According to the dictionary, a College/University is defined as an institution of learning of the highest level, having a college of liberal arts and a program of graduate studies together with several professional schools, as of theology, law, medicine, and engineering, and authorized to confer both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
What the dictionary fails to mention is all of the hardships and fun students face along the way. College promises to be the best time of your life, but also one of the most difficult. We asked college students to share their valuable advice about adjusting to a new place with new faces, rules and expectations. Here is what they said:
Think you are ready for the real world? Think again. Corinne Simon, a student at Juniata College located in Huntingdon, Pa., and a graduate of York Catholic High School, has learned that there is so much more to being an adult than just independence.
Corinne Simon is currently studying abroad in Australia.
“I have learned that I actually knew nothing about being an adult in high school. College forces you to grow up because you don’t have your parents there to constantly remind you to do homework, go to class, etc.,” said Simon, class of 2016.
Her advice to new freshmen? Take it all in stride and do not lose hope
“Remember that it WILL be hard in the beginning, but once you get settled in, it will be the best years of your life,” said Simon in an email.
College is a time for self-discovery and self-mastery. No idea how to accomplish that? Do not sweat it because you will figure it out. Daniel Pyle, a student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, or UMBC for short, who just completed his first year of college, gained more confidence in himself and his abilities.
“I learned that I can be successful on my own and be independent despite there being the occasional daunting challenge,” said Pyle, UMBC class of 2018 and a graduate of Towson High School for Law and Public Policy.
Daniel Pyle is thoroughly enjoying his time at UMBC.
For some, college was a long-awaited rite of passage that could not come quickly enough.
“College was what I expected. Compared to high school, it is a time of great freedom and fun. The opportunities to meet new people and try new things are very exciting. At the same time, it is a time of hard work and sacrifice,” said Christopher Mathews, a student at the University of Pittsburgh.
Mathews agrees with Pyle that college is like a new awakening, full of life lessons.
“I learned that I could get along with just about anyone, which is important when you live on a floor with 26 other people. I also learned to better budget my time, especially when it comes to schoolwork. Getting out of the bad habit of procrastinating was big for me,” said Mathews, a graduate of Spring Grove Area High School.
Scared that it will be all work and no play? Never fear, there will be plenty of time for both if you learn how to handle the two.
Christopher Mathews is studying to be a physician’s assistant.
“My advice to freshmen is to study hard, have your priorities straight, and have fun. The college years will be some of your best. You will meet lifelong friends and create lasting memories. That said, it is important to remember why you’re at college; getting your education and learning everything you possibly can,” said Mathews.
Mathews advises that if you believe that you belong at college, then everything will work itself out.
“If you enjoy the process of learning and growing and have a good balance of work and play, college will be splendid for you. I know it is for me,” said Mathews, University of Pittsburgh class of 2017.
Afraid of meeting new people? Do not be shy! Every freshmen will be in the same boat as you. No one knows anyone or their background. So, get out there and get involved.
“I think what you expect to get out of the experience you can as long as you put yourself out there and do things you know you need to do. Just don’t be too crazy. I learned that in order to get through life you really have to put yourself out there and talk to people. I learned that the best way to do that was through humor. Join a few clubs, I suggest at least two,” said Kaitlyn Dudek, a student at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., and a graduate of York Catholic High School.
Kaitlyn Dudek has been cast in several of Saint Vincent College’s plays.
Just do not forget the real reason you are at college. Procrastination seems to be a common mistake among freshmen. Dudek agrees with Simon that class is of the utmost importance.
“Pay attention and show up for class. It’s important. Take as many notes as you can, you never know what you’re going to need later. Make sure you get sleep and DO NOT procrastinate,” said Dudek in an email.
Do not just wish your college years away. Seize each and every new day as a chance to make memories that will last a lifetime. After all, it was Philip Stanhope, the 4th Earl of Chesterfield, that said, “Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”
“You’ll only be a freshman in college once,” said Dudek, Saint Vincent College class of 2018. “You want to have fun and experience new things and live in the world. You’ll remember your college years for the rest of your life. You’ll come out with lifelong friends, a solid education, and a sense of who you are.”