(Samantha
Langley is a former Chatham County Schools student who has just
finished her freshman year at the University of North Carolina at
Pembroke. She will be writing blog entries as the school year ends
looking back on her first year of college in order to give the Class of
2012 in Chatham a college perspective She welcomes questions via email
at writers600@gmail.com.)
Going away
to college can be completely overwhelming. Living on your own, meeting new
friends and trying to get A’s in higher level classes may be some of the fears
that many students face. However, at the same time there is the breath-taking
excitement of starting a new chapter in life. Here are the top eight fears
about college and the truth about them.
1. It will be hard to make new friends —
During your freshman year of college EVERYONE is the new kid. While there may
be some kids from a local high school that seem to know everyone, even they
want to make new friends. Joining a group or organization can be great way to
make new friends. Who knows you may make a friend for life.
2. The classes are going to be more
challenging — Yes, college classes are much harder than high school classes,
but many of the same rules still apply: professors still want to see hard work
and dedication; tutors are available through many campuses; and procrastination
is NOT an option. Be sure to come into class on the first day with a positive
attitude and get started on projects IMMEDIATELY! The extra time may be needed
to get an A. Like all grades it’s all about attitude, attitude, ATTITUDE!
3. I don’t know how to live on my own — In
college you will have to wash your own clothes, clean your own dorm and wash
dishes. Make sure you know how to do these basic tasks! If you do need help
Resident Advisors are students that have been through what all freshman go
through and are put there by the university to help students. Don’t be afraid
to go them. Also parents are only a phone call away.
4. My best friend & I will lose
contact—There is sooo much to do in college and more than likely you won’t be
calling your high school BFF everyday. And if you do than you will miss out on
valuable experiences right in front of you. If keeping up is important set up a
night that you will Skype every 1-2 weeks and hang out during school breaks.
Just because you don’t talk to your best friend everyday doesn’t mean that
you’re not still besties, but don’t be so obsessed with losing contact that you
miss out on people around you.
5. I won’t be able to do anything fun
because I don’t have much money—In college no one has money. Instead there is a
lot of free things to do on campus. Look for posters on campus and join the
University’s Facebook page. Also budget your money. If your parents are helping
support you get together and come up with a weekly amount. If Summer jobs are
going to support you take the totally amount and divide it by the number of
weeks in school (be sure to account for school breaks as well).
6. The food — Cafeteria food is actually
not that bad. Most universities are an all you can buffet with multiple
choices. Even if you’re not crazy about them sometimes doctor them up. Adding a
little cheese from the salad bar can make a HUGE difference to any meal.
7. If I join a Greek organization
(fraternity/sorority) everyone will think I’m stuck up — The majority of Greeks
organizations aren’t the wild party groups that many movies and TV shows
picture. Instead many of the groups do charity work and help members network
with people in careers related to their majors. If you are thinking about it
sign up for Rush week and make sure that it is the Greek organization for YOU
personally.
8. I’m not wild, but college is all
about parties!— College is not the wild party house showed in the media and
students that try to make college into a 24/7 party zone often do not stay long
in college long. Instead there are a lot
of fun things to do on campus that don’t involve loud music and alcohol.
College is a
great new experience! While it may be scary be open to what comes and you will
have fun. The most important thing to remember is to be yourself. Never let
anyone talk you into something you don’t want to do, but be open to everyone as
well. Who knows, the person that you would never dream of hanging with in high
school can be your best friend. College is not all about cliques so befriend
the geeky or athletic person. Who they are might show you a little about who
you are in the process.
