8 Things Nobody Tells You About Going to College

Going to college is one of life’s major experiences and you’ll no doubt be looking forward to it, while still being a little nervous. The best source of advice is those who have been to college and had the full experience, so it’s worth talking to others on open days and at events. However, there are some things that nobody tells you about, some of which are below.

Not Everyone Has the Same Ability Level

Some people are nervous to go to college because they think everyone will be super smart. After all, you no doubt worked hard on your application and struggled to get the exam results needed to get a place. However, colleges often admit people with a range of abilities and life experience.

While you can look up the CU Boulder GPA requirements online to see the kind of grades colleges ask for, these are just a guide, and colleges will also be looking at all sorts from decent SAT scores to extracurricular activities. Whatever your ability level, rest assured, the college will not offer you a place if they think you couldn’t cope.

Moving to College Can Be a Lonely Experience

When you see colleges on TV and in movies, everyone is great friends and there are constant parties going on. However, it can be an isolating experience for some, with 64% of students saying they felt lonely at some point in the last 12 months.

The good news is, as you get to know people at college, you soon build social networks and have people nearby to talk to. There are also lots of resources for support, with many campuses offering groups and even free counselling for those who are struggling.

You’re Likely to Lose Touch with a Lot of High School Friends

There are certain friends who you’ll always stay in touch with, but the sad truth is, it’s very easy to lose touch with high school friends. There are some ways you can avoid losing touch:

• Organize an annual reunion when you’re all back in your hometown — for example, one day over the holidays or the summer break
• Start a private group on social media so you can chat about your college experiences
• Arrange to visit each other at college. While you shouldn’t plan these visits for the first couple of terms when you’ll still be settling in, they can be something to look forward to
• Use video calling apps to have a regular group chat and hang out together

People often set unrealistic expectations about their relationships when they go to college. Without seeing each other in high school every day, some friendships will naturally get lost over time, but you will no doubt make new friends in college.

College is Great for Networking

What about those new friends you meet in college? The ones who are on your course could well end up being in the same industry as you, which means college is a great opportunity for networking. Meeting new people at college isn’t just about finding friends to hang out with, it is a place to make important connections for the future. You can start off by simply making a LinkedIn page where you can add your classmates and professors to start your book of contacts.

There are Fewer Cliques Than High School

If you didn’t have a great high school experience, then the good news is, college is a lot different. While there are still cliques, they tend to be groups based on interests and people will still be friends with those outside their group. If you’re worried about fitting in at college, you don’t have to be. Most people find a group of people they get along with in college and are more easily able to make friends.

You Don’t Have to Live on Campus

When you think of college life, you probably imagine living in a dorm for four years, especially if you go to a traditional college with a big, leafy campus. If you haven’t managed to secure on-campus housing then don’t worry, you may be surprised to learn that 87% of students live off-campus at some point during their studies.

It’s now becoming more common for students to live on-campus during their freshman year, but to find a cheap apartment with roommates for the rest of their studies. Dorms can often be a lot like living at home. There are rules to follow and your meals are made for you, so you don’t get to experience true independence. Therefore, it makes sense to look at other accommodation once you’re used to living away from your parents.

It’s Common to Have a Part-Time Job

College is getting more expensive and most graduate jobs ask for some sort of work experience, so it makes sense to get a job as a student. Eight out of ten students now work while studying, although it’s important to make sure your grades don’t suffer due to work. Try to limit your hours to less than 15 a week so that you still have plenty of time to study and aren’t burned out. You can always look for a job during the summer break too.

It’s Easy to Blow the Budget on Books

Before your first semester, you’re likely to get a long list of books that you ‘need’ to buy, but many students find they don’t use half of them. Avoid buying brand new; this will set you back hundreds of dollars, so try to find the most important books second-hand. You could also wait until classes start and find out exactly which books you really need.

College is a whole new world for those just coming out of high school, or indeed any student who has returned to get their degree. It’s not always easy to adjust to campus life, but after a few terms, you will feel a lot more settled and no doubt find a lot of things to love about college.