Things Freshmen Should Know Before Starting College

Every day high school students graduate, and are headed off to college to start their new life as college Freshmen. There are many things that students do in order to get ready for college, including but not limited to filing for financial aid, applying to multiple colleges, and even get college recommendation letters from their favorite teachers. While this is all great, there are some things that even the most prepared student should know about college life. 

It's Not like the Movies

We’ve all seen movies like; Neighbors, Animal House, National Lampoon’s Van Wilder’...Etc. These movies make the college world seem as if it’s nothing but one big party after another. Not only do these movies depict the college life as a party, but the students’ dorms are perfect with nothing but the best inside of them.

In the real world, college isn’t like this. College dorm rooms are often small and bare. Your favorite things can often not be brought with you from home, because there won’t be enough room for all of your stuff. Most the time, college freshman have to share their dorm with another student and think of it this way, they too are going to have all of their personal things. 

Getting an F will Cost You

Compared to high school, college is not something you want to fail. In high school, a failing grade might not seem like such a big deal, but college is quite different. Most the time new college students have received aid through their FAFSA application, student loans, or out of pocket expenses. 

In college when you’ve failed a class you will not only have to take it again, but you may lose your financial assistance due to that grade. So the best thing to do is study often, and do your best to pay attention and show up to class. There are plenty of college tutors ready and available for helping you. Consider talking to a guidance counselor or put up an ad on a bulletin board for help. It’s available you just have to ask.

You Might Switch Majors More Than Once

When starting college you may have an idea of what you might want to do with your life. However after taking electives, taking a new job, or even talking to friends, you might change your mind. That’s okay! There are some college students who switch majors over 5 times before choosing what they what their major will be. Some students even decide to major in one thing and minor in something else because they can’t make up their mind. 

It’s really okay to change your mind, but if you do plan to change your major it is important to talk to an academic counselor to make sure your credits will be compatible and find out where you are lacking. Some college credits can be used for more than one degree program.

Introduction Classes are a Drag

More than likely you will be placed in classes that remind you of the things you learned in high school. While these classes might seem like a complete waste of time, it's important to pay attention. These classes are often refresher courses to get you back on track on subjects you may have forgotten over the break of not being in school. As hard as it might be, really pay attention in these classes. If you know that you are a whiz in the subject, consider talking to your professor about testing out of the class and moving to 102 (or the next course in that subject). 

So remember soon to be college freshman, college is going to be a different experience. A place that you can do great at, meet new friends, and even find yourself. Whether it takes 4 years or longer just remember, you are the reason you will succeed. You can do anything you set your mind to.