Hey there! Are you about to embark on a new phase of your life and are you worried about what lies ahead? First of all, know that this insecurity is a completely understandable feeling. After all, the beginning of your college journey is a time of transition.
But you can stop worrying now! In this post, we have brought you a series of questions that will give you an idea of what the next few years of your life will be like and guide you as you enter college. Keep reading and prepare yourself for your college journey!
The beginning of the university journey: period of adaptation
Entering college represents a new world in a young person’s life — quite a change of phase, isn’t it? The anticipation of freshmen , combined with the concern about the responsibilities that lie ahead, can generate a certain amount of anxiety. This is a common feeling, but any strangeness will only last a few days.
The beginning of your college journey is marked by a period of adaptation. Little by little, you will get used to your classmates, the dynamics of the classes, and the college environment, and this anxiety will be replaced by a feeling of familiarity.
Differences in relation to High School
Students who start college thinking that they will find an extension of high school may be in for a reality check. After all, it is a completely new world, with more autonomy for students, less concern for popularity, and which demands commitment from adults.
Not only is the methodology of the classes different, but so is the diversity of the people you will meet. But there is a motivating element in this scenario: most university students are there with the purpose of starting a career , and not with a feeling of obligation.
The extensive load of knowledge
Another reality that has an impact right at the beginning of your university journey is the amount of content you have to absorb. There are several subjects, each with its own load of theories and stories of the pioneers.
In addition, each subject has its own schedule of assessments, assignments and seminars — in fact, here are two other points that scare freshmen: exam period and presentation of work. But don’t worry, because as the semester progresses, you develop your own strategies to deal with these and other challenges.
Student autonomy
One big difference you will notice, especially compared to your school days, is the autonomy that college students have. The truth is simple and straightforward: your academic performance depends solely on your commitment.
Teachers will not insist that you pay attention in class. The door is always open for students who decide to enter or leave the room. In other words, one of the first things you learn during your university journey is that you have the freedom to conduct your studies as you wish.
However, you need to keep in mind that everything has its price: the more dedication, the better the performance. On the contrary, if you don’t make good use of your freedom, you will have results below expectations.
The challenge of managing your own time
Speaking of autonomy and freedom, you might think that entering adulthood means doing only what you want. You’re wrong! The accumulation of commitments is one of the challenges of the university journey. This is because, in addition to the multiple academic tasks, you still have to balance studies and work , not to mention personal activities.
Efficient time management is therefore a skill that every student needs to develop. If there is no daily planning, there is a risk of getting lost amidst so many demands and not meeting your deadlines.
The importance of controlling finances
College tuition, money for transportation and food, books, photocopies, handouts and even that extra-curricular outing with the college group. The college journey also demands certain expenses, therefore it requires financial control.
Do you already have an emergency fund, a college fund, or something like that? Great! But do your best to save money and be prepared for the unexpected.
Doing a paid internship, finding a temporary job or working as a freelancer are also alternatives to acquire knowledge and not be left with an empty wallet.
Multiple opportunities and academic projects
In addition to all the challenges we have already described, prepare your schedule and set aside some very important time for complementary activities — these are opportunities that the college offers to students who want to go beyond the learning provided in the curriculum.
In addition to deepening your knowledge and increasing the description of extracurricular activities on your resume , you come into contact with different realities and expand your professional preparation.
Here are some examples of activities you can enjoy:
- monitoring programs;
- scientific initiation;
- internship;
- volunteering;
- exchange program ;
- participation in congresses, symposia and lectures;
- extension courses.
Building good relationships
During your university journey, it is undeniable that you will meet a lot of people — professors, classmates, students from other courses and periods, students and professionals at academic events, etc. Among all these contacts , some can turn into solid professional relationships.
This shows that college is the perfect time to start building your famous network. After all, there are many people there who are following the same path as you, meaning that sooner or later an opportunity may arise in which your name will be a reference. Therefore, it is worth noting that all the effort shown in college can be used to benefit your career.
The complete transformation of the individual
You have seen that your college journey will be full of challenges, but know that each one of them represents a further step in your personal growth. Throughout the years of college, the student goes through a global transformation: skills are shaped and critical thinking is improved, bringing new attitudes and points of view.
The journey may seem tiring and full of obstacles, but the rewards are your guarantee that it is worth it to keep going. In the final stretch of your university journey, experience will be your ally and you will easily reach the long-awaited achievement of your diploma.