of being an adult is knowing when you need help and asking for it". So, go to college and have fun. Learn what they teach in the classes and learn just how amazing and capable you are. You're going to do great!
Congratulations on getting accepted to college. That's a huge accomplishment. While this transition comes with a number of changes, know that you are capable of navigating all of them. For me, the 3 things that stand out as big adjustments for me were:
1. Classes move at a faster pace
2. Living away from my family and my dog
3. Finding a new social structure
Let's take them one at a time.
First, classes move at a faster pace. While I had always been successful in school, I had gotten used to the pace of classes and learning in high school. Even though I took a lot of AP classes, when I got to college, things moved faster and that was an adjustment. What I mean by "faster" is that we covered an entire textbook in a matter of months vs over a 9 month period. To adjust to this, I made sure I set aside time to study. While I had always done this, I found I needed a bit more time to get through all the reading. And for some of my more difficult classes, I formed study groups with some of my classmates. Talking through things helped the information to stick in my brain. And, talking with others helped me to get clarification on some of the topics I didn't understand.
Second, living away from my family and my dog. At first, being away was a wonderful adventure. But then, sometimes, I just wanted to cuddle with my dog, or play a board game with my brothers, or have a family dinner with all the usual conversations. I found that a lot of the other students were feeling the same. So, talking about it helped. Of course, phone calls home to stay in touch were a regular thing. And, when I would see someone out walking their dog, I would often ask "Can I pet your dog?". In short timing, I found the rhythm of being in touch with folks back home, talking with other students, and getting a substitute dog fix from people in the park or at the beach. And, today, I live next to a college campus and I purposely walk my dogs once a week on the campus so students can pet them. This is especially helpful during finals week. (Did I mention my 2 dogs are corgis?)
Third, finding a new social structure. Moving away from home required me to make new friends. Fortunately for me, meeting people has always been pretty easy. But, making "friends" is a little bit different. Living in the dorm was my starting point. Of course, I had my roommate and the others who lived in the same dorm as my starting point. After a few weeks, I found the people that were the right fit for me. Even now, many, many years later, we still talk to each other weekly and fly around the country to visit each other. This is a sign that I picked the right people for me. In addition to meeting people in the dorm, people who were in more core classes, people studying the same major, became friends too. As we all took the same classes, we saw each other all day, had lunch together, and studied together. There was a group of 5 of us that really fit and helped each other through college. Also, for me, I belonged to a gym and met people there AND I had a job, so more friends from there. So, I had friends to go get pizza with, go to a movie, go to the beach (I went to college in the Los Angeles area), and just hang out. Find the people that fit for you. Maybe that's oner person, maybe that's 5, maybe that's more. You'll know. And remember, your friends back home are still there. You can call, text, facetime, etc to get a little support if you need it.
This is my final bit of advice as you transition to college. You are a very capable individual. While I've never met you, I know you are capable because you got yourself through grammar school, middle school, and high school. You prepared for college and now it's time to take that step. Whatever comes your way, you can handle it. And, just like you asked for advice through this portal, you can ask for advice or help from your family, friends, teachers, and other students. As someone said to me on my first day at my new college, "You're an adult now and part of being an adult is knowing when you need help and asking for it". So, go to college and have fun. Learn what they teach in the classes and learn just how amazing and capable you are. You're going to do great!
Thank you, I really appreciate your advise. You input is very enlightening and I plan to take your advise when I attend college in the fall!
Mariah
Updated
Saraswathi’s Answer
It was really hard to manage everything. I got married in the second semester of my BCom degree, which meant more responsibilities like taking care of my in-laws and house chores. We didn't have any help at home, either. My husband lived in Bangalore, while I was in my hometown, which is 750 km away. I didn't get much support from family members, so I had to study overnight during exams. But in the end, I completed my degree.
Wow Saraswathi your story is very inspiring. The fact that you were able to juggle everything and still graduate is quite motivating. Congratulations!!!
Mariah
Updated
Kangana’s Answer
Hi Mariah! I totally understand how you’re feeling starting college is a big transition, and it’s normal to feel a little nervous. One of my biggest struggles was finding my place socially. At first, it felt like everyone already had their own friend groups, and that made it hard to connect. What really helped me was joining clubs and student organizations. You don’t have to stick with every club you try, but exploring different ones is so valuable. It helped me meet people outside of just my classes or social events, and eventually, I found genuine, like-minded friends. I honestly wish I had joined clubs earlier because they also helped me build a network and feel more confident on campus. Just remember not everyone is looking to make new friends, and that’s okay too. Focus on finding your people and being open to new experiences you’ve got this!
Thank you for your feedback, I really appreciate your input and advice. I will take your advice and look into the clubs and organizations my college offers!
Mariah
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hey Mariah!
When I started college, I was surprised by how different everyone was. There were people from various schools, cultures, and ages—even some in their 30s and 40s! It was a bit overwhelming at first, but it really helped me later on.
In every job I've had, it's been the same. You might become best friends with someone who's 50, or have a boss from another country who speaks a different language.
My tip is to embrace these differences and learn from everyone around you. It’ll help you feel more at ease and start building your network.
Good luck! I hope you enjoy college as much as I did.
When I started college, I was surprised by how different everyone was. There were people from various schools, cultures, and ages—even some in their 30s and 40s! It was a bit overwhelming at first, but it really helped me later on.
In every job I've had, it's been the same. You might become best friends with someone who's 50, or have a boss from another country who speaks a different language.
My tip is to embrace these differences and learn from everyone around you. It’ll help you feel more at ease and start building your network.
Good luck! I hope you enjoy college as much as I did.
Updated
Verónica’s Answer
Hello! Congratulations on starting college soon. Here are some tips that might help you: 1. Choosing what to study is an important step. Do your research and don't be afraid to take your time. I started a major I didn't like and switched after a few months. I don't regret it because now I enjoy what I do, even though I sacrificed a year to find my path. 2. In college, there will be subjects that might not interest you much. Don't worry, that's normal. If you see yourself working in that field, consider volunteering or speaking with professionals in the field. This will give you a better perspective. 3. Money can be a challenge, since studying is expensive. If your parents can help you, great. If not, working while studying is a good option. It may be better than taking out a loan, but it depends on your situation and the degree you pursue. 4. Your study load is usually heavy. Organize your time well to complete assignments and study. If you're struggling with a subject, seek support from classmates who are proficient in it. This can be very helpful.
Define clearly what you want to study: read the study plan, research what sectors you could work in and even volunteer for it to make sure you like it.
Verónica recommends the following next steps: