Before entering the new, shiny world of college, we all hear our fair share of advice, whether it be from parents, siblings, or friends who are a year or two ahead of us. If we didn’t hear it from those close to us, we were bound to get ideas about college from movies and television. But how much of it is actually true? I’ve only been in college for a month, but there are already preconceived notions about college (from my experience) that I can either confirm or deny.
1. “College is a lot of work.”
Fact
I was really hoping that this one wouldn’t be true, but alas, I was terribly mistaken. Admittedly, I am enrolled in the honors college so I should’ve realized the expectations would be higher, but still. Four weeks in and I’ve already spent more time doing homework in the library than anything else. However, it’s easier to manage time because there’s so much of it in college! Classes only take up a small portion of the week (usually), so there is always enough time to fit everything in, free time included.
2. “You’ll go to a lot of parties.”
Fiction
This could just be me, but I have yet to party! Who knows if this could change in the future, but in my experience thus far, college is more than going to parties. In my free time, I really enjoy hitting up the rec center for a nice workout or chilling out at Port City Java with a nice iced latte. The opportunities on and off campus are endless if partying isn’t your thing.
3. “You’ll meet a ton of new, interesting people.”
Fact
Admittedly, it took some time, but I’ve met dozens of fabulous people, most of whom have traveled the world and done amazing things. The exciting thing about college is that you never stop meeting new people. And, if you’re lucky, you’ll find people with similar interest and become friends with them. It’s different from high school where you primarily interact with the same group of peers every year.
4. “Your professors won’t have time for you.”
Fiction
All of my professors are wonderful and have scheduled office hours during the week. Plus, if I need them when they aren’t around, they’re also all great at responding to emails within the same hour. You quickly learn at college that your professors want you to succeed and are there to help you (even if their guidance is a bit foggy at times).
5. “You’ll be better off without 8 a.m.’s.”
Fact
Unless you’re a morning person, people are right; don’t sign up for 8 a.m. classes (if you can help it). 9 a.m.’s and 10 a.m.’s are great because they get you up early enough in the morning to be productive, but not so early that you feel like you’re dying. Enough said.
6. “You’ll lose touch with your high school friends.”
Fiction
I absolutely love my high school friends, so leaving them to move to Wilmington was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I still have time for them, though. We text and call each other on the phone constantly! Hearing about their college experiences is almost as fun as telling them about mine. It takes effort, but I never worry about losing my high school connections. (Thank you, modern technology.)
7. “You’ll miss your family.”
Fact
This one goes without saying, and it might be why I chose to travel home the second and third weekend of the semester. But, like my high school friends, I text and call them throughout the week to give them updates. It’s hard to leave such an awesome family, but it’s nice to know that they’re always just a phone call away.
And last but certainly not least…
8. “These will be some of the best years of your life.”
Fact
Sure, there’s a lot of homework and I miss my friends and family at times, but to say that my first few weeks in Wilmington have been anything but a blast would be a lie. If the first four weeks are good indicators of how the next four years will go, then I can’t wait for what’s to come.
Photos courtesy of giphy.com.