Dispel the myths about college life. Don't fall for the clichés—learn what college is really like and how to thrive.
Myth: You'll be endlessly socializing.
Reality: You'll do a lot of things alone.
Let's be clear, this isn't a bad thing. College brings so many opportunities to meet new people and be social, but not every experience you have will or even should be filled with company. It's completely normal to study at the library alone, to eat meals at the dining hall by yourself, and to spend time in your dorm just chilling and recharging on your own. Not every waking moment needs to be spent with other people. Taking time for yourself can help you develop a better understanding of who you are and make the time you share with others much more meaningful.
Myth: It's easy to make friends in college.
Reality: You have to make an effort to make friends.
It doesn't have to be a big effort, but an effort nonetheless. In high school, you see the same people for seven hours a day, five days a week. In college, you won't see someone on a regular basis unless you make the effort to. And the tough truth is that even if you join clubs or play intramural sports or participate in campus events, you are still not guaranteed to make a friend. How come? Because in college, forming friendships requires intentionality. You have to not only make an effort to talk to people, but you need to make an effort to be an active listener as well. The best advice here, besides putting yourself out there, is to socialize with an open mind. It's not high school anymore, so stop judging people. Instead, focus on building positive connections with them.
Myth: General education courses are a waste of time.
Reality: General education courses give you a versatile and well-rounded academic experience.
Gen-ed courses shaped my academic career in college. It got me interested in subjects I would've never had the chance to learn about had I not taken those classes. I even added a minor to my degree because of one of my gen-ed courses. Besides, learning a broad skillset is not a bad thing. You're most likely going to have to take at least one gen-ed class anyway (yes, even if you're entering college with a gazillion college credits from high school AP/IB classes), so you might as well approach them with a positive attitude and growth mindset. You're bound to get something valuable out of it, I promise.
Myth: Only certain majors lead to successful careers.
Reality: Success is determined by YOU, not your major.
First off, let's split the dichotomy between certain majors. It really doesn't matter if one major has "harder" classes than another, because none of that means squat when it comes to success in the real world. The hard and soft skills you acquire, the personal drive you have, and you're ability to adapt is what counts. Don't pick a major you'll hate studying just because people claim it'll make you a lot of money after college. Be resourceful and mindful of your choices, and you will find success.
Myth: College will be the best time of your life.
Reality: Life after college doesn't have to suck unless you let it.
You know how people say it's bad if you peak in high school? Ok, well, it's bad if you peak in college, too. There's so much more to life past your years of education. Things don't have to decline in excitement and social fun unless you allow it to. I know a lot of people will disagree with that, but it's just because they're stuck living in a conventional framework of life. Remember that it's YOUR life, and YOU get to decide what to make of it.
College isn't the pinnacle of a fulfilling life. It's the launching pad.
