College is one of the most confusing, challenging and amazing times of your life. For all the graduating 2017 seniors out there, I promise you, college is not as paralyzingly scary as it may seem. While being a college freshman myself, I have learned that everything happens for a reason, and you might not understand in the beginning, but everything will work out for the best. There are definitely things to worry about, but here are some misconceptions you may have heard that you should take into consideration as you transition into college life.
1. You have to join Greek Life
This is your choice. Greek life is one of the best decisions I have ever made, but if you feel it out, and it is not your thing, it won't be the end of the world.
2. If you don't join Greek life you will have no friends.
False, you will make friends if you do not join a fraternity or a sorority. If Greek life does not fit with you, there are tons of other ways to make friends and opportunities to put yourself out there.
3. The homework will consume your entire life.
It may consume most of your life, but as long as you use your time management skills and buckle down to focus when you need to, you will be in the library maybe only four days a week.
4. All the friends you make will be life-long friends.
You will meet acquaintances, in-class-friends, out-of-class-friends, in-club-friends, out-of-club-friends and finally, best friends. Friendship takes more than a semester to solidify, so keep your mind open to everyone and remember that everyone you meet will not always be a life-long friend.
5. All long-distance relationships don't work out.
False, some relationships do work out. Don't let people scare you into thinking that once you and your significant other part ways to go to different schools, that the romance is over. Your relationship is your business, and you will make the right decisions when it comes time.
6. The dinning hall serves crappy food.
This is untrue. Most schools have Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, if you are lucky a Bojangles, and even sometimes, at the really nice schools, real hibachi. All of this is on your meal plan as well, so you just swipe a card and enjoy!
7. If you don't join all the clubs then you won't get a job after college.
You do what you are interested in and what you think you would genuinely enjoy and thats it. Don't join clubs because you think you have to or others are expecting you to. College is about finding yourself, not being a carbon copy of someone else. You do not need 15 clubs to put on your resume to feel successful: hard work and doing a few clubs that you are interested in are just right.
8. You have to know what you want to major in freshman year.
Also very untrue, you can change your major until junior year. Make sure you major in something you are passionate about, and that may take time to figure out. You will be better off majoring in something you truly enjoy because if you enjoy your work, are you really working?
9. College is just like high school
Wrong again! Actually, dead wrong. In high school there are social stereotypes and a surplus of raging hormones. Once you get to college, you will notice things settle down. People will go to class in pajamas or play Quidditch in their free time. You will notice college is much more accepting and free.
College is the best time of your life. Try not to worry about the "what-ifs" or the "buts" and just focus on finding yourself.
