College can be a fun, new and exciting experience, however it can also be a nerve-racking and stressful one. Most of these emotions arise because students do not know what to expect. Whether you are an on-campus student or a commuting student, you can help ease these feelings by knowing what college is going to be like ahead of time.
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On-Campus Students
If you are going to be living in a dorm on campus, then you will see a world of a difference once you leave home.
- Roommates: You will probably have a roommate since single rooms in dorms are usually reserved for upperclassmen and/or are more expensive. It will be a new experience learning to live with a complete stranger, so make the best of your new situation.
- Studying: You will most likely have to study a lot more than you did when you were in high school. Some dorms are designated quiet dorms for those students who wish not to be involved with the distractions of other students partying. You can check with your intended school to see if your school offers this type of living situation.
- Classes: In high school you had to go to school everyday and be to class on time. However, in college some professors are so strict that if you miss more than two of their classes, you can receive an automatic failing grade for that class. Be sure to attend every class. Of course, there are college classes out there that will have no attendance requirements, but your best bet in the long run is to attend all of your classes. Not going to class is one of the biggest regrets of former college students.
- Class Size: In high school you probably had a class size of 20-30 students, however in college you could possibly have a class with as many as 200 students. This is especially common in “intro” courses that all students are required to take regardless of their major.
Commuting College Students
If you are going to be a student who commutes to college, then here are a few tips to prepare you ahead of time:
- Obtain your parking decals. Most colleges require parking permits to park on-campus so make sure you go to the school before the start of the semester to apply for your decal.
- Allow for extra time before classes. If you have an 8am class, do not expect to make it to class on time if you arrive at 7:50. Most campuses are large and parking is scarce at some schools. You may have to park quite a distance away from the building where your class is located so be sure to allow for time to park and walk across campus to your appropriate building.
- Use the cafeteria. You will get hungry in-between classes so make use of the cafeteria/meal hall to eat. Some schools will allow commuting students to purchase a meal card to make it easier to pay for meals in their dining halls.
All in all, you generally have more freedom as a college student.
This is because professors expect you to be mature about your studies. College is expensive, so you should get the most for your money by taking advantage of campus resources (computer lab, library, tutoring center, etc), participating in clubs, keeping up on school work, and following advice for college freshmen.
In high school you may have been able to get through by skimming your notes before a test. College is more geared toward making students think critically, so you'll have to study more and apply yourself a little harder to earn a respectable GPA.
College is meant to prepare you for a career in the real world, so make sure you study, have fun, meet new people, and enjoy the transition into adulthood.