3 answers
Frita
Student
Martinsburg, West Virginia
1
Question
Updated
100 views
How do you prepare yourself for life during and after college?#Spring26
I am a high school senior getting ready to go into college, and I am worried about everything involving life outside of high school. How to prepare to be away from everyone you know and start a new life? I am planning to go into electrical engineering in college and what to know when class load and difficulty.
Login to comment
3 answers
John Woollard
General Manager
60
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
John’s Answer
Being a little worried is normal. Most people feel it and just do not say it out loud.
On being away from everyone, the honest truth is that it feels strange for a few weeks, but it will feel completely normal before you know it. Everyone arriving is in the same boat and looking to make new connections, which helps a lot. If you want to help move things along in terms of your social circle, joining clubs, study groups, any sort of group activity, will go a long way. You mentioned starting a new life, but remember that you do not have to replace the people back home. You just add new ones, and the old relationships that matter will survive the distance.
On life skills, get comfortable with the basics before you go if you can. Managing your own money, doing your own laundry, cooking a few simple things, and staying on top of your own schedule and responsibilities without someone constantly reminding you. None of it is particularly difficult, but building those habits in advance will take a few of the many new things getting thrown at you out of the way in advance.
On electrical engineering specifically, expect it to be math and physics heavy from the start, and expect the material to build on itself. Calculus feeds into nearly everything after it, so make sure you thoroughly understand it instead of just trying to pass. The biggest adjustment from high school is that the pace is faster and nobody is staying on top of you to make sure you keep pace. Falling behind can be extremely difficult to come back from. Consistent daily work on the hard classes beats cramming, because you cannot cram understanding.
Also, remember that you aren't alone! Study groups and office hours go a long way. Most schools have plenty of resources that they really want students to take advantage of!
On being away from everyone, the honest truth is that it feels strange for a few weeks, but it will feel completely normal before you know it. Everyone arriving is in the same boat and looking to make new connections, which helps a lot. If you want to help move things along in terms of your social circle, joining clubs, study groups, any sort of group activity, will go a long way. You mentioned starting a new life, but remember that you do not have to replace the people back home. You just add new ones, and the old relationships that matter will survive the distance.
On life skills, get comfortable with the basics before you go if you can. Managing your own money, doing your own laundry, cooking a few simple things, and staying on top of your own schedule and responsibilities without someone constantly reminding you. None of it is particularly difficult, but building those habits in advance will take a few of the many new things getting thrown at you out of the way in advance.
On electrical engineering specifically, expect it to be math and physics heavy from the start, and expect the material to build on itself. Calculus feeds into nearly everything after it, so make sure you thoroughly understand it instead of just trying to pass. The biggest adjustment from high school is that the pace is faster and nobody is staying on top of you to make sure you keep pace. Falling behind can be extremely difficult to come back from. Consistent daily work on the hard classes beats cramming, because you cannot cram understanding.
Also, remember that you aren't alone! Study groups and office hours go a long way. Most schools have plenty of resources that they really want students to take advantage of!
Coshinn Heah
Sales & Business Development
2
Answers
Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia
Updated
Coshinn’s Answer
Feeling nervous before starting college is normal, especially when leaving behind familiar faces and routines. Many students feel this way, even if they don't show it. You don't have to have everything figured out immediately; college is a place where many learn independence and confidence over time.
Electrical engineering can be tough with subjects like math and physics, but staying consistent, developing good study habits, and asking for help early can lead to success. Try not to compare yourself to others, as everyone adjusts at their own pace, and struggling sometimes is part of the process.
Give yourself time to adjust socially too. You'll gradually meet new people, build routines, and find where you fit in. Focus on one semester at a time instead of worrying about all four years. This is a new chapter, and while it might feel overwhelming now, it can turn into one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
Electrical engineering can be tough with subjects like math and physics, but staying consistent, developing good study habits, and asking for help early can lead to success. Try not to compare yourself to others, as everyone adjusts at their own pace, and struggling sometimes is part of the process.
Give yourself time to adjust socially too. You'll gradually meet new people, build routines, and find where you fit in. Focus on one semester at a time instead of worrying about all four years. This is a new chapter, and while it might feel overwhelming now, it can turn into one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
Susannah Hope
Consulting
5
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Susannah’s Answer
Hi Frita!
First off, congratulations on wrapping up high school and going onto college. That is a big accomplishment in and of itself.
Going to college is going to be a big change and it is okay to feel apprehensive and nervous. Take things at your own pace - just because your peers are doing things does not mean you have to as well if it is not right for you. College is a time to start figuring out who you are as an independent person, but you don't have to have all the answers by the time you leave college either. You will continue to learn, make mistakes, and grow after college as well.
Find a group of friends who work for you. Don't force friendships if they aren't right. Explore and try you new things (safely!). Join clubs or volunteer opportunities. As you experience college, figuring out what you don't like can often be just as important as what you do like.
Regarding electrical engineering and class load / difficulty, lean on the resources that your school has. There may be study groups you can join. Take advantage of professor or teaching assistant office hours if you have questions - and do so proactively! Try not to wait until a couple days before the exams. If you consistently study and work on your assignments, you can identify where you need more help earlier. Don't be afraid to ask for help! When you know you will have particularly difficult classes in a semester, you can try and balance with some relatively "easier" classes or general college requirements outside your major.
Wishing you all the best in your college journey!!!
First off, congratulations on wrapping up high school and going onto college. That is a big accomplishment in and of itself.
Going to college is going to be a big change and it is okay to feel apprehensive and nervous. Take things at your own pace - just because your peers are doing things does not mean you have to as well if it is not right for you. College is a time to start figuring out who you are as an independent person, but you don't have to have all the answers by the time you leave college either. You will continue to learn, make mistakes, and grow after college as well.
Find a group of friends who work for you. Don't force friendships if they aren't right. Explore and try you new things (safely!). Join clubs or volunteer opportunities. As you experience college, figuring out what you don't like can often be just as important as what you do like.
Regarding electrical engineering and class load / difficulty, lean on the resources that your school has. There may be study groups you can join. Take advantage of professor or teaching assistant office hours if you have questions - and do so proactively! Try not to wait until a couple days before the exams. If you consistently study and work on your assignments, you can identify where you need more help earlier. Don't be afraid to ask for help! When you know you will have particularly difficult classes in a semester, you can try and balance with some relatively "easier" classes or general college requirements outside your major.
Wishing you all the best in your college journey!!!