Leaving the nest and moving on to the next phase in your life is exhilarating but at the same time, there are also plenty of reasons why entering college is scary and nerve-racking. After being sheltered by your parents for so long, it feels strange to have to adapt to a new way of life, especially if you are moving across the country. I think all undergraduates are having the same type of worries and concerns and it’s completely normal; it would only be unnatural if you didn’t see why entering college is scary.
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1. Living on Your Own
Having to live on your own and be in charge of your own life is why entering college is scary. You are not going to have to have your mom do your laundry and take care of you when you get sick, and your dad won’t be there to look out for you. You’ve always wanted to be treated like an adult but be careful what you wish for because once you get the taste of the real world, you are going to wish you haven’t… we all will!
2. Leaving Everything behind
Going out of town is bittersweet, you’ll have the chance to start out fresh and meet new people but it also means that you will have to leave everything you’ve been so used to in the past. It’s most likely that your group of friends will be scattered around, and you are unsure what the future holds for you and your friendships. Last semester of high school may very well be the last time you come in contact with these people!
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Entering college can be a scary and intimidating experience. It’s a huge transition from high school and can be overwhelming for many. One of the scariest parts of entering college is leaving everything behind. You’re leaving behind your old friends and the familiar places you’ve grown up in. It’s likely that your group of friends will be scattered around and you’re unsure what the future holds for you and your friendships. This could be the last time you come in contact with these people.
The transition from high school to college can be difficult for many. You’re going from a familiar atmosphere to a completely new one. You’ll have to make new friends, get used to a different environment, and adjust to the new academic expectations. It’s important to remember that you’re not the only one going through this transition. There are plenty of other students who are feeling the same way.
Frequently asked questions
3. Making New Friends
I think some of my main concerns about going away for college are having to make new friends and finding people I can trust. Naturally with time, we are all going to form groups of friends and maybe even form lifelong connections, but until then we have to start fresh. Everyone has a fear of not belonging and not fitting in, so keep in mind that what you are feeling is probably what the other freshmen are feeling too!
4. Learning Work Ethics
Although your parents might be helping out with your tuition, moving out comes with a certain responsibility for your own finances. It is time to learn how to support yourself and learn the fundamental work ethics. So getting a job and keeping it should be one of your top priorities alongside getting a good education. It’s a lot of work and stress but it’s time you face the inevitable!
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Moving out to college is a big step in life and it can be a very overwhelming experience. With the newfound freedom of being away from home comes the responsibility of taking care of yourself and your finances. Learning how to work and develop a strong work ethic is an important part of the college experience. It is essential to be able to support yourself financially and to learn how to manage your money.
Finding a job and keeping it is a great way to gain experience and build relationships with employers and colleagues. Working while in college can also help you develop time management skills as you juggle classes, studying, and a job.
It is important to remember that having a job is not just about earning money; it is also about learning how to work hard and be a part of a team. Working while in college can teach you valuable skills such as problem solving, communication, and how to work under pressure.
Although college can be a stressful time, it is also an opportunity to learn important life skills. Learning how to work and develop a strong work ethic is an important part of the college experience that will benefit you for the rest of your life.
5. Adjusting to New Lifestyle
Whether you grew up in the city and now moving into a more rural area or vice versa, you might experience a huge culture shock. Personally coming from New York City, a city that never sleeps, I am used to cultural diversity, busy streets, traffic, exciting events, and just the fast paced lifestyle so going from that to a more peaceful town might take some time to adjust and learn to appreciate the new way of life.
6. Homesickness
Like it or not at some point of adjusting to college life you might experience feelings of anxiety due to separation from your loved ones. When students leave for college they leave behind their support system and a certain sense of comfort, which is why homesickness is common. However keep in mind that you can always come back to visit and in the meantime there are always social media services, which can help you to stay connected.
7. Time to Get Cracking
The whole point of going to college is getting one step closer to pursuing your career and getting a solid education, so you must know that this is the time to get cracking and get the show on the road! You might be used to being one of the smartest kids in class but college is a lot more challenging than you think, with thousands of students taking the same career path!
As frightening and unnerving going away for college may be, these might be the best years of your life. This is basically your stepping stone between childhood years and adult life! If you are just entering college, what are some of your fears and expectations and if you are already past that point, was college everything you thought it would be?
Comments
Jane: not to mention how crazy hard it is :/...you know to get some actual good grades
Margareta: Oh God, I'm going to university overseas. Way overseas. I've been on my little Australian island most my life, so yeah. Homesickness, cultural shock. I've been to America once though! Thinking about college makes me intimidated on its own.
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