Edited by: Devaki Divan
As a starry-eyed fresher, you step into college with suitcases, self-esteem (vulnerable to decline) and dreamy expectations moulded by movies. You’re then hit with the epiphany that college life isn’t hunky dory because, for starters, you have to go through the transitional period.
Here are some kinds of transitions:
1. From being the senior-most to being the junior-most: by 12th grade, you found your favourite spots in school, were aware of the joys (and disappointments) the institution had to offer, and had established some sort of identity. You knew (too well at times) how your batchmates were, learnt the ways of your teachers, and then bam! You’re out of this zone of familiarity and find yourself in a zone of cluelessness. You hardly know anyone or anything as a first-year student. Not a long while back, you and your batchmates were deemed the ‘most mature and experienced’ relative to your schoolmates but now, you feel lost. Even though you can’t look forward to the traditions of your school anymore, experience banter with your batchmates and teachers in the same manner or crib about how hectic your schedule has become; don’t worry, here’s looking forward to new traditions, new friends (hopefully?!) and new rants.
2. From a curriculum to the curriculum: mitochondria, atomic theory, nationalist movement, The Village of Palampur (CBSE kids, where are you?), and P&C were all okay. Here and there you might have complained about Integration (change this based on your subjects in classes 11th and 12th) but people, now Descartes and Berkeley are messing with my brain. At the same time, a response paper for ICT is due on Monday, not-to-forget a 30-page EVS reading plus a complex academic paper to read for EPS. Surpassing your expectations, college is way more rigorous.
The workload is intense and demanding but eventually, you get used to it.
It’s better too. You get to decide your takeaway and you are encouraged not to accept anything at face value. You get to trace back the foundations and question your assumptions. All of this is quite liberating and thrilling! Although adjusting to it might be difficult and overwhelming (especially if you crave academic validation), eventually, it will prove to be worth it. Try to be perseverant maybe? Rooting for you, my reader. <3
3. From ‘This is how you may complete this’ to ‘You’re on your own’: your school teachers were right when they said that no one will spoon-feed you in college—so you’re telling me that my teacher, oh sorry, my professor, is not going to frequently remind me of the work to be submitted?! No more ‘yes kid, don’t worry you’ll be able to tackle this’… no more paper pattern revelation! Essays, citations, readings—quite overwhelming! And yes, this is not just restricted to academics. It transcends to other spheres too. For example, it’s not like everyone is going to go by your schedule, if things don’t match, you’re on your own, sweetheart! It is also not possible for anybody else to remind you about laundry and meals every day. It would help if you managed it on your own.
You might find yourself in a lonely, terrifying spot but you will discover your tribe and your way (says a first-year student optimistically; dear future, this line better prove to be true!)
4. From rigidity to liberty: oh, you’re telling me we can wear anything we want to?! We can sing any song out loud on karaoke night?! We can roam around the campus at any hour of the day?! Cross access—greattt! There’s so much freedom to make decisions (and mistakes).
Every transition does not have to be a tale of struggle, sweat and tears. This one is rather easy-breezy (perhaps apart from some cultural shocks in the beginning)…
As the cliché goes, “With time, things will get better”. You will also reach new heights (of stress) and reminisce about your first semester as in hindsight, these transitions will appear simpler—maybe then you’ll await another such article. For now, some best wishes from my side! See ya!