I just completed my first year of college less than a month ago. Watching the high school class I was originally with, graduate, I remembered the moment of realization that high school was over. Walking across the stage, most likely going away from your friends, and family. All those thoughts and feelings reminiscing on what college will be like. So for today’s cup of tea or coffee, as I now prefer, is all about sharing my first-year college experience!
If you were to ask me how I felt about college the first semester I would have said it was fun and full of opportunities to a point where it’s overwhelming. I walked in with some understanding of how it would be but a lot of what adults and movies tell you are not exactly absolute for everyone. Those teachers in high school and middle school exclaimed that college professors will absolutely not accept late work, that they will get upset over absence, high workloads, and unreachable high expectations. While I did have a few professors who had stricter syllabuses and were more demanding of your time- most were flexible and easygoing.
My very first class, on my first day, was my English class. A student raised their hand to ask to go to the bathroom, to which the teacher replied, “I don’t care”. The teacher and all the ones following didn’t care about whether you would miss out on the instruction, that was your business. I knew then that this was different. It’s all up to you. Teachers don’t hunt you down because they’re worried about your grade on the last exam. Instead, you go to them and discuss options on how you could get the grade up- most likely to include tutoring. This sense of freedom was relieving but it came with lots of responsibility. No one was there to wake you up to make sure you make it to class on time, to make sure you are getting the lessons, make sure you were doing your homework, and to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. I have always been that kid who came home after school and the first thing I did was my homework. But this was not elementary school English, Math, and Science, it was the real world. It was taking your basics and challenging them to whatever is going on outside the classroom. I know this might sound nerdy but I enjoyed this change.
I say all that now but I was actually overwhelmed. I had many phone calls with my family expressing how I felt college was not for me, that maybe I should just drop out. I know now that at the time I was lost, uncertain, anxious, and uncomfortable but also intrigued and curious. I was and some of those who are reading this are about to go through, a change. A physical change of course, but also an emotional and mental change I was not prepared for. On top of that, you’re mostly on your own, you have to walk through this experience without any knowledge of what it will look like. It is scary. I’m not here to tell you that it will all be okay (even though you will be) because it can be hard. In my first semester, academically I adapted but my mindset and emotions were still in high school. I was still behaving like a high schooler, repeating old patterns in my relationships, and cycling through negative thoughts about myself. That opened a lot of doors I didn’t have access to when I was in high school.
This is why in the second semester, I felt the need to grow up. High school may have taught me how to write an A+ paper, except I didn’t learn how to adult. I felt that my experiences from the first semester drove me to get my life together. Granted I’m still learning and will continue to throughout more life changes. By adult, I don’t mean learning how to handle finances or fix broken tables. I meant how to emotionally get myself to where I wanted to be. And gesh did it suck sometimes. There were days when I had mental breakdowns before class. Even though it was hard, it was necessary. So far I have realized the importance of being your own best friend, your own lover. I realized I need to heal my inner child.
When people ask me how my first year has gone, I tell them it was fun! But truly the experience was scary, exciting, anxiety-provoking, confusing, frustrating, and entertaining. You never know who you will meet when you leave your dorm for that day. You never know how your day will end when you get ready for bed. You are in for quite the roller coaster ride.
Most asked questions and my answers:
1). How much did you actually study?
I did actually study probably for the first time in my life. I focused more of my studying in courses I found more challenging or had lots of content to review. To study for me to feel completely confident in the knowledge, it took over an hour but no more than 3 hours. If you’re a visual learner like me the best study tools I found was quizing myself, either through flashcards or the program provided for the course, and adding helpful clues to my notes!
Extra tips:
- Take detailed notes, it helps a ton
- Make sure to take breaks especially if you feel your brain will explode
- Time yourself (30 minutes to an hour) & turn your phone off to remain focused
- Doing a bit of studying everyday & don’t try to cram it all in last minute
- Having a routine to get yourself in the mood, mine would be going to get coffee (of course!) and sitting on one of the quiet floors of the library
2). What is housing like?
The housing is nothing fancy, and some dorm buildings are even worse. However, the place I stayed at was not terrible and you get used to it after awhile. My advice to you would be to not have high expectations, and if you are having issues you can request to be moved.
3). How did you stay organized?
A few ways: planner, dry erase board and to do lists. Before the start of the classes, I went through all of the syllabuses and wrote out everything that was due in my planner. I would also bring my planner to class, for any other assignments, testing that was coming up, or changes in the schedule. Every Sunday, I would write out everything going on for the upcoming week. This not only included school, but when I worked, when I wanted to go to the gym, meetings/practices for clubs, and anything else that may be going on. The to-do list was for if I had a lot to do one day. I would draw a check box next to each item and check it off whenever it was finished- very rewarding!
4). Tips on meeting new people?
- Getting involved in things you’re interested in such as clubs, sororities & fraternities
- Going to sporting events, & participating on other campus events
- Getting a campus job
- Talking to those you sit around in class
