Growing up, movies and TV shows always portrayed college as this magical time. When I was younger, I even dreamt about dorming, living away from home, and what it would be like. Even after watching the movie "College Road Trip" with Raven Symoné, I had this whole expectation and perception about college.
Fast forward to now, I've finally finished my first year of college and all I can say is that it is nothing like what we see in movies and TV shows. The honest truth — college is really not what it's cracked up to be.
I mean don't get me wrong, college can be fun and the time of your life. I've definitely had great and memorable moments so far in my college career. But in reality, the movies and TV shows sit on a throne of lies. Okay maybe I'm being dramatic, but hear me out.
Movies and TV shows set up these high expectations about college, but leave out pretty major and realistic details when it comes to portraying it. So coming from a college student themselves, here's the inside scoop on what the media forgets to tell you about college!
***Just a disclaimer, this isn't to discourage incoming college freshman! These are just a few friendly reminders, so no one enters this new chapter with high expectations! (like I did #lessonlearned)***:
Not everyday is sunshine and rainbows.
There are going to be days where you're truly living your best life and thriving! But then, there are also going to be days where you feel lost, stressed, and confused with a hint of mental breakdowns here and there. However, take it easy and don't stress! We've all been through it and we're all in this together.
The “college experience” is bs.
Okay let me just cut to the chase — There is NO such thing as the "college experience." Don't feel like your obligated and pressured to have this grand time! Whether you dorm or commute, everyone is getting the college experience. The "college experience" is whatever you make out of it!
Adulting isn't all fun and games.
You never realize how much responsibility you truly have until you get to college. Once your laundry starts piling up, you're receiving assignments on top of assignments, trying to salvage some money, and getting lack of sleep, you start to wonder why you ever dreamt and looked forward to being an adult when you were younger.
Nothing compared to high school.
Evidently, college is nothing like high school — it's a whole different ball game. Say good-bye to accomplishing big assignments last minute or the night before and say good-bye to teacher's actually knowing your name. It may be hard at first adjusting to college but just know, it's all a part of growing up and a learning experience! You'll get the hang of it in no time.
Two words: Time management.
The workload in college can be overwhelming and stressful. One of the best and key things you can do to benefit you and your mental health is time manage. Once you have that down pat, this college thing won't be too hard after all. Just DON'T procrastinate!! Or else your brain will feel like this.
