3 Things That You Should Know Before Starting College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

3 Things That You Should Know Before Starting College

For the terrified incoming freshmen, and the people second guessing their college decision, this article is for you.

30
3 Things That You Should Know Before Starting College

As you graduate high school, the talk of starting college is something that becomes prominent in your daily conversations. Whether it is talking to family members or your older peers, there is one statement that people always seem to say when describing the college experience: "Get ready for the best four years of your life." People use this phrase as if it describes everyone's college experience. In the beginning, it may or may not feel that way. Let's just say the college experience is a process, and if it doesn't feel amazing at first, that's okay. I am here to tell you that everything does work out in the end.

Not knowing what your future will look like is okay

As a college student, there seems to be a lot of pressure, and uncertainty, when it comes to choosing your major. This is not the case for everyone; however, if you're anything like me, you might know the feeling of not knowing what you want to do for the rest of your life. It can get frustrating at times but I can assure you that everything ends up working out. As long as you follow one important rule: do not listen to others. The only opinion that matters is your own, and if you're passionate about something you should pursue it. For example, during my freshman year, I changed my major not once, not twice, but 5 times. As ridiculous as it sounds, it was a reality for me and it was only because I was easily influenced by other's opinions.

Reaching out for help

It is a fact that almost every institution has resources that students can utilize at any time. If you ever find yourself feeling lost or stressed out, take a trip down to your university's counseling center. I mean you are paying a lot of money for these resources so you might as well take advantage of them. I wouldn't be the person I am today if I didn't reach out for help when I needed it most. Your mental health is so important. Don't let a situation go from bad to worse.

Everything gets better with time

Let's just say things start a bit rocky and you're in that stage where everything sucks. Your school sucks, the food at your school sucks, your roommate sucks, your "friends" suck, etc. You look around and you feel like you're the only person who feels this way. I am here to tell you that everyone experiences a slump like this at different times, for different reasons; however, nothing will feel right until time has passed and you are acclimated with your new environment. It takes a while to find that group of lifelong friends, and it takes even longer to figure out what the heck you want to do with your life. Once that time has passed and you realize that you're stronger than you initially thought, you will feel so proud that you stuck it out and conquered the "everything sucks" phase. It is so liberating once you feel comfortable in a new setting with people you can trust. It doesn't happen overnight and I know your parents say that constantly, but I am not your parents. I am a student with first-hand experience dealing with the same hardships and obstacles. If you stop worrying about who and what you're going to be, start believing in yourself, and reach out for help when you need it, things will start to go your way.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Christmas tree
Librarian Lavender

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is one of my personal favorite holidays because of the Christmas traditions my family upholds generation after generation. After talking to a few of my friends at college, I realized that a lot of them don't really have "Christmas traditions" in their family, and I want to help change that. Here's a list of Christmas traditions that my family does, and anyone can incorporate into their family as well!

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

The 5 Phases Of Finals

May the odds be ever in your favor.

1122
Does anybody know how to study
Gurl.com

It’s here; that time of year when college students turn into preschoolers again. We cry for our mothers, eat everything in sight, and whine when we don’t get our way. It’s finals, the dreaded time of the semester when we all realize we should have been paying attention in class instead of literally doing anything else but that. Everyone has to take them, and yes, unfortunately, they are inevitable. But just because they are here and inevitable does not mean they’re peaches and cream and full of rainbows. Surviving them is a must, and the following five phases are a reality for all majors from business to art, nursing to history.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition

10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

2613
How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again when college students live at the library all week, cramming for tests that they should have started studying for last month. Preparing to spend all day at the library takes much consideration and planning. Use these tips to help get you through the week while spending an excessive amount of time in a building that no one wants to be in.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl roommates
StableDiffusion

Where do we begin when we start talking about our roommates? You practically spend every moment with them, they become your second family and they deal with you at your best and at your absolute worst. They are there to make you laugh just a little harder, cry a little less and make each day a little better. We often forget to thank them for the little things that they do to make college even a tiny bit easier and more fun. This list of 26 things are what you should thank your roommates for right this minute and every day that you live with them.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

20 Thoughts While Studying For Finals

I may or may not be stressing right now.

2746
Thoughts While Studying For Finals
StableDiffusion


That time of the semester has arrived once again, finals. The worst week ever. Who thought it was a good idea for all your classes to have exams all in the same week? Definitely not me. Here's 20 thoughts you may have studying for finals.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments