Answering your concerns about starting college!
I know that everyone has a lot of anxiety about what to expect from college, I certainly did. People often worry about the impression they’re going to make, or if they’re going to embarrass themselves. So I’m here to answer some common college anxieties people have!
1. Will it be weird if I show up to class 5-10 minutes early?
No, it will not be weird at all. Especially if you do this during the first week of classes. This isn’t high school where everyone just strolls in a minute after the bell; most of your classmates will be early too. I typically show up 5 minutes early to my classes so that I can get myself organized, and by the time I enter the room, 50% of the class is already there. No one will care or even notice if you’re early.
2. How late is too late to walk into a class?
This really depends on the class and your professor. It’s usually safe to just go with your gut on this. If there’s ten minutes left of class, it’s not really worth it. However, if you’re ten minutes late you can probably walk in without it being a big deal. If you’re worried you might come off as lazy, just talk to your professor after class and apologize for being late.
That said, if it’s the first or second day of a class, a professor probably won’t care if you show up unreasonably late. They understand that students get lost trying to find buildings or classrooms, and I’ve seen people walk in half an hour late during syllabus week.
3. Will I seem like too much of a Freshman when asking for directions?
God no. I had to give directions to a Junior because he didn’t know where the Sociology building was. Surprisingly, people are usually pretty happy to give directions.
4. I’m worried about getting lost, what should I do?
Sometimes it can be embarrassing to just carry a map around, but if you don’t care about that, go for it! Otherwise, many universities have maps available online that you can pull up on your phone. Just put some headphones in and look at your phone when you need directions. It’ll just look like you’re using your phone.
5. Is eating alone in the dining hall weird?
Not really. Honestly, no one really notices. Plus a ton of people eat breakfast and lunch alone simply because their schedules conflict with their friends’ schedules. It’s no big deal.
6. Do college students take notes on a laptop or paper?
It’s usually half and half, depending on the class. If it’s a math class, students pretty much always write hand-written notes. Otherwise, there’s a good mixture of both. Just do what’s comfortable and helpful to you, not what everyone else is doing! Everyone learns differently.
7. Are finals really as bad as people say they are?
They’re certainly harder than the finals you took during high school, but your finals in college don’t have to be overwhelmingly anxiety inducing as long as you keep up with your classes. As someone who studies often and always goes to class ready to take notes, I don’t have too much trouble preparing for finals. However, if you regularly skip class and take sub-par notes, then that’s a different story.
8. Is it weird to wear clothes advertising another university?
Honestly, you could show up to class in anything and no one will really care. People will just assume you’re a fan of a team from a school if you wear their gear.
9. Should I have my textbooks on the first day?
No. Unless your professor sent out a mass email telling the class that you need the book for the first week, don’t buy it yet. You might end up not needing it.
10. Are professors intimidating?
Every professor is different, but in general I have found that professors treat you like equals much more than high school teachers do. Professors can be your friends, and they are some of the most important connections you can make. Don’t be intimidated, and get to know some professors well. You’ll need them for references and recommendation letters someday.
11. Is living with a roommate for the first time hard?
Honestly, experiences with roommates are on a spectrum. You might become best friends with your roommate, but you might also end up with a crazy roommate who attempts to control your entire life. In all likelihood, you’ll probably end up with someone you get along with, at least to the point where you can be civil with each other. But if you find that your living environment simply isn’t bearable, TALK TO YOUR ROOMMATE, and if that doesn’t work, don’t be afraid to talk to your RA and request a room change in between semesters.
