As a new freshman in college, you can create many different expectations before even starting. However, the realization that reality is completely different happens very quickly. Here are some expectations that are overridden by realities for college freshman:
Expectation:
You will not miss your family.
Reality:
At first, you are convinced that you are doing just fine without your family. But as the days inch closer to when you get to see your family again, you realize how much you actually want to see them and thus, miss them.
Expectation:
There will be a wide range of food to choose from.
Reality:
Sure, there is a large selection of food in the dining halls. However, the selection of food becomes repetitive, especially if you are a vegan or vegetarian. Not to mention, the food becomes lackluster since it is either over seasoned or under seasoned.
Expectation:
It won’t take long to figure out where everything is on campus.
Reality:
While you have a good grip on where the essential buildings are, you are still clueless. Google Maps is for sure your new best friend.
Expectation:
8 a.m. classes will be easy to handle in college since you perfected being in high school by 7:30 a.m.
Reality:
No matter how much sleep you get, 8 a.m. classes are dreaded and your absolute worst enemy.
Expectation:
It will seemingly take forever to find your place on campus.
Reality:
Yes, the campus is large and overwhelming with crowds of people, but once you join clubs and/or sports, it becomes much easier to form friendships and gain a sense of belonging.
Expectation:
Since you are in college, you will be more motivated and serious about your academics.
Reality:
Maybe you started out by being prepared and planned out. However, as the semester goes on, you find yourself prioritizing sleep or Netflix over academics.
Expectation:
You will be slightly terrified of having no one to rely on to do your laundry, dishes, etc.
Reality:
You learn to adapt and change according to your abilities and knowledge. Before you know it, you are an expert, or semi-expert, at managing responsibilities.
Expectation:
You will resist the urge to spend all of your money.
Reality:
On days that the dining halls particularly suck, you find yourself scurrying over to Main Street to indulge in Mexican food. Before you know it, you’re spending account rapidly decreases in size.
Expectation:
You will start college hoping to eventually figure out your career goals.
Reality:
You still have absolutely no idea what you are doing.
Expectation:
You will be constantly surrounded by college students and teachers.
Reality:
More times than not, there will be obnoxious families and high school students touring the campus.
Expectation:
You believe that if you do not do the textbook readings, you will still be fine as long as you read the Power Points.
Reality:
Perhaps if you are taking easy classes, you can get by not reading textbooks. However, you quickly learn that for harder classes, you will become clueless if you do not do the textbook readings.
Expectation:
You are determined that you will take advantage of the gym and stay in shape.
Reality:
Just like with academics, sleep and Netflix are often prioritized over exercise.
Expectation:
You will be prepared for the rainy days with your rain jacket and umbrella.
Reality:
It becomes a shock that “Rainy Tuesday” is a legit thing at UD. No matter how much you prepare for rain, especially on Tuesdays, you somehow manage to get soaked head to toe. Rain boots become an absolute necessity.
Expectation:
You will always look your best.
Reality:
Some days or maybe every day, you simply do not care what others think about you. Therefore, your outfits consist of sweats and pajamas for days on end.
Expectation:
Although college will be stressful and tiring, you will have the weekends to recuperate and relax.
Reality:
The weekends are never long enough and you always count the days down until it is the weekend again.
Expectation:
You will be studious and strive for excellent grades.
Reality:
You learn to celebrate getting a C on a test that you barely studied for.
Expectation:
Due to being away from home and friends, college will be extremely difficult.
Reality:
College is hectic, however, you realize that you have made it this far without failing or bailing out. Despite challenges with academics, you learn how to motivate yourself, whether it is through chugging coffee or taking a nice walk around the campus.
Expectation:
You will walk on campus and feel at home.
Reality:
Despite most of the other realities being the opposite of your expectation, I can truly say that at the University of Delaware, this is your forever home.
You’re only a college freshman once, collegiettes! Make the most out of it.