By Mia Warren
Life after high school is a huge milestone in life. College is one of the most important parts of life for people, where they finally get degrees and start their career, and even make lifelong friends. College is a fresh start and a new school to many, with much to get used to. It is full of opportunities for many things like personal growth, academic achievements, and meeting new people. However, just like many things, people take a bit to get used to; getting used to college is new for everyone. It moves at a different pace than high school, and offers different ways of learning that not everyone will immediately succeed at. It can be challenging and stressful, especially for your freshman year. This article will help you navigate your new journey in college, what to expect for your next 4 years to come, and even suggestions of how to make the most of your college experience.
One of the first things new college students are not used to is something many take for granted: their independence. In college, students have a new environment to get used to. Without their parents being there and telling them what to do every step of the way, especially for those who live in dorms on campus, the students have new responsibilities they didn’t have before. Students might take this for granted, and it is recommended by past college students that they manage their time and assignments in a doable manner, while also trying to balance extracurriculars and even a job. It is highly suggested to have a routine that allows you to balance your schedule, and make sure you use your time wisely. A Benicia High school teacher, Profe Lopez, has said, “Always do your work before you decide to have fun. You don’t want your grades to suffer.” This is a great source of information coming from a former college student, encouraging future college students to prioritize important things, while also making sure you have a memorable college experience.
When it comes to academics, it will be challenging in new ways, different from high school. You should expect more challenging assignments that you most likely will complete independently. Mrs. Maselli, a fellow teacher here at BHS has said, “You have to have really good study habits. Make time in your schedule daily to study. Study groups are a great way to make sure you stay on top of work.” Professors will also require you to do a lot of research for specific topics that will take up a few hours of your time. College professors will not always extend due dates for you if you did not complete work like some high school teachers. When you are assigned things it is really important to get them completed before the due date. Although your professors give you a good amount of time to complete your assignments, it is on you to make sure you actually get them done in a timely manner, and do not rush through them. It’s also expected that you remember your due dates. You will not constantly be reminded by your professors to turn things in; it is on you to know when work is due.
Lastly, social life in college is important for you to stay connected with people. Mrs. Maselli has said, “It is great to make time in your daily schedule for social time to keep yourself from feeling miserable. Sorority and study groups are also a good way to stay connected with your fellow students.” You will have the opportunity to make new friends that could last you a lifetime. Having friends and acquaintances in college is a great way to speak with people and keep up with school events. Friends are beneficial for your learning environment overall, can improve your well-being, and simply just make you feel sane when you have people you can talk to and spend time with. Experiences with friends help create a memorable time in college that you will never forget. College is about new beginnings and figuring out who you are as a person, while preparing you for your future career. It is a time for trying new things and balancing social time and your academics. Enjoy your journey and keep an open mind. You will find college is a one in a lifetime experience that you should be grateful for.
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