The Transition from High School to College
The stress of getting into college feels like a lifetime of applications, studying, and standardized tests, but nobody really talks about the stress that happens after you get in. Sure, there is the overwhelming excitement of moving away and starting your life, but oftentimes it comes with underlying nerves and anxiety, too.
There are a plethora of things that current college students wish they knew when looking back. There is no way to be completely prepared going into college – you’re bound to make mistakes. But why not learn from those who have been through it before? Here are some of the suggestions we have compiled:
First things first, pick a college for the right reasons
There are so many students that choose a college based on the wrong reasons. You might pick somewhere because your parents went there, your significant other is going there, you’re interested in the social life, etc. These are all valid reasons, as long as they are a part of a longer list. The more pressing reasons should include things like:
- Location
- Cost
- Academic reputation
- Major options
- Size
- Graduation rate
If your college of choice checks off all these boxes, you are most likely making the right choice. However, if you do feel as if you’ve made the wrong choice after a few semesters, there is no harm in transferring. Do as much as you can to prepare for your decision in the hopes that it will be the right fit, but if it’s not, you don’t have to stay! A lot of people feel embarrassed or think it is more trouble than it’s worth to transfer, but being unhappy at your first choice is not worth it.
How to prepare
Everyone always tells you about the basics you need to learn before going off to college, like doing laundry or learning how to cook mac and cheese. What you really need to prepare yourself for is being on your own. It is pretty likely that you will be spending a lot of time by yourself – this could be a large adjustment for some people. There is really no way to “practice” or “prepare” for this, but expecting it will help you get your mind in the right place. A remedy for this situation might be to call friends or family throughout your day.
In addition, the independence that you’re likely very excited for translates into a lot of responsibility. For some, it might be the first time in your life that you have to feed yourself, keep track of your work, pay bills, etc. Making a schedule for work, school, self-care, and exercise is the best way to ensure you will get to all the things you need to do in a day.
“Things I wish I knew”
It is easy for a graduate to look back on their experience with admiration. But it is almost a guarantee that many of them have a list of things they wish they could have done differently. After asking a few students at the University of Florida, this is what they wish they knew before they started as a freshman:
- You are paying to take courses, take ones you will actually enjoy
- Enjoy the now
- All nighters aren’t that helpful, get the sleep instead
- Always introduce yourself to your professors at the beginning of each semester
- Do your best to form relationships with professors
- Take advantage of the teaching assistants
- Go to office hours
- Take your advisors’ advice with a grain of salt
In terms of being academically prepared, you might need a little extra help outside the classroom. That’s where we come in! Miles Smart Tutoring is only a phone call away – (813) 238-3036. We offer nationwide online and in-person tutoring services for any student that needs a bit more support in their studies before heading off to university. If you’re interested in hearing more or would like to set up a tutoring consultation, you can visit www.milessmarttutoring.com or give us a call.
