9 answers
Avery
Student
Olathe, Kansas
2
Questions
Updated
1049 views
How do I get excited for college next year?
I am an incoming freshman at a smaller university in New England, halfway across the country from where I live. When I was able to visit a couple months ago I loved the school but recently I have been feeling un-excited about going to go to school there. I've been seeing a lot on social media about my almost school(Mizzou), which is the complete opposite of this school. It's been making me feel like I made the wrong decision in choosing what school I am going to and I've been trying to get myself to change this feeling but haven't been able to. There isn't a lot online about my school, and what is there is promotional videos, or TikTok's of people hating on it. Additionally, I have found it impossible to connect with other incoming freshman at this school and the entire enrollment process this far has been really bad for me. Are there any ways to make myself feel excited about the school I chose, because right now all I want to do is transfer.
Login to comment
9 answers
Kimberly Valenta, MD
Medical Writer
7
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Avery,
I'm so sorry you're feeling this way. Let's see if we can find a way for you to learn more so you can make the right decision. The first thing to know is that you are not trapped in this decision. You can reach out to the admissions office or student affairs and ask what your options are if you feel like you need more time (ie. defer your admission). And yes, you can always transfer at a later date if you decide to go this fall and find it isn't the right fit.
I wouldn't rely too much on social media. Those posts will never tell the whole story. Transitioning to college is a big deal no matter where you go to school, and many students struggle with loneliness and academic challenges. Sometimes they vent on social media to deal with those frustrations. Some places also have a culture of complaining whereas other places do not. It doesn't always reflect on the substance of the school.
A smaller school has many advantages, including an opportunity to develop relationships with your professors. The downside is that until you arrive on campus, it might be hard to connect with the students. Will you be living on campus? If so, I'm sure you'll meet a lot of people quickly. Again, don't hesitate to reach out to student affairs and let them know how you're feeling. Perhaps they have some orientation activities planned or can connect you with an older student.
Most importantly, know that you can make a change if it isn't the right fit for you after all. But you might be pleasantly surprised when you get there. Either way, trust you are a resilient person.
Btw, I attended a small school in New England and found it to be a very nurturing and kind environment, if at times a little sleepy. I developed great relationships with my professors and from there was able to attend medical school at a prestigious institution. I look back on those 4 years in New England with fondness. It could be a similar experience for you.
Reach out to the admissions office and/or student affairs to discuss your feelings and learn about options
See if the university can connect you with an older student (perhaps a school ambassador or someone similar)
Find out about orientation activities and other ways they support the students' transition to campus
I'm so sorry you're feeling this way. Let's see if we can find a way for you to learn more so you can make the right decision. The first thing to know is that you are not trapped in this decision. You can reach out to the admissions office or student affairs and ask what your options are if you feel like you need more time (ie. defer your admission). And yes, you can always transfer at a later date if you decide to go this fall and find it isn't the right fit.
I wouldn't rely too much on social media. Those posts will never tell the whole story. Transitioning to college is a big deal no matter where you go to school, and many students struggle with loneliness and academic challenges. Sometimes they vent on social media to deal with those frustrations. Some places also have a culture of complaining whereas other places do not. It doesn't always reflect on the substance of the school.
A smaller school has many advantages, including an opportunity to develop relationships with your professors. The downside is that until you arrive on campus, it might be hard to connect with the students. Will you be living on campus? If so, I'm sure you'll meet a lot of people quickly. Again, don't hesitate to reach out to student affairs and let them know how you're feeling. Perhaps they have some orientation activities planned or can connect you with an older student.
Most importantly, know that you can make a change if it isn't the right fit for you after all. But you might be pleasantly surprised when you get there. Either way, trust you are a resilient person.
Btw, I attended a small school in New England and found it to be a very nurturing and kind environment, if at times a little sleepy. I developed great relationships with my professors and from there was able to attend medical school at a prestigious institution. I look back on those 4 years in New England with fondness. It could be a similar experience for you.
Kimberly recommends the following next steps:
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
800
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would actually go to the actual college, that you are going to attend, and take a tour and get to know the institution where you are going to be spending the next four to five years of your life.
One thing I recommend, for students to engage in, is something called "Campus Navigation."
This means actually going to the college and taking a tour, getting a map and finding where all the resources are on the campus, and learning how to utilize them.
This means finding the college financial aid office, admissions, security and parking, housing services, touring the sports facilities and seeing what sports teams are on campus, and taking a tour of the library and classroom facilities, to see where your future courses and classes will be located.
I have found becoming actively engaged in the campus environment and doing Campus Navigation, helps to assimilate a student into the environment and gets them excited about college and its future prospects for each individual.
One thing I recommend, for students to engage in, is something called "Campus Navigation."
This means actually going to the college and taking a tour, getting a map and finding where all the resources are on the campus, and learning how to utilize them.
This means finding the college financial aid office, admissions, security and parking, housing services, touring the sports facilities and seeing what sports teams are on campus, and taking a tour of the library and classroom facilities, to see where your future courses and classes will be located.
I have found becoming actively engaged in the campus environment and doing Campus Navigation, helps to assimilate a student into the environment and gets them excited about college and its future prospects for each individual.
Jason White
Lead Product Manager- Network Security
170
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Hey Avery,
It's very normal to feel anxious before such a big decision of going to college. especially one that is so far away. I would make sure you follow as much information and content about your school as you can and really ask yourself "do I think these are just jitters? or do I really feel like I'm missing out on something?" ask yourself what brought you to select the school you are going to in the first place and focus on that. You are far away from the campus of your school and much closer to the alternate so you will see and hear much more about mizzou until you land on campus at your school. So the "hype" and excitement sphere can be a bit smaller especially if you have friends who are going to mizzou. Depending on how small there might be other things like sports and greek life that really hype up at a big school over the summer which can give you an additional feeling of disconnection from your school until you make it to campus. Which brings me back to following as much content about your school to counteract those feelings some. It gets better when you get to campus trust me. and if after a semester you don't think you really like it you have the option to move if you choose. I say give it a shot and see how you feel when you get there.
It's very normal to feel anxious before such a big decision of going to college. especially one that is so far away. I would make sure you follow as much information and content about your school as you can and really ask yourself "do I think these are just jitters? or do I really feel like I'm missing out on something?" ask yourself what brought you to select the school you are going to in the first place and focus on that. You are far away from the campus of your school and much closer to the alternate so you will see and hear much more about mizzou until you land on campus at your school. So the "hype" and excitement sphere can be a bit smaller especially if you have friends who are going to mizzou. Depending on how small there might be other things like sports and greek life that really hype up at a big school over the summer which can give you an additional feeling of disconnection from your school until you make it to campus. Which brings me back to following as much content about your school to counteract those feelings some. It gets better when you get to campus trust me. and if after a semester you don't think you really like it you have the option to move if you choose. I say give it a shot and see how you feel when you get there.
Amber Lee
Tax Associate
67
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Amber’s Answer
Hi Avery, I'm sorry to hear you're feeling this way about your school. While I can't tell you what you should or should not do, I can offer some questions that could hopefully help you figure things out.
What drew you to your school initially? Was it the program offerings you were interested in? Or perhaps it was the location and the vibes? I can't make any presumptions about your school without knowing where it is, but online buzz about a school does not always reflect the quality of the education you might receive at that institution. People say all kinds of negative things on social media, whether it's because of some weird historical rivalry between schools or biases against certain institutions. But that's not to say there's no truth to the negative comments you saw online, so it might be worth investigating why people dislike your school and think about whether the reasons (whatever they might be) are things that will bother you in the long run.
Aside from the negative rep online and your experience with the enrollment process, are there anything else about the school that you are not fond of? If you could jot down a list of things you're not excited about with this school (literally build out a pro and con list), perhaps you might be able to consider objectively if you would indeed be better off at Mizzou.
Going to college is a big step for a lot of folks. People often get some anxiety especially if this is the first time they are living away from family, and that anxiety can sometimes overpower their initial excitement about going to college. There is nothing wrong with wanting to live close to family and remain in a familiar environment, but that's just something you will need to decide for yourself.
It also takes time to connect with your classmates--I, for one, almost did not connect with any of my peers while I was at college. Instead, I built more meaningful connections with people outside my program and made friends through extracurricular activities. I also had the fortune to attend one of the largest public schools in the country, so it was easy for me to find pockets of friends who shared my interests. It might be a bit challenging at your smaller university, so that's something you might want to think about.
If you do decide your school is not the right fit, transferring is always an option. It might be logistically challenging, but it can be done.
What drew you to your school initially? Was it the program offerings you were interested in? Or perhaps it was the location and the vibes? I can't make any presumptions about your school without knowing where it is, but online buzz about a school does not always reflect the quality of the education you might receive at that institution. People say all kinds of negative things on social media, whether it's because of some weird historical rivalry between schools or biases against certain institutions. But that's not to say there's no truth to the negative comments you saw online, so it might be worth investigating why people dislike your school and think about whether the reasons (whatever they might be) are things that will bother you in the long run.
Aside from the negative rep online and your experience with the enrollment process, are there anything else about the school that you are not fond of? If you could jot down a list of things you're not excited about with this school (literally build out a pro and con list), perhaps you might be able to consider objectively if you would indeed be better off at Mizzou.
Going to college is a big step for a lot of folks. People often get some anxiety especially if this is the first time they are living away from family, and that anxiety can sometimes overpower their initial excitement about going to college. There is nothing wrong with wanting to live close to family and remain in a familiar environment, but that's just something you will need to decide for yourself.
It also takes time to connect with your classmates--I, for one, almost did not connect with any of my peers while I was at college. Instead, I built more meaningful connections with people outside my program and made friends through extracurricular activities. I also had the fortune to attend one of the largest public schools in the country, so it was easy for me to find pockets of friends who shared my interests. It might be a bit challenging at your smaller university, so that's something you might want to think about.
If you do decide your school is not the right fit, transferring is always an option. It might be logistically challenging, but it can be done.
Debra Denzer
Consulting
4
Answers
Hudson, Wisconsin
Updated
Debra’s Answer
You are having normal feelings. One thing though looks like you are going a long way from home. Will you have a support network there or will you be making it from friends when you get there? Regardless college can be what you make of it so get involved in activities. Look on the college for student life to see what is available. Last resort go for a semester. If not the right fit transfer. Good Luck!
Ben Golden
Computer Software Engineer
4
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Ben’s Answer
There are some classes you may have to take, mandatory etc.
Make sure to choose at least one class that supports your direction and goals but you are actually interested, excited about.
Keep in mind it might have to do more with how good a certain professor is rather than the specific class content.
You might look at clubs or non class activities that you enjoy that you can do, they might even add to your resume and as well as motivation for college in generfal.
Make sure to choose at least one class that supports your direction and goals but you are actually interested, excited about.
Keep in mind it might have to do more with how good a certain professor is rather than the specific class content.
You might look at clubs or non class activities that you enjoy that you can do, they might even add to your resume and as well as motivation for college in generfal.
Jacqueline Tyson
Technical Program Manager
1
Answer
Rochester, New York
Updated
Jacqueline’s Answer
Hi Avery,
I'm sorry to hear you're having doubts about your school choice. Here are a few things that might help:
- Trust your feelings from your school visit more than what's on social media.
- Contact admissions to talk about finding it hard to connect with other new students.
- If you have a roommate, try reaching out to them.
Remember how much you loved the school when you visited. Stay positive about your decision. Wishing you all the best as you begin college!
I'm sorry to hear you're having doubts about your school choice. Here are a few things that might help:
- Trust your feelings from your school visit more than what's on social media.
- Contact admissions to talk about finding it hard to connect with other new students.
- If you have a roommate, try reaching out to them.
Remember how much you loved the school when you visited. Stay positive about your decision. Wishing you all the best as you begin college!
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
735
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Avery,
You picked that school and liked it when you visited. What changed? I think you might just have some cold feet about moving far away to a place where you don't know anyone. That's very normal and understandable. Chances are it will pass and you will enjoy your school.
You'll have some orientation events when you get there. You'll meet other freshpeeps. You will be rooming with someone, I suppose. Starting college is a time when you meet lots of new people who are also new and finding their way. You'll find "your people" quickly.
New England is certainly different from Kansas. Use it as an opportunity to enjoy the new things. Get involved on campus, maybe try a new sport, enjoy the food.
If you really don't like it, you can always transfer to a school that is a better fit.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
You picked that school and liked it when you visited. What changed? I think you might just have some cold feet about moving far away to a place where you don't know anyone. That's very normal and understandable. Chances are it will pass and you will enjoy your school.
You'll have some orientation events when you get there. You'll meet other freshpeeps. You will be rooming with someone, I suppose. Starting college is a time when you meet lots of new people who are also new and finding their way. You'll find "your people" quickly.
New England is certainly different from Kansas. Use it as an opportunity to enjoy the new things. Get involved on campus, maybe try a new sport, enjoy the food.
If you really don't like it, you can always transfer to a school that is a better fit.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Cecily Black
2
Answers
Updated
Cecily’s Answer
Hi Avery,
Everything you are feeling is completely normal. Whenever we make big decisions, it's only natural for us to experience some second-guessing or "buyer's remorse", but that does not mean you made the wrong decision. One of the greatest pieces of advice I can give is to remember your "Why". What I mean is sit down and ask yourself what your driving motivation is. This can be for your school, or what you want to study, or who you want to be. Whatever your "why" is, hold onto that and always come back to it.
The fact of the matter is you have the ability to thrive wherever you go. You will get out of it what you put into it and even if it is not perfect, if you decide your going to dive in anyways you would be surprised at how great things can turn out. In the long run, the name of the school you went to probably won't matter, but what you do there will. I believe you can have a great college experience at this school just like you can have a great college experience at Mizzou. We can catastrophize different decisions and think "oh I will only be happy if I go here" or "I can only succeed if I make the right choice", but the fact of the matter is that as long as you are pursuing your goals, there isn't a "wrong" choice. Take it from someone who has been there many, many times before, your life can end up exactly where you want it to be regardless of taking path A or B. It is much more about you. It sounds cliche but life is what you make it!
My final thought is just be careful with social media, it very rarely gives us an accurate picture of what is going on around us. Finding friends at the school can be hard before you get there but much easier once you are all in the same place. You aren't alone, there are probably a bunch of people who feel the exact same way that you do. College is awesome, take the time to enjoy your summer, and you'll be crushing it in class before you know it.
Good luck!
Everything you are feeling is completely normal. Whenever we make big decisions, it's only natural for us to experience some second-guessing or "buyer's remorse", but that does not mean you made the wrong decision. One of the greatest pieces of advice I can give is to remember your "Why". What I mean is sit down and ask yourself what your driving motivation is. This can be for your school, or what you want to study, or who you want to be. Whatever your "why" is, hold onto that and always come back to it.
The fact of the matter is you have the ability to thrive wherever you go. You will get out of it what you put into it and even if it is not perfect, if you decide your going to dive in anyways you would be surprised at how great things can turn out. In the long run, the name of the school you went to probably won't matter, but what you do there will. I believe you can have a great college experience at this school just like you can have a great college experience at Mizzou. We can catastrophize different decisions and think "oh I will only be happy if I go here" or "I can only succeed if I make the right choice", but the fact of the matter is that as long as you are pursuing your goals, there isn't a "wrong" choice. Take it from someone who has been there many, many times before, your life can end up exactly where you want it to be regardless of taking path A or B. It is much more about you. It sounds cliche but life is what you make it!
My final thought is just be careful with social media, it very rarely gives us an accurate picture of what is going on around us. Finding friends at the school can be hard before you get there but much easier once you are all in the same place. You aren't alone, there are probably a bunch of people who feel the exact same way that you do. College is awesome, take the time to enjoy your summer, and you'll be crushing it in class before you know it.
Good luck!