First year at college?

Question

How hard is it to get accustomed to the change from high school to the first year of college? And is 5 classes too many to take the first year?

Answer 1

It's not hard. The first week is a little rough just because you're still learning how everything works and where everything is, but after that you'll be fine and probably realize that were it not for all the classes college would be the ideal lifestyle.

Five classes is normal as well, just make sure you don't create a suicide cocktail with them (for example taking three reading intensive courses). What's more important than your number of classes though is the amount of hours you're getting, since that (along with meeting all your course requirements) is what determines if and when you graduate. You should aim for an average of 15 hours per semester if you want to graduate in four years, which usually means five classes. Of course, you don't want to overload yourself either which is why you still need to keep track of how many classes you're taking (for example, taking eight, 2 credit hour courses would be insane). Anyway, I'd recommend staying in the 4-6 class range per semester, and if you find you're a little behind in your needed hours/class requirements then take some summer courses.

Anyway, I'll give you some tips that I learned from my first year:

- Wait on buying your textbooks until after the first or second week. Every class is going to tell you need them, but in practice some of them never or rarely use the book. Or if you do buy them beforehand, keep them unopened so you can return them if need be (I can't stress this enough. I've had a couple of classes where a textbook was listed for the class, only to find out on the first day that we wouldn't be using it. Of course, this wasn't good news for the people who had unwrapped their books and thus voided the return policy).
- I say this and I guarantee you I'm going to do this again next semester, along with just about every other college student, but I'll say it anyway. Don't procrastinate. I got into big trouble with this last semester. I knew I was going to have a bunch of papers and projects due for every class near the end of the semester (along with finals and a few other exams), and I kept putting them off. Result? An entire month of high stress as I rushed typing paper after paper to meet deadlines that were days apart from each other, then cramming for my finals less than a week before I had to take them thanks to writing papers at the last nminute. Trust me, its a lot better to study two weeks in advance of an exam for a few hours a day than it is to study for 14 hours a day four days before the exam (and, yes, I did do that. totally worth it too).
- Fast food will make you poor. You're not going to see it coming since its only $6 here, $5 there, but eating out can easily drain your wallet. Eat it sparingly.
- Unlike high school, the syllabi your professors hand out in college are actually useful. They contain everything you need to know about how the course will work. In some cases professors wont even bother telling you of an upcoming deadline or exam expecting that you already know about it from the syllabus. Make sure to keep them after the class is over as well since if you decide to transfer or apply to grad school the admissions office may ask for them.
- You may not be able to ask questions during class. Luckily professors always have office hours. Don't be afraid to go ask for help during those hours since that's what they're there for. Most professors will be happy to help since otherwise they just sit in their office for two hours a day doing nothing.
- Finally, if you're thinking of continuing onto grad school be aware that its just like applying for college all over again. You're going to need to have some of your professors not only know who you are but think well of you too so you can get good recommendations (which is easily done by sitting up front and participating in class. the more contact you get with a professor the better). You'll also want to try to get some sort of practicum experience, guided readings, or, if you're a science major (which includes the social sciences as well), research experience (which for science majors is more important than grades when getting into grad school).

Answer 2

5 classes may be a little much but most college students usually average between 13 - 15 credits semester. The change can be very difficult. There are entire studies on how to help students adjust to college life. It can be really hard if you are going say from a big city like Chicago to a little Liberal arts college in the middle of know where. One way to make it easier is to get involved on campus. Join clubs, organizations, sports teams, or even Greek life. By joining in clubs and stuff you meet a lot of other people that are in the same place in life that you are. Then you can begin to establish a support system of new friends that will make you feel more at home. I also don't recommend going home every single weekend. That can make you miss home even more and staying on campus can give you more opportunities to meet new people and establish yourself. It is a proven fact that students that commute have an even harder time adjusting because they never really take the time to get involved on campus. Just remember that it is hard on everyone and that if it were easy everyone would have a college degree. College is what you make of it. Good Luck!

Answer 3

It will be a change, but change isn't necessarily a bad thing. You get to study new things, some of which may be more interesting to you than what you had in high school, you get to meet new people, etc. While some students experience some initial negative feelings and get a little overwhelmed, most get over it within a few months. Five classes are normal at most places. Unless you know school is a particular challenge for you, you should be just fine.

Answer 4

the change from high school to college is weird at first, you get home sick, lost around campus, and confused cuz your teachers don't tell you when something is due.
5 classes shouldn't be too many your first semester it just depends on how many credit hours and how much time you give your self to do the work. my advice, don't go and do the crazy party thing. One party a month or so is fine just don't go every time you hear about one stay at your dorm and do your work, trust me your GPA will be happy if you do.

Answer 5

Average course load is 14-16 semester credits. Everyone adjusts to change differently and it's hard to know how you'll deal with it until your are. Basically keep busy. Don't hole up in your room. Study in various venues until you find the one most conducive to concentration. Give yourself time to adjust. Homesickness, while miserable, can abate as you become familiar with your new environment. I had no trouble with the transition to college, but wanted to quit the Peace Corps after a couple of months. I told myself that I'd leave, if I still felt like it after a year by the end of which time I wanted to stay forever. Also, never (hardly ever) party during the week!

Answer 6

Five classes is no big deal. It may be a little BELOW average depending on your school and your major. My brain can't remember the classes Purdue had me taking my first year there. Nothing too drastic.