5 answers
Milkiyad
Student
Bellingham, Massachusetts
1
Question
Asked
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What was the hardest part about transitioning from high school to college and what helped you to adapt to college?
I am a senior and will be a freshman for the 26/27 year. I plan to major in business and I just want to know how different college is from high school.
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5 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Milkiyad,
I didn't find it too difficult to transition - I am not the home-sick kind and I was definitely ready to go - except I had to give up a much-loved hobby playing music. I got over it because I found new friends and other interests.
In terms of academics, I didn't find it difficult but during my first semester I found it difficult to gage how I was doing. Even after my first semester finals, I wasn't sure if I would pass (I passed all of them very well).
I loved my major, I loved my university and the city. I loved that I could study all the science I wanted and didn't have to take any of the social sciences and humanities I wasn't keen on. In that sense, college was actually easier than high-school.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
I didn't find it too difficult to transition - I am not the home-sick kind and I was definitely ready to go - except I had to give up a much-loved hobby playing music. I got over it because I found new friends and other interests.
In terms of academics, I didn't find it difficult but during my first semester I found it difficult to gage how I was doing. Even after my first semester finals, I wasn't sure if I would pass (I passed all of them very well).
I loved my major, I loved my university and the city. I loved that I could study all the science I wanted and didn't have to take any of the social sciences and humanities I wasn't keen on. In that sense, college was actually easier than high-school.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
J D
Managed Investment Operations Sr specialist
15
Answers
Arlington, Texas
Updated
J’s Answer
The independence college provides and will demand is much different from high school. College professors are not like high school teachers in the requirements they will ask of students.
The sooner you embrace your independence and find a balance between school and extracurriculars, the better chance you stand to walk for graduation. Nobody will remind you to keep up with your priorities, they are yours and yours alone.
Creating study groups with classmates in each class, as well as dedicating much more study time are things that I had to adjust, but they truly do make a difference in grades and retainment.
The sooner you embrace your independence and find a balance between school and extracurriculars, the better chance you stand to walk for graduation. Nobody will remind you to keep up with your priorities, they are yours and yours alone.
Creating study groups with classmates in each class, as well as dedicating much more study time are things that I had to adjust, but they truly do make a difference in grades and retainment.
Yasmin Mohamed Alamin
Clinical Nutrition Student
63
Answers
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Updated
Yasmin’s Answer
Hi Milkiyad👋🏻
When I first moved from high school to college, the hardest part wasn’t the classes... it was the freedom.
In high school, everything was scheduled for me: same routine, same teachers, same reminders. But in college, no one tells you when to study, when to rest, or when you’re falling behind.
I remember my first semester feeling like I had all the time in the world… until three deadlines landed on the same week. That’s when it hit me: college isn’t harder because the work is impossible; it’s harder because you’re the one in charge of managing it.
What helped me adapt was creating my own little structure. I started using a calendar, planning out my week, and setting aside specific hours for studying... just like a job. I also made a habit of talking to professors early, asking questions, and building small routines (like studying in the same spot every morning).
Once I found balance, college became a lot less overwhelming and a lot more exciting. The independence that felt scary at first eventually became my favorite part.
College is different, but you adjust faster than you think. The key is building your own rhythm instead of waiting for someone to set it for you.
When I first moved from high school to college, the hardest part wasn’t the classes... it was the freedom.
In high school, everything was scheduled for me: same routine, same teachers, same reminders. But in college, no one tells you when to study, when to rest, or when you’re falling behind.
I remember my first semester feeling like I had all the time in the world… until three deadlines landed on the same week. That’s when it hit me: college isn’t harder because the work is impossible; it’s harder because you’re the one in charge of managing it.
What helped me adapt was creating my own little structure. I started using a calendar, planning out my week, and setting aside specific hours for studying... just like a job. I also made a habit of talking to professors early, asking questions, and building small routines (like studying in the same spot every morning).
Once I found balance, college became a lot less overwhelming and a lot more exciting. The independence that felt scary at first eventually became my favorite part.
College is different, but you adjust faster than you think. The key is building your own rhythm instead of waiting for someone to set it for you.
Anthony Lewis
Lead AST, Welding Inspector, Instructor of welding technologies
14
Answers
Burkburnett, Texas
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Get ready for a bit of a surprise when it comes to deadlines, grades, class registration, and attendance. As a high school teacher, I've noticed that some high schools make things too easy for students, often letting them pass with little effort. High school isn't as challenging as it used to be. So, college might be a real eye-opener. In college, they don't accept excuses because you're paying to be there, and they expect you to take it seriously.
As a college freshman, remember the phrase "semper paratus," which means always be ready. Your first year is important and will shape how professors and advisors see you. I'm not telling you this to scare you but to prepare you. The fact that you're asking about college shows you're thinking ahead and have goals, which is great.
The key is not to fall behind. Set small, weekly goals and work towards them. Manage your time well so you don't get overwhelmed in your first year. I wish you the best of luck in your college journey.
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As a college freshman, remember the phrase "semper paratus," which means always be ready. Your first year is important and will shape how professors and advisors see you. I'm not telling you this to scare you but to prepare you. The fact that you're asking about college shows you're thinking ahead and have goals, which is great.
The key is not to fall behind. Set small, weekly goals and work towards them. Manage your time well so you don't get overwhelmed in your first year. I wish you the best of luck in your college journey.
Anthony recommends the following next steps:
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Milkiyad. College is very different from high school in several ways, and knowing what to expect can help you adjust. From what I've heard from others and what I experienced myself, here's what you might find most challenging and some tips to make the transition easier.
One of the hardest things about moving from high school to college is the level of responsibility. In high school, teachers often remind you of assignments and tests and help you stay on track. In college, you're mostly on your own to manage your time. Professors will expect you to keep up with readings and assignments without constant reminders. This can be hard at first because you might not be used to managing your own schedule.
Another big change is the workload. College classes, especially in a major like business, can be more difficult than high school classes. The material is more complex, and professors expect you to do a lot of independent work. You might have fewer exams, but the assignments and projects are often more detailed. In high school, you might have been able to get by with cramming for tests or reviewing notes the night before. In college, you'll need to study regularly and stay on top of your work.
Making new friends and adjusting to college life can also feel tough. In high school, you likely knew everyone in your class, but in college, you'll meet a lot of new people. This can feel overwhelming, but don't worry, it's normal to feel nervous. Many colleges offer events and clubs where you can meet people and make friends. You can attend these events, and be open to talking to new people. Most students are looking to make friends too, so you're not alone.
One of the hardest things about moving from high school to college is the level of responsibility. In high school, teachers often remind you of assignments and tests and help you stay on track. In college, you're mostly on your own to manage your time. Professors will expect you to keep up with readings and assignments without constant reminders. This can be hard at first because you might not be used to managing your own schedule.
Another big change is the workload. College classes, especially in a major like business, can be more difficult than high school classes. The material is more complex, and professors expect you to do a lot of independent work. You might have fewer exams, but the assignments and projects are often more detailed. In high school, you might have been able to get by with cramming for tests or reviewing notes the night before. In college, you'll need to study regularly and stay on top of your work.
Making new friends and adjusting to college life can also feel tough. In high school, you likely knew everyone in your class, but in college, you'll meet a lot of new people. This can feel overwhelming, but don't worry, it's normal to feel nervous. Many colleges offer events and clubs where you can meet people and make friends. You can attend these events, and be open to talking to new people. Most students are looking to make friends too, so you're not alone.