The Bottom
Line The college experience is a transition from youth to adulthood. It
presents many challenges and many opportunities.
If you’re a high school senior who has already been accepted into your chosen college, then you’re probably curious about what the college experience will be like. You have likely heard many stories from different individuals who have already completed the experience, or who are currently in college. Some people have nothing but positive things to say, while others are completely pessimistic on the college scene.
What’s it Like Being Away From Home?
Initially, this is probably the main concern of the new college freshman. Most students grow up in one area, often living in the same house from birth through high school graduation. These students are attached to their home, and the thought of living far away could make them feel insecure. For these students, college is nothing more than a temporary “home away from home”, a place that they are living on a part- time basis, with the intent of leaving and moving back to the home base immediately upon graduation. These students often feel a little lonely. They miss their family and friends and they can’t wait to return to their hometown. If they are close to home, they go back on weekends, holidays, or whenever the opportunity presents itself.
For some students, like myself, college isn’t just a temporary place to live, it’s a permanent residence. When the time came for me to enter college, I knew that my college experience was going to be a little different than it would be for other students. I have no intention of ever moving back to my “home” again. I never felt homesick, like many other students.
What is the Social Atmosphere Like?
This varies from one college to another. Some schools have a reputation as “party” schools; others are more strict and controlling and offer very few social outlets. Also, some schools have a solid reputation for division I sports and attending the game is a major part of the social scene.
One of the challenging aspects of college, in the social arena, is the mixing together of people from so many diverse backgrounds. When I met new people in college, I had no problem accepting them as individuals. But some other students (who grew up in the same place from birth to high school graduation) had more difficult time understanding and accepting all of this diversity. They couldn’t understand why people from New York were often outspoken and abrasive. They couldn’t figure out why someone from Pittsburgh was so fanatical about football. They were puzzled by students from rural communities who weren’t very street smart. These fellow students were less tolerant and less accepting of the diversity, and they often stereotyped and shunned anyone who was different from themselves. Because I had already experienced so many different things, I expected (and accepted) the diversity of people.
What’s it Like Having to Take Care of Yourself?
This is another area that’s difficult for some students, and it directly relates to the availability of money and the personal aptitude for responsibility. For the new college student, entering the Dorm/Hostel marks the first occasion that he/she will be responsible for their own well- being. Some make the transition with no problem, while others cannot handle it at all, and are constantly calling their parents for guidance.
There are many factors to consider when it comes to taking proper care of one’s self and being responsible. But the primary factor, for me and many other students, is money. Most all of our problems as a student could be traced to money. Sure, we had social issues and academic concerns like everyone else. It affected almost everything else in life.
If you’re a high school senior who has already been accepted into your chosen college, then you’re probably curious about what the college experience will be like. You have likely heard many stories from different individuals who have already completed the experience, or who are currently in college. Some people have nothing but positive things to say, while others are completely pessimistic on the college scene.
What’s it Like Being Away From Home?
Initially, this is probably the main concern of the new college freshman. Most students grow up in one area, often living in the same house from birth through high school graduation. These students are attached to their home, and the thought of living far away could make them feel insecure. For these students, college is nothing more than a temporary “home away from home”, a place that they are living on a part- time basis, with the intent of leaving and moving back to the home base immediately upon graduation. These students often feel a little lonely. They miss their family and friends and they can’t wait to return to their hometown. If they are close to home, they go back on weekends, holidays, or whenever the opportunity presents itself.
For some students, like myself, college isn’t just a temporary place to live, it’s a permanent residence. When the time came for me to enter college, I knew that my college experience was going to be a little different than it would be for other students. I have no intention of ever moving back to my “home” again. I never felt homesick, like many other students.
What is the Social Atmosphere Like?
This varies from one college to another. Some schools have a reputation as “party” schools; others are more strict and controlling and offer very few social outlets. Also, some schools have a solid reputation for division I sports and attending the game is a major part of the social scene.
One of the challenging aspects of college, in the social arena, is the mixing together of people from so many diverse backgrounds. When I met new people in college, I had no problem accepting them as individuals. But some other students (who grew up in the same place from birth to high school graduation) had more difficult time understanding and accepting all of this diversity. They couldn’t understand why people from New York were often outspoken and abrasive. They couldn’t figure out why someone from Pittsburgh was so fanatical about football. They were puzzled by students from rural communities who weren’t very street smart. These fellow students were less tolerant and less accepting of the diversity, and they often stereotyped and shunned anyone who was different from themselves. Because I had already experienced so many different things, I expected (and accepted) the diversity of people.
What’s it Like Having to Take Care of Yourself?
This is another area that’s difficult for some students, and it directly relates to the availability of money and the personal aptitude for responsibility. For the new college student, entering the Dorm/Hostel marks the first occasion that he/she will be responsible for their own well- being. Some make the transition with no problem, while others cannot handle it at all, and are constantly calling their parents for guidance.
There are many factors to consider when it comes to taking proper care of one’s self and being responsible. But the primary factor, for me and many other students, is money. Most all of our problems as a student could be traced to money. Sure, we had social issues and academic concerns like everyone else. It affected almost everything else in life.
Managing time is also important, and it will
require some adjustments on the part of the student. You won’t have mom and dad
to remind you to do your homework, or to make you a snack when you feel hungry.
All of these things will now be your responsibility. And the way you handle them
can make or break you, as a student. If you cannot handle the responsibility,
then you might want to consider finding a nearby college to attend and just
staying at home. You will miss out on the independence and freedom that living
at school has to offer, but you will also eliminate the stress of
responsibility.
Final Thoughts
The college experience is one that holds many good memories. I don’t care much, and I’ll make the best of it.
College is a different experience for many people. Even within the same school, there are vast differences of opinion. Some students love the independence and the personal responsibility. Others would rather remain a kid for a few more years, and let their parents continue to take care of things. Some enjoy the challenges of academics, the challenge of meeting new people, and the fun time away from home. Others feel overwhelmed by the time requirements for studying, don’t like the diverse people, and long for the safe, secure confines of their hometown.
But I had my independence, and that’s what mattered most. I successfully made the transition from high school to college and wish to keep my health intact. I feel that my experience in college with be never forgettable.
Final Thoughts
The college experience is one that holds many good memories. I don’t care much, and I’ll make the best of it.
College is a different experience for many people. Even within the same school, there are vast differences of opinion. Some students love the independence and the personal responsibility. Others would rather remain a kid for a few more years, and let their parents continue to take care of things. Some enjoy the challenges of academics, the challenge of meeting new people, and the fun time away from home. Others feel overwhelmed by the time requirements for studying, don’t like the diverse people, and long for the safe, secure confines of their hometown.
But I had my independence, and that’s what mattered most. I successfully made the transition from high school to college and wish to keep my health intact. I feel that my experience in college with be never forgettable.
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