What to Expect Your Freshman Year of College

If you graduated high school this year you’re probably enjoying your last few days of summer before starting your freshman year of college. You’re getting ready to start your new life as a college student and probably focusing on packing, finding a roommate, and buying dorm supplies. While you’re getting ready for your move-in day, you’re probably not as ready as you thought for your freshman year. It’s hard to know what to expect when you are embarking on something new. However the more you know the easier it will be to navigate your first year of college. The following is a list of what to expect your freshman of college.

Independence

College gives you freedom. It’s a time when you start to discover yourself. In college, you’re no longer stick to the typical 8am-3pm Monday-Friday school schedule. You get to choose what classes you’re going to take and when. You have more control and freedom but that also means more of an opportunity to make a mistake. So make sure that you’re being responsible with your new-found freedom.

Roommates will Annoy You

You might think that your best friends from high school or the person who’ve been matched with will be a perfect fit. But, they will annoy you. The problems people tend to face with roommates is noise, cleanliness,  personal space, and a boyfriend/girlfriend being over too much. The list only goes on from there but the key to dealing with a roommate is patients, let the little things go and be civil. Have a civil discussion about larger issues and try to come to a compromise.

You don’t have to Declare a Major

One of the first questions people will ask you is “what is your major?” It’s a great conversation started but hearing it over and over may create pressure that you must have it figured out your first year. There’s nothing wrong with not having a major chosen your first year. One of the worst things you can do is pick a major before your ready because when you graduate you want to work in a field that makes you happy. Take the time to choose the major that’s right for you.

Intro Classes are Boring

Part of being a freshman in college is taking boring general education classes that you have no interest in. They’re required so, look at them as a small step that’s needed for you to reach your long-term goals. Find a purpose in those classes to help make the time pass by smoother and you’ll do better.

Home Sick

You’re probably going to miss something about home whether it be your friends, family, or food feeling homesick is completely natural. When your feeling homesick try thinking about all the new experiences you’d be missing out on if you choose to stay home.

Peer Pressure and drinking

No matter what type of school you go there will be alcohol and parties. However, you don’t have to drink if you don’t want to. There are lots of people who abstain from drinking throughout college and enjoy their experience.

Check out last week’s blog post for some tips on paying for college: Paying for College Without Breaking The Bank

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