Figuring out what college to go to or what course to pursue can be an overwhelming experience for many. After 14 years of schooling, entering college can be a complete change in what we are generally used to.
College experiences are subjective and vary from person to person. There are contributing factors that tailor an individual’s college life. It varies from the type of program you want to pursue to how much you’re willing to invest financially and physically. Here are a few things you’ll have to watch out for.
The course and the college you choose
The study material in college will be advanced compared to high school. So you must select a program that you are passionate about. This makes the learning process easier. Of course, there is no guarantee that you won’t be faced with tough times despite choosing a course you like. Those “all-nighters” before an exam hit hard. But one of the perks of a college program is that you get to choose what you want to strive for.
Courses like Medicine, Engineering, Chartered Accountancy, and Law falls into the intensive course category.
Some of the easier courses would be English Literature, Sociology, and History.
The college you pick also plays a major role in the stress factor. Ivy league schools are very competitive in their selection process and have hardcore study schedules not meant for the fainthearted. Though the results of studying there can be rewarding, your social life might take a hit. If breezing through college is your goal, select a college with a high acceptance rate and easy study modules.
Financial aid and scholarships
If you have wealthy parents willing to pay for your expenses, this part of the article is not for you.
You’ve probably heard everyone say this, “COLLEGES ARE EXPENSIVE.” And they are right. If you’re planning to take student loans, you might find yourself paying off huge student debts. It will take a toll on you mentally and physically as you’ll have to work hard to pay off those loans. You need to be well informed of the costs and the funding provided by the university you choose. A bright side to this is that many scholarships are provided on a different basis. This helps to cut down the tuition fee costs considerably.
Flexibility in schedules
There aren’t fixed study hours in college like in school. You don’t have to go to classes every day of the week. Nobody is going to spoon-feed you or monitor you around strictly. The choice of structuring your course is left to you. You also get to choose electives that interest you that aren’t connected to your degree. it makes the overall study experience less monotonous and more engaging. If you are a multi-tasker like me, you even have extra time on your hands to indulge in your hobbies. You’re just expected to deliver your work before the deadline. How you want to do that is up to you.
Freedom
The best part of college is that you don’t have nagging teachers always telling you what to do. You have more freedom with your choices. You don’t have a dress code. Since you get to choose your classes, you can catch up on your sleep from time to time. Also, the occasional bunking doesn’t hurt ;). But with freedom comes responsibility. So if you are sleeping and missing out on important classes, you best believe it will come to bite you later.
Staying away from home
This one is a hard pill to swallow. Some of you will be choosing to study away from your home country. But, let me warn you; it is not all rosy as they make it to be on social media. You’ll have to do the cooking, the laundry (this is the absolute worst), the cleaning, and everything else your mom did for you. But, on the other hand, you also make friends from different backgrounds, experience their culture and food, and explore new places.
A few pointers to keep in mind
You will have to up your social skills once you enter college, as much teamwork is required.
Remember to have a proper work/life balance.
Always keep moving forward no matter how hard it gets. Commonly, things start to look up after a tough time.
Take part in many extracurricular activities, which will help you explore different avenues.
Conclusion
Yes, college can get very tiresome and difficult at times. I remember struggling to finish my assignments on time and regret taking the course. However, the satisfaction you get going after what you want is more rewarding. The friendships and the memories you gain along the way createbeautiful bonds that last a lifetime. The pressure of doing well in college gets to everyone, but you will last as long as you don’t forget to have fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there part-time jobs available at university campuses?
Yes. Most universities offer jobs like tour guides, teaching assistants, campus tech support, etc.
Will I have a life outside of classes?
It depends on how willing you are to try out the different on-campus activities. You will be presented with many options.
Are professors friendly and engaging with the students?
The professors are not indifferent to students in college as it is made out to be. On the contrary, you can even contact them after study hours to clear your doubts. You will find them to be very helpful.
How many hours do students spend studying per week?
Again, this is subjective and depends on the course you take. If you choose an intensive program, you are likely to be spending more time studying. However, a balance can be achieved.
