Starting College in Two Days!!

Since my third year of college/university education started a week ago, I think I'm at liberty to answer some of these questions.

Originally Posted by Linkmsg92

What's it like - differences from high school?

The obvious difference is that you're going to live there (Unless you choose to commute).

It's a hell of alot better than high school, if only because you have so much more freedom and things are far more flexible.

Is it difficult? Yeah, of course it's going to be far more challenging than high school **** (Mainly because the grades are fewer and the evaluations are more comprehensive; in other words, they expect you to know your ****, or you're going to fail), but at the same time, this is balanced out by the absence of the stupid busy work high schools tend to give you (Instead, as mentioned, you usually have a few assignments or tests throughout the semester; depending on the instructor, you may be given homework, but most of the classes I've taken where homework is present the homework has been optional) and the fact that college/university professors have a tendency to get away with alot of **** in the way they educate, such as randomly cancelling the day's class because they don't feel like coming in that day or not strictly following the class's guidelines and/or syllabus and instead taking multiple liberties in the way the teach. Now, of course, this only applies to courses taught by actual professors; instructors/subordinates don't usually do this kind of stuff.

Oh, and some teachers will curve test scores, which is often a good thing.

Are people easier to get along with?

If you're talking about whether or not douchebags are present, then there are certainly far less of 'em. Since you're all adults, you're expected to act like adults, and that generally shows.

Am I really going to have to study for two hours for every hour I'm in the classroom?

It honestly depends on the course, and moreso, the person in question. I'm relatively good at paying attention in class and absorbing what I have to know, so I rarely have to spend excessive amounts of time studying. With that said, there were also classes where I didn't study much (Namely, the math courses) that I ended up doing poorly in (I didn't so so terrible as to fail any of them, of course (Funny thing, I actually did better than some of the people who did spend hours of time studying), but I could've done far better if I wasn't so lazy as to not study).

So yeah, in summary, if you're good at comprehending information, your study time should be little to none, but I wouldn't risk it with the math courses.

Is this the end of my childhood/adolescence? :/

Pretty much. Doesn't mean the person you are is going to change or anything; all of your hobbies and interests will likely remain the same. It's just that you're going to be expected to act more mature and professional around other people than you have in the past.

But really, I'd love to hear some of your college stories to either get me amped up or even more scared for college. I've gotten very mixed reviews from the adults I know in real life, so I'd like it from the perspective of people actually going through it. Thanks.

In the end, stay away from fraternities/sororities; clubs/other organizations are fine.

Originally Posted by Halycon Hero

Beware the Freshmen Fifteen! Buy and cook your own food as much as you can afford it. Greasy cafeteria food makes a big impact on your body, and you need to be physical fit to survive college.

The problem with that is that college meal plans are usually far less expensive and far more convenient than buying and preparing your own food. And even without a meal plan, it's not like eating cheap ramen noodles for every meal of the day is the most nutritious thing to do.

I'm going to a junior college for two years and then switching to a University.

I see. This will make things a bit easier. Most Junior colleges dont have dorms. (mine did, but its an oddball) So you may not have to worry about all that sort of thing until you get to Uni. If you dont have one already, get a driver's license.

Originally Posted by Florina

I see. This will make things a bit easier. Most Junior colleges dont have dorms. (mine did, but its an oddball) So you may not have to worry about all that sort of thing until you get to Uni. If you dont have one already, get a driver's license.

Ours has dorms as well, and I'm trying to convince my parents to let me move into them second semester with a few friends I have living there. I already have my drivers license, and since it's a junior college, all freshman are allowed to drive their cars. So no worries there.

You need to study. If you don't have to study in a class, or you're not working your ass off somehow then you're wasting time. The only excuse is trying to fill extra curricular classes which should also help benefit yourself other than a letter. Don't take the easy classes solely for an A unless your GPA is really hurting. Even if you get a terrible grade in a hard class, you're still better off because no one cares you got an B in Media Theory and Practices, they care that you can show your understanding of how to research and program better media.

I regret not being able to fulfill a BS due to me being stupid freshman year, but even if you're a high goal setter missing one or two requirements isn't the end of the world just keep getting more and more experience.

Do push ups, sit ups, and walk. Don't oversleep or undersleep.

If you're talking about whether or not douchebags are present, then there are certainly far less of 'em. Since you're all adults, you're expected to act like adults, and that generally shows.

You are so lucky to have that kind of experience.

Originally Posted by Dom

Do not, under any circumstances, drink the water. Take it from someone who's going into their second year.

You drank the bong water?

I smoke joints european style...

Anyway, the best advice I can offer is, if you're living in a Halls of Residence or whatever the general american equivalent, don't expect the facilities to be in perfect condition, the ovens may be faulty, the hobs may not work properly, the toaster might short circuit the entire kitchen or maybe the floor you're on, depending on the quality of wiring in the building. You will get to know the authority responsible for maintenance very well. There will be parties on your floor, regardless of whether you want to sleep or not, you'll just have to put up with it. Generally, the people living with you will be friendly, but they will come from different cultures and you may find it hard to bond with you, which could get messy if you don't learn to put your differences aside.

Originally Posted by Linkmsg92

I'm double majoring in Engineering and Mathematics

I have a couple degrees in engineering; so if you ever have any questions, you can shoot me a PM.


^_^

My advice: read the textbook before class, don't sleep in class, and do all the homework. Other than that, have fun!

A supposedly more accurate "Freshman Fifteen".

As someone who public transports to a TAFE in Australia rather than dorms at a college in America, I can't really attest to the accuracy of any of it, but he seems to know what he's talking about for this kind of stuff.

Duke, I really liked that.
I'm still trying to figure out how much of it is true, though.

Uncle Andross's opinion on the "Freshman Fifteen:"

If you are wary of the greasy quality of cafeteria food or if you lack self-control, then you should take measures to limit your food choices to the triple-S: Soup, Sandwich and Salad. And by "sandwich," I don't mean burgers or philly cheesesteaks or reubens; those are a once-a-week kind of deal. I'm talking about turkey and tuna and **** like that, with restrictions on the mayo. With actual whole wheat bread, as well; none of those "artificial sandwich enhancers" commonly known as white bread. Also, if you're tempted by cakes or cookies or **** like that, grab a banana instead; it's just as satisfying. Also, limit your liquid intake to water; maybe flavored with some Crystal Light or something. And don't forget your daily multi-vitamin.