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What unexpected changes did you experience starting college and how did you deal with them?
What unexpected changes did you experience starting college and how did you deal with them? Are there any changes that you experienced that wasn't told to you beforehand or you weren't expecting?
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Megan’s Answer
One of the biggest transitions when heading to college is the freedom - college tends to be a lot less structured than high school, which means you need to supply the structure yourself when it comes to finding time to do your homework, attending classes, turning in assignments, and so on and so on.
How to tackle this depends a bit on you - how you learn, how you like to approach planning your day or week, that kind of thing. For me, knowing when I had tests and papers and making sure I cleared time those weeks for real work/studying was always super helpful. Another thing that really helped was being proactive about using the resources available to you - joining study groups, going to professors' office hours, and getting extra help in classes where you have a harder time (for me, this was always math). I also always loved finding "my" study spot - at college, there was one library I just loved, and would go there to do my reading. It helped me focus and got me out of my room.
Another thing that helps is getting enough sleep, which can be hard - especially if you're living in a dorm/away from home for the first time. It can be really tempting to stay up till the wee hours hanging out all the time, but sleep is when your brain absorbs what you've learned and rests up to learn more. Don't only sleep - have fun, too! - but make sure you get sleep when you need it!
How to tackle this depends a bit on you - how you learn, how you like to approach planning your day or week, that kind of thing. For me, knowing when I had tests and papers and making sure I cleared time those weeks for real work/studying was always super helpful. Another thing that really helped was being proactive about using the resources available to you - joining study groups, going to professors' office hours, and getting extra help in classes where you have a harder time (for me, this was always math). I also always loved finding "my" study spot - at college, there was one library I just loved, and would go there to do my reading. It helped me focus and got me out of my room.
Another thing that helps is getting enough sleep, which can be hard - especially if you're living in a dorm/away from home for the first time. It can be really tempting to stay up till the wee hours hanging out all the time, but sleep is when your brain absorbs what you've learned and rests up to learn more. Don't only sleep - have fun, too! - but make sure you get sleep when you need it!
Thank you so much, Megan!
Tristan
Updated
Jonah’s Answer
Math has always been my sore spot. Just keep repeating to yourself that everyone is in the same experience as you. Don't worry 😉
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Tristan
Updated
Destiny’s Answer
I think some of the unexpected changes I experienced are managing my time and adjusting to instructors' expectations. Because most of my previous schoolwork was in a homeschooled setting, my educational environment was very flexible. In contrast, college has firm deadlines and requirements for you to earn your degree. So, one of the big adjustments I had to make was managing my time in a more structured way.
Another challenge was adjusting to instructors' expectations. Each instructor is different and has their own unique teaching style, so sometimes you have to adjust to that and make changes in how you approach your assignments. Some instructors want you to use a more formal writing tone, for example, while others want to hear personal perspectives in your work.
Even though these changes were pretty huge at the time, I've learned to adjust to them as I've spent some years in college. Although I was told about the importance of time management before I went to college, I wasn't prepared for adjusting to different instructors' teaching styles. I think it's helpful when college counselors tell students that different instructors have their own approaches, too.
Thanks for the good question, and I hope these answers were helpful. Whatever changes or challenges you experience in college, it's important to know that over time, those changes won't be so hard to manage. It just takes some adjustment!
Another challenge was adjusting to instructors' expectations. Each instructor is different and has their own unique teaching style, so sometimes you have to adjust to that and make changes in how you approach your assignments. Some instructors want you to use a more formal writing tone, for example, while others want to hear personal perspectives in your work.
Even though these changes were pretty huge at the time, I've learned to adjust to them as I've spent some years in college. Although I was told about the importance of time management before I went to college, I wasn't prepared for adjusting to different instructors' teaching styles. I think it's helpful when college counselors tell students that different instructors have their own approaches, too.
Thanks for the good question, and I hope these answers were helpful. Whatever changes or challenges you experience in college, it's important to know that over time, those changes won't be so hard to manage. It just takes some adjustment!
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Tristan
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
When I started college, I was surprised by how common it is to feel a bit out of place at first. Many people experience imposter syndrome, wondering if others are smarter or more prepared. The reality is that many students feel this way initially, even if they don't talk about it. It helped me to realize that everyone is adjusting and learning together, and feeling unsure doesn't mean you don't belong.
Another big change is the sudden freedom. No one reminds you to study, attend class, or manage your time. Meanwhile, there are lots of social events, clubs, and activities on campus, which can lead to FOMO because it seems like there's always something happening. I learned it's okay to miss some things and focus on what truly matters for my goals and energy.
Finding balance was the most important lesson. It's easy to think you need to do everything, but college becomes more manageable when you figure out what works for you. Prioritizing sleep, planning study time, and making room for friends helped prevent feeling overwhelmed. These adjustments come with time as you settle into your routine.
Another big change is the sudden freedom. No one reminds you to study, attend class, or manage your time. Meanwhile, there are lots of social events, clubs, and activities on campus, which can lead to FOMO because it seems like there's always something happening. I learned it's okay to miss some things and focus on what truly matters for my goals and energy.
Finding balance was the most important lesson. It's easy to think you need to do everything, but college becomes more manageable when you figure out what works for you. Prioritizing sleep, planning study time, and making room for friends helped prevent feeling overwhelmed. These adjustments come with time as you settle into your routine.
Updated
Bonnie’s Answer
Hi Tristan. Good question. I went from being a paramedic to becoming a physical therapist. The most unexpected change was in teaching styles. Tests were formulated in a different way. Professional grading systems were different. What would be a 92% A in most classes was a B in Professional education classes.
As a paramedic, I had to think about what was needed to keep someone alive in a chaotic, short, emergent period of time. There was usually only one way, one set of standards to learn and put into action. In P.T. school, we had to learn several ways to reach our objective. Critical thinking was employed. Outcomes depended on one's ability to recognize varying needs and change plans of care accordingly. You had to remember a lot of information that was thrown at you at once and you had a limited amount of time to understand it. I found that mnemonics were most helpful. I learned all of the cranial nerves, brachial plexus nerves and bones of the wrist with these. This method of learning can be applied to anything you must remember quickly.
Lastly, I learned how important it was to have study buddies. Do not go it alone! In grade school, I did everything on my own. In college, I learned very quickly that that style of learning was no longer going to work.
As a paramedic, I had to think about what was needed to keep someone alive in a chaotic, short, emergent period of time. There was usually only one way, one set of standards to learn and put into action. In P.T. school, we had to learn several ways to reach our objective. Critical thinking was employed. Outcomes depended on one's ability to recognize varying needs and change plans of care accordingly. You had to remember a lot of information that was thrown at you at once and you had a limited amount of time to understand it. I found that mnemonics were most helpful. I learned all of the cranial nerves, brachial plexus nerves and bones of the wrist with these. This method of learning can be applied to anything you must remember quickly.
Lastly, I learned how important it was to have study buddies. Do not go it alone! In grade school, I did everything on my own. In college, I learned very quickly that that style of learning was no longer going to work.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Tristan
Updated
Rodney’s Answer
Hi Tristan,
I hope you're doing great. The answers are fantastic! When you start college, it's perfectly fine if you're not completely sure about your field. I highly recommend finding a career coach. They can guide you in choosing the right classes and help you stay focused on your goals. Having someone to mentor you will make a big difference.
I hope you're doing great. The answers are fantastic! When you start college, it's perfectly fine if you're not completely sure about your field. I highly recommend finding a career coach. They can guide you in choosing the right classes and help you stay focused on your goals. Having someone to mentor you will make a big difference.
Cherilyn Garner
Medical Office Practice Manager; Certified Medical Assistant (
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Cherilyn’s Answer
My first couple rounds of college was many years ago. I was used to sitting in a classroom, listening to lectures, taking notes, and then being tested on what I heard and read. Now that I’ve returned to school, almost everything is online, and that was a huge change for me. It felt overwhelming at first, but I reached out to people who had already gone through it — classmates, friends, coworkers — and hearing how they balanced school with families, jobs, and bills helped calm my fears. Talking to others who were managing the same challenges reassured me that it was possible, and that made all the difference.
Thanks for the advice.
Tristan