College Anxiety...?

Question

I am leaving for college in two days (ahhh)! Does anyone out there know what I'm going through? I need some advice about everything. What do I need to bring, what to expect, do the guys treat you differently, if so how? Any advice will help me out trumendously. By the way, I'm going to Saginaw Valley State University, Michigan.

Answer 1

Okay. You have me on a rant. Print his out and save it for your reading...

College anxiety is perfecty normal. In fact, it would not be normal if one was NOT anxious! Going to school is a huge life change. It may be the first time in many a student's life that they have a significant distance away from their family and childhood friends. In a sense, they are on their own in a physical sense in a new physical location, not clear on what to expect. Preschool, grade school, high school, maybe the occasional tutor, and a decent amount of life experience have brought the student to this point. Now a new challenge arises. New opportunites. New consequences. New rewards. Congatualations, and here are a few pointers.

1. Academics. It's college. Lots of distractions. Parties, extracurricular activities, creatures of the opposite sex, or even same sex, or sex in general for that matter (GO to www.collegeclub.com- they should call it sex club for that matter). It's school nonetheless, and as a student, the priority should be to learn stuff that will be useful in a future career as well as stuff that will expand the mind. There is no reason why anyone who has their head on straight cannot get a 3.0 average.

To those with the 4.0 average- You are freaks. A high GPA does not guarntee good standarized testing results. It also doesn't make one more successful in the business world. You work too hard on one area. Academics are important, but they are not everything.

In the first semester, one should not take anything too taxing courswise, but should get adjusted to the way classes work. Expect different challenges than in high school. The college will tell you that for every hour of class time there should be three hours of study. This is crap. For some classes, no studying to minimal studying is necessary to get an A. For others, like calculus, its going to be alot more than three, even several more, and an A will not be attainable. It is important to figure out the classs and know what is needed. Ask around about the professor.

Most colleges also require students to take English/Communications I and II. ALWYAS site your souces, preferrably with a bibliography. They should have made you buy a book that will tell exactly how to do that. DO NOT buy essays or research papers online. Any decent teacher will see right throw such antics. If you have to go to a writing center.

Find a major. Not sure what you want to do? Again, college advisors reccommend going to the career center. Crappola. Too many people get degrees they don't use. Why spend 50,000 dollars on something will only help you earn 30,000 per year? Nuts! Do some independent reading. Figure out what you are easily willing to do (not what you would like), and what you would be good at. Somewhere in the middle is a good career. Ask people in the real world about their jobs.

If you've already decided on engineering, accounting, or finance, bonus points. Those are the most useful degrees (IF and only IF you can tolorate them well), and are nearly guarnteed to make you great cash.

If you get stuck with any subject, they should have tutors available a study center in a dorm or at a library. This is a great move. It also shows the teacher you are willing to work.

2. Physical Well Being. I really don't digest the idea that a healthy body is necessary to have a sharp mind, but it can help. Besides they are good habits to get into. Don't worry too much about what you eat, but start going to college gym regularly. Its good stuff.

Going from class to class should take care of walking, so nothing to worry about there. Be sure to give your legs a rest when you have the chance.

3. Social Activities. Most colleges have a variety of things to get involved with. Try a few on! There are academic clubs that will help with job placement later, business clubs, all sorts of political clubs, social activism clubs, religion clubs. Find what suits you.

Keep in mind that there are a lot of frige groups too that have little idea of what they are talking about out. Keep an eye out. Do your own homework on organizations, and don't let others sway you. DOn't even let me sway you! Think for yourself- its the mind you can trust the most. This is good experience for the post college world.

4. Work. If you have it so that you don't need extra income, excellent. There are jobs on campus as well as off campus. Better pay is usually off campus.

5. Relationships. Be yourself. Do not be somebody else, otherwise you may have to be that somebody else more than the situation calls for. You'll find more who have similar interests and viewpoints from the activities you get involved with. There are lots of different people in college and you'll find a group to fit in with soon enough as long as you keep sincere and sociable.
If you do find that special group of people or that special significant other, just make sure to keep up with academics. Politely avoid people who give you problems. Be around people who are decent.

6. 'extracurricular activities'. How can I end a college lecture before discussing alcohol, sex, drugs, and other things young adults gravitate towards. Do your homework. Alcohol is fine, when done right. Always know what you are drinking and have an idea of what it can do to you. Bottom shelf liquor has unpleasant side effects the day after. If you want good vodka, its grey goose.

I really do not reccommend underage drinking. If i cannot talk you out of it, however, keep in small parties around people you trust, avoid strange men, and keep in moderation.

If you party, always go with a group of friends who can watch out for one another. Its easy to let things go out of hand, so be careful.

Partying is also not necessary every weekend, as some might lead you to believe.

Be careful with sex as well. Do your homework on it. And that doesn't mean going to google and finding images of Brad Pitt's ***. Read extensively. The subject matter most young men and women should find interesting. It's more than just a good time. If with the wrong person, its a farily shameful exprience. If with the right person, it a spiritual experience. Don't let anyone talk you into anything you don't feel comfortable about. Also, don't rush. If a guy doesn't understand that, his problem. I better stop. I'm sounding like a preacher...

Anyways, Thats some pointers in a nutshell. head full yet? Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. I also reccommend www.collegehumor.com for laughs. Best of luck!

Answer 2

Yes, guys will treat you differently. You are on your own now, and so are they. The dorms are this weird little world that only people who live in dorms really understand, so be prepared for really getting to know the good and bad of the people you live around. Have fun, be be responsible and don't put yourself in situations that make you uncomfortable. And if you get in those types of situations (which will happen), know that you can leave and keep your dignity!

Make adult decisions! Be active in your own life, which may sound weird, but what I mean is really think about the decisions that you make whether it is with school or in your personal life. College is such an amazing time, don't take it for granted.

I am not sure how far you are going from home, but take a few personal items to remind you of family and friends from home, like a photo album. Also, invite old friends and family to come visit you, this will make you new home feel like home instead of a place that you visit for 8 months a year!

good luck, have fun!

Oh yeah, learn APA for citing references! You will need it!

btw, i know the college humor guys, their website is GREAT!!! www.collegehumor.com

they also run http://www.bustedtees.com/ which is a great place to get cool shirts

and also, http://www.vimeo.com/ hilarious videos!!!

Answer 3

You can find college checklists online all over the place. The colleges usually know that it can be a tough time for incoming students, so they try to make it as smooth of transition as possible. If there is a new student orientation meeting, go to it. It could help you learn things you need to know later. Find your classes early so you won't be lost when you actually have to be to class. Know that this is not 1975. If your parents told you that the professors are jackasses all the time don't believe them. Some professors maybe. Most of them are really cool people. I have a few students who have remained friends with me after graduating.

Answer 4

it is not stupid in any respect, a lot of persons have that concern, fairly approximately college. don't experience undesirable! you may desire to establish a doctor approximately your stress and characteristic some communicate therapy and determine some coping mechanisms for the circumstances you experience hectic and panicky. medicine can fairly help lots interior the intervening time once you're nonetheless overcoming issues. Tranqullizers will artwork almost instantaneous (interior of 15-40 5 minutes.)

Answer 5

Talk it over with a close friend or relative.