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What's the hardest/worst and easiest/best thing about college?
I'm graduating in a year and I'm worried about leaving what I'm familiar with. I want to know what things I should be aware about and also not stress over.
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8 answers
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Gregory’s Answer
College was my favorite 4 years of my life. I really enjoyed myself. I think the best things that came of it was being able to be out on my own and learn how to be an adult. I lived on campus for 3 years and off campus for 1 and it allowed me learn how to budget my money and time, skills I still use to this day. I also cherish all the relationships and contacts that I have made over those years and even after as an alumni.
The worse part of college is also taking that first step as a freshman and getting into a comfort zone. It was an entirely new setting and environment for me. Once you get comfortable with your roommates and your schedule it gets easier.
Thanks
The worse part of college is also taking that first step as a freshman and getting into a comfort zone. It was an entirely new setting and environment for me. Once you get comfortable with your roommates and your schedule it gets easier.
Thanks
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Renee
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
As a current college student, I still feel the mixed emotions about college that you are feeling. It is totally normal! It is an overwhelming, yet amazing experience. The hardest part for me has been creating lasting relationships. It can be difficult to put yourself out there and to trust people you don't know very well. This comes more naturally to some people and that's okay. The people that you end up surrounding yourself with will stay with you if they are meant to be there. Get involved in some things on campus and trust me, everyone is feeling the same feelings you are feeling. As for the best part, I would say the freedom and responsibility of college are the best parts. It is so nice to be able to go do something without having to be stuck to someone else's schedule and simply doing adult things is fun. It can be overwhelming at times, but it will all be worth it!
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Jacqueline’s Answer
Don't be afraid to try out new things! College is the time to take classes in subjects you've never learned before, join a club for an activity you've never tried, and make friends with people so different from yourself. Now is your time where you can face challenges, but have the support of your friends/professors around you.
Have fun and make the most of it! You won't look back on your time wishing you studied one more hour for an exam. You'll be more grateful that you made the most of your experience.
Have fun and make the most of it! You won't look back on your time wishing you studied one more hour for an exam. You'll be more grateful that you made the most of your experience.
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
I would say the worst/hardest thing about college is that sometimes it's hard to control your schedule. Some semesters, the classes you need may be all back to back on the same days of the week so you end up having some really long days and nights on campus that can be exhausting.
On the other hand, the best things about college have to be two different things:
1. There is generally LESS COURSE WORK!!! I don't know what your high school experience was like, but I had tons of Honors and AP classes and those had WAYYYYY more homework than ANY of my college classes ever had. On the flip side, though, that means your big projects and test scores are really important, so you can't skip studying your books and notes on a regular basis.
2. My second favorite thing about college was how easy it was to meet new people and make friends. People go to colleges from around the world. Generally everyone's in a whole new environment and are eager to learn and meet new people. There's no cliques like high school because EVERYONE feels like a fish out of water, so EMBRACE IT! You see someone wearing a shirt you like? Use it as an opportunity to complement them and talk to them. Ask them where they're from and what their major is. See some people playing Frisbee on the lawn? Ask if you can play. Nobody likes being alone and college is a new experience for everyone so embrace it and have fun!
On the other hand, the best things about college have to be two different things:
1. There is generally LESS COURSE WORK!!! I don't know what your high school experience was like, but I had tons of Honors and AP classes and those had WAYYYYY more homework than ANY of my college classes ever had. On the flip side, though, that means your big projects and test scores are really important, so you can't skip studying your books and notes on a regular basis.
2. My second favorite thing about college was how easy it was to meet new people and make friends. People go to colleges from around the world. Generally everyone's in a whole new environment and are eager to learn and meet new people. There's no cliques like high school because EVERYONE feels like a fish out of water, so EMBRACE IT! You see someone wearing a shirt you like? Use it as an opportunity to complement them and talk to them. Ask them where they're from and what their major is. See some people playing Frisbee on the lawn? Ask if you can play. Nobody likes being alone and college is a new experience for everyone so embrace it and have fun!
Updated
Amile’s Answer
My son is now a senior in college. He said the hardest thing to get used to was leaving home; the comfort of the "known". Building your small village of close friends over the first month is important.
Keeping an open line of communication with your advisor is key. He said they are extremely helpful when building your schedule - which can be very confusing because there are so many rules around prerequisites, etc. Also, take advantage of all study hours, professor office hours, etc... get to know the staff in your major.
Keeping an open line of communication with your advisor is key. He said they are extremely helpful when building your schedule - which can be very confusing because there are so many rules around prerequisites, etc. Also, take advantage of all study hours, professor office hours, etc... get to know the staff in your major.
Thank you!
Renee
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
Do not be scared, be nervous and excited but not scared. Everyone is just like you at college, new and in unfamiliar territory. Take the time to participate in your college's programs, like Student Activities Boards, school newspaper, school radio.. etc. Whatever activities you want to try, try them now! They are often low-cost and help you figure out who you are as a young, newly independent adult. Try hard to stay at college on the weekends in your first semester, and it will push you to foster the best relationships with other people on campus because you will all be looking for things to do between studies. I also recommend getting 1-2 campus jobs. It is a great way to meet people, and if you work in the library, for instance, it doubles as work and a place to study. If you love your college, find out if you can work at admissions or be a tour guide. It will help you feel connected to your school. I also recommend being an RA if you are concerned about financials because it offsets room and board at most schools.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Renee
Updated
Mary’s Answer
The hardest/worst things about college:
Coursework overload: Managing a heavy workload and maintaining academic performance can be challenging and stressful.
Financial constraints: College can be expensive, and financial constraints can limit the ability to participate in extracurricular activities or even affect one's academic performance.
Time management: Balancing academic responsibilities, social life, and personal needs can be difficult, and students may struggle with time management skills.
Homesickness: Being away from home, family, and friends can be emotionally challenging for some students, especially in the first year.
Transitioning to a new environment: College presents new challenges such as living in dorms or off-campus apartments, managing finances, and adapting to new social dynamics.
The easiest/best things about college:
Independence: College offers newfound independence and freedom to explore new ideas and experiences.
Intellectual growth: College provides an opportunity for intellectual growth, engaging with new ideas and challenging one's beliefs.
Social life: College is a chance to form new relationships and participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations.
Career opportunities: College provides exposure to various career opportunities and internship experiences, preparing students for their future professional lives.
Personal growth: College is a time for personal growth, developing life skills and discovering oneself.
Coursework overload: Managing a heavy workload and maintaining academic performance can be challenging and stressful.
Financial constraints: College can be expensive, and financial constraints can limit the ability to participate in extracurricular activities or even affect one's academic performance.
Time management: Balancing academic responsibilities, social life, and personal needs can be difficult, and students may struggle with time management skills.
Homesickness: Being away from home, family, and friends can be emotionally challenging for some students, especially in the first year.
Transitioning to a new environment: College presents new challenges such as living in dorms or off-campus apartments, managing finances, and adapting to new social dynamics.
The easiest/best things about college:
Independence: College offers newfound independence and freedom to explore new ideas and experiences.
Intellectual growth: College provides an opportunity for intellectual growth, engaging with new ideas and challenging one's beliefs.
Social life: College is a chance to form new relationships and participate in extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations.
Career opportunities: College provides exposure to various career opportunities and internship experiences, preparing students for their future professional lives.
Personal growth: College is a time for personal growth, developing life skills and discovering oneself.
Updated
Kaitlyn’s Answer
Hi Renee!
The answer this question depends on the person, on what you study, and on what college you go to. Like you, I was really worried about leaving what I was familiar with, but it ended up being a wonderful and fun experience! Moving on your own can be scary, especially if you don't know very many people at the school. Luckily, college is the absolute best place to make new connections! Every freshman is also starting their very own journey, which means everyone else will also be looking for study buddies or friends. Your dorm, clubs, classes, and school events will be brimming with amazing people who you can make wonderful memories with! With that said, the best thing is the community and the new experiences. Make sure to take the opportunity to try new things and reach out of your comfort zone (even when it's scary or hard); you might find an activity or a friend you never expected. It will be an adjustment, but college will quickly feel like home.
I don't want to call it the worst, but maybe the most challenging thing is learning how to adjust to being independent. This is twofold: you are in charge of the classes you take and your study habits, and you're also in charge of taking care of yourself and what you do day to day. In a college course, very few professors remind you to complete your homework, take good notes, or to study. It's all up to you to balance your responsibilities and study in a way that works for you. If you are having trouble with a class, you are the one that needs to go to office hours, get tutoring, get a study group, or put in the extra work. This can be an adjustment especially in courses where there are bigger projects. Some classes might have weekly assignments similar to high school, but some might have one or two semester-long essays or projects, where you need to set your own deadlines and avoid that pesky procrastination. This is the same concept when it comes to doing chores, making sure to eat, etc. However, there is a positive side to this as well! You will be able to make your own decisions and do things you enjoy on your own time in order to grow as a person and a student. Gaining independence is a responsibility, but it is very rewarding!
No matter the challenges you face, remember that you are never alone. If you need help with anything, your teachers, counselors, friends, RA, and family will be there to you to help you learn along the way and be there when you're feeling stressed. Best wishes for your future! :)
The answer this question depends on the person, on what you study, and on what college you go to. Like you, I was really worried about leaving what I was familiar with, but it ended up being a wonderful and fun experience! Moving on your own can be scary, especially if you don't know very many people at the school. Luckily, college is the absolute best place to make new connections! Every freshman is also starting their very own journey, which means everyone else will also be looking for study buddies or friends. Your dorm, clubs, classes, and school events will be brimming with amazing people who you can make wonderful memories with! With that said, the best thing is the community and the new experiences. Make sure to take the opportunity to try new things and reach out of your comfort zone (even when it's scary or hard); you might find an activity or a friend you never expected. It will be an adjustment, but college will quickly feel like home.
I don't want to call it the worst, but maybe the most challenging thing is learning how to adjust to being independent. This is twofold: you are in charge of the classes you take and your study habits, and you're also in charge of taking care of yourself and what you do day to day. In a college course, very few professors remind you to complete your homework, take good notes, or to study. It's all up to you to balance your responsibilities and study in a way that works for you. If you are having trouble with a class, you are the one that needs to go to office hours, get tutoring, get a study group, or put in the extra work. This can be an adjustment especially in courses where there are bigger projects. Some classes might have weekly assignments similar to high school, but some might have one or two semester-long essays or projects, where you need to set your own deadlines and avoid that pesky procrastination. This is the same concept when it comes to doing chores, making sure to eat, etc. However, there is a positive side to this as well! You will be able to make your own decisions and do things you enjoy on your own time in order to grow as a person and a student. Gaining independence is a responsibility, but it is very rewarding!
No matter the challenges you face, remember that you are never alone. If you need help with anything, your teachers, counselors, friends, RA, and family will be there to you to help you learn along the way and be there when you're feeling stressed. Best wishes for your future! :)
Loved reading this, thanks!
Renee