Whether you’re a Baby Gator, a transfer student or a #UFGrad, we’ve all had certain expectations of college life in The Gator Nation when we first arrived here. For those of you who are new, you may think UF is a little overwhelming (What’s a Sakai? How do I get to *insert random brick building here*?). Luckily, we’ve broken down 10 ideas new students may have when they first come to UF, and we’re here to give you the slightly harsh realities.
1. Expectation: You’ll reinvent yourself into a cooler, smarter, more popular person as soon as you step foot on campus.
Reality: Trying to be something you’re not won’t last very long. You want people who will like you for the real you, as corny as that may sound. Of course you’ll change during your time at UF, but it will be a slow, subtle change as you have new experiences that shape who you become.
2. Expectation: You won’t miss home
Reality: You’ll come to a point where you have daydreams about your comfy bed, your dog and food that doesn’t come in a microwavable container.
3. Expectation: You can wait ‘til the night before your exam to study and make an A
Reality: And you thought it was hard to get into UF. Even if you manage to get a decent grade (which you probably won’t), you will look and feel like you have the plague the next day. They don’t call UF the best school in Florida for nothing.
4. Expectation: You’ll be the exception to the “Freshmen 15” rule
Reality: With the stress that college brings and the loads of free food (Welcome Week, anyone?), pizza, Ramen and late nights may start to take a toll on your gut.
5. Expectation: UF and Gainesville are so big! You’ll never find your way around.
Reality: For upperclassmen, UF becomes a bit of a bubble. You’ll see more familiar faces, visit all the good places to eat and know what areas to just straight up avoid. You’ll find your way around soon enough. For now, make friends who have cars.
6. Expectation: Completing the entire F-Book will be your biggest accomplishment of the year.
Reality: By the time you’re a junior, your F-Book will either be in the trash or hiding under that pile of clothes you’ve been planning to donate to Goodwill.
7. Expectation: You’ll meet your soul mate at a party or a club.
Reality: The most you’ll get is a hook-up. But dress to the nines regardless, and enter the scene with your homies like you own the place.
8. Expectation: Dorm-sponsored events and Gator Nights are the most fun ways to spend your Fridays.
Reality: During your freshmen year, these are great ways to interact with other newbies. But as you move up the ranks in college, you’ll realize that you know half the people in your friendship circle through your major, mutual friends, random parties and organizations you’re involved in. You’ll also realize that 10 midnight-breakfast-dance-glow-stick-parties in a row have morning-after consequences.
9. Expectation: You’ll achieve “perfect balance” by managing a social life and your academic, extracurricular and professional goals (while also exercising and getting eight hours of sleep each night).
Reality: There will be times when class work piles up, FOMO has got you down and all you can do is binge-watch Orange is The New Black to avoid the world. What’s important to realize, however, is that literally every college student has moments. Scream into a pillow, call your mom and develop a plan of action to start tackling things one at a time.
10. Expectation: These will be the best years of your young adult life.
Reality: Actually… this one’s probably true!
By the time you’re an upperclassman, all of these realities will seem like common knowledge. As harsh as some of these realities may be, you have to face them at some point. Don’t let them prevent you from trying to make these next four years your best yet!