Transitioning from high school to college is a significant milestone in a student’s life. While it opens up new opportunities and experiences, it also presents various challenges. From classes and academic responsibilities to personal relationships, there are some notable differences in college life that students may struggle to adjust to after leaving high school.
Together, let’s talk through some differences you may notice when transitioning.
Classes and Academics
Unlike high school, college places a higher emphasis on independent learning. Students must learn how to manage their time with their academics. It is also crucial to learn how to study without constant supervision. In College, courses often involve large lectures with professors teaching through presentations. They also cover a larger volume of material within a shorter period, requiring students to have effective time management and study skills. It’s different from high school, where you’re in smaller lectures where teaching can be more intimate.
Talking to your professor
If you wanted to speak with the professor, you would most likely need to schedule office hours and talk to them if you need help with some of the material. You can meet with the teacher in high school before or after class. This huge shift from the interactive nature of high school classrooms can be challenging for some students. So it’s vital to learn how to be independent with your academics so you won’t fall behind.
Life and Personal Responsibilities
College offers newfound independence and freedom, which can be exhilarating and overwhelming. Students must learn to navigate decisions regarding their schedules, social life, and personal well-being without parental guidance.
Balancing academic commitments and social life requires you to have effective time management and self-discipline. It can be a struggle for some students because they may need to be used to balancing and adjusting to the increased workload. But making a schedule and allowing yourself time away from this will help tremendously.
New Roles
When you’re in high school, parents or siblings may have helped you manage your life more than you realized. Now, being away from you, you are in charge of everything. College often involves managing personal finances, such as budgeting expenses for tuition, textbooks, housing, and maybe most importantly, daily needs.
This transition can be challenging for many students, especially those who still need to gain prior experience with financial management. You usually would not manage these things in high school, so it’s a brand new playing field for students. But learning how to manage expenses is a process that you can learn as you go!
Relationships and Social Dynamics
College presents an opportunity to meet diverse individuals from various backgrounds, but building new friendships and navigating social dynamics can be intimidating. Students may need help finding social groups and friends. In high school, you can connect more with peers because you are in a smaller setting and can see the same students daily, making you more comfortable speaking with other students. But in college, you can’t be in that smaller environment where you can talk to other students you see every day.
You may go to the same school as students but aren’t in the same classes every day. This can be challenging to get out of your comfort zone because you are not used to this. But luckily, at college, you can meet other students by attending college events, finding a club, and joining various social groups such as fraternities and sororities.
Support Systems
When leaving for college, you also leave behind familiar support systems you had in high school. You may have gotten close with teachers who have been there giving their support, and in college, you may not get as close to all your professors because you spend so little time with them. They may need help to give you the support system you are used to, which can be hard to adjust.
Finding a support system at college is challenging, and for your first year, it may be overwhelming. But building a new support network, which includes peers, mentors, and faculty, is essential. Students should step out of their comfort zone to find new friends that can help build this support system. Also, if you live on campus, you can speak with your RA to be a part of your support system.
You Got This!
Transitioning from high school to college is a transformative experience in a student’s life. You may face many challenges, but it provides an opportunity for personal growth and development. You learn many different things that can help teach you valuable lessons.
By understanding these notable differences in classes, academic responsibilities, personal life, and relationships, students can proactively navigate these changes and make the most of their college experience. Always remember to seek support from campus resources to get the extra help you need. Also, always be open to new experiences during your college years to adapt to a new environment.
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Author: Nakota BlackElk-Noel
Nakota is currently a junior at Washington & Jefferson College in Pennsylvania. She enjoys collecting crystals, hanging out with friends, baking, and playing video games. She has brought much experience to GradGuard this summer because she’s been involved in various college productions and even hosted her own radio show.
