You
took the standardized
tests, put nearly four years of work into your grade point average,
wrote the personal statements, stalked
the postman, and then finally the day came when you clutched
that acceptance letter in your hand.
After you've apologized to the postman and the initial euphoria
has worn off, you might start to worry about what life at college
has in store for you. Don't worry, we're here to calm your fears.
First, it's okay to be nervous about college. For some students
it's the first time away from home for any extended time. Many
students suffer from homesickness to some degree. Although it's
natural to miss one's family and friends, it should be relatively
easy to combat being homesick or lonely. The best way is to
immerse yourself in the myriad
activities that college offers. You can always hit the books,
but don't neglect your social life! Investigate and participate
in activities that interest you. Check out clubs, lectures,
movie screenings, and the like. Get to know your dormmates or
classmates--there will be plenty of opportunities to socialize
whether it's hanging out on the quad
or catching lunch with a couple of people in one of your classes.
It's easy to meet people in college, especially the first month
or so. Don't let worries that you may feel pressured to engage
in activities, such as drinking, that you're not comfortable
with prevent you from attending parties or other social events.
Even though there may be a permissive
attitude at some parties, generally there is little social pressure
to drink or engage in other dubious
activities. Usually 'partiers' respect the decisions of their
peers not to indulge.
Some students worry that they won't be able to have any sort
of social life because they fear that they won't be able to
handle the academic workload.
If you're one of those students, relax--if you didn't show
that you were capable of doing the work, you wouldn't have
been admitted. Sure your workload will probably be heavier
than what you're used to, but you'll also probably have more
time to take care of the work. The key to handling the workload
is organization and prioritization.
You will quickly learn which types of assignments deserve
the most attention and which types can be put off. If you
use your time wisely, you shouldn't have too much of a problem
keeping up. If you do run into problems, use the support system
built into just about any college. Don't hesitate to talk
to your professors, teaching assistant, and/or your academic
advisor if you feel that you're unable to handle the workload.
 Some
students worry about which courses to take and which major
to choose. If you don't know what you want to do after college
(and let's face it, there's no reason for anybody of college
age to know what profession they want to enter), select courses
that interest you and will expose you to different fields.
Most students know which major they want to pursue by the
time they have to formally choose one. Even if you are unsure
or later decides that your choice wasn't the best one, there
is usually time to switch majors. Don't forget, your major
doesn't have to determine what you do for the rest of your
life. Often the key to doing well academically in college
is to choose a major in a subject that you enjoy.
Most college fears are best confronted head on. Don't be
afraid to try new academic and extracurricular endeavors.
College may be a challenging and demanding time, but it should
also be richly rewarding and, ultimately, fun.
(610 words)
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