Despite the fact that I'm only a freshman, the college experience has already left a huge imprint on me. Attending university was the only thing that seemed logical, at least in my mindset. Earning a degree has been idolized and I guess it's the only thing that might help me make something more of my life.
However, it hasn't been a walk in the park like the movies make it out to be, unless it's "Jurassic Park," that is.
The workload is real. There is absolutely no way getting around it. Even if you aren't a triple major like myself, you will still be swamped with essays and assignments. Most people have about 15-18 credit hours, which could range from about four classes to over double that, depending on the specific course.
Regardless, assignments will never just go away and staying on top of them is not an explicitly easy task. It takes some real hard work and dedication.
On occasion, the only thing that encourages you to focus on the task at hand is a good screaming match with yourself. JUST TRY AND GET IT DONE. JUST DO IT!
It is so easy to get behind in coursework. Once you don't read one chapter for a class, you could slip into never reading for the course and then you end up with 88 pages in biology to read before Friday. How are you supposed to do well on the exam if you haven't even opened the book in 3 weeks? Procrastination, obviously, doesn't disappear after high school; there is no lightening of its grip...
Not to mention the painful general education requirements. Did you really think you could leave behind all those hated subjects so easily?
I did and had quite the rude awakening when I realized I'd, once again, be face to face with courses that make my brain want to burst. I had always assumed that college was a place where you could enroll purely in courses that piqued your interest, or courses that are vital to your major. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
Say "hello” to your old enemies - biology/chemistry/geology. “Have you been terrorizing the other poor students? Oh, and yes, you too, statistics. Have a seat; join us in my belittlement." You might even have a P.E requirement, so have fun with all of that.
Clubs are one of the best things about college. Sadly, you might have a class during the club meeting time, or you might have two or more clubs that overlap. These things aren't usually a huge hindrance, unless you are an upper-level club member, like treasurer, secretary or president. In that case, life becomes a bit hectic and you're forced to make some difficult choices and you're probably constantly tired.
Scheduling, in general, is honestly such a difficult task. Sometimes I forget to eat because I'm swamped with classes, being tutored or tutoring others, meetings with professors or advisers I must attend as well as other on-campus activities that consume any spare time I thought I might possibly have.
With all of these things colliding with one another behind my eyes, it isn't much of a surprise that sometimes I lose track of when a specific event is occurring. Once in awhile, I get a few of them confused and mixed with one another - online calendars that send a reminder to your phone are complete lifesavers.
Have fun trying to stay in touch with all of your friends because your schedules may not make it easy. Although, when you do have the chance to finally meet up with them, it is pretty amazing.
College can be hectic and overwhelming. All the movies usually fail to depict this fact but movies aren't real life. However, there are so many ways that you can stay on top of your tasks and schedule. Utilize your resources and I have faith that you'll survive the next four years. Try to make the most of every moment.
