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Nobody really knows what college is like before you go. If you’re an incoming freshman, you might have some misconceptions about what is glamorized in movies and what is normal. Knowing the difference will give you an advantage over others who are making these common college mistakes.

It’s no secret that college is very different from high school. This article will help you avoid the typical freshman college mistakes.

College students Just Party

Made popular through film, it’s easy to believe that a huge part of college culture is partying hard. The reality is that there are so many different students at any given school, that even if a college has a party school reputation, it’s not likely that the vast majority of students spend their weekends out clubbing and dancing. Most days involve studying, going to class, and hanging out with friends in between. Check out our article about steps to a successful semester. 

Your Time is Best Spent Studying

If you’re planning on pursuing a master’s degree or attending medical school, then your grades do matter. But there are many career fields where grades aren’t as important as experience. For art and business majors, experience and a portfolio are more valuable than a perfect GPA. Use college connections to land internships while you’re in school, and include projects into your portfolio to increase your chances of getting hired after you graduate.

Your Roommates will be Your Best Friends

The truth is that whether you’re rooming with someone you do or don’t know, there’s a chance you won’t get along. Many college freshmen look forward to rooming with their best friend only to find out their living habits don’t mix well together. There are a lot of people out there, so the best thing you can do is try to be a thoughtful roommate yourself and respect whoever you’re living with.

Everyone Graduates in 4 Years

With rising tuition costs, many more students take time off between semesters to earn money for college. The average time it currently takes for students to earn a four-year degree is six years.

More Expensive Colleges are Better

There are many factors that determine what college is the best fit for you. You may want to pick a college that offers a well-known degree in your field of choice. Pick a college based on your specific needs, not what you’ve heard other people say is best. 

Your Major Determines Your Career

The majority of students who enter college are taking classes as they’re learning what they want to do. If your major is specific, then that may lead you to a career path, but it doesn’t guarantee it. Graduates still can explore their interests after college, and many don’t end up in the career field they originally planned.

College life is what you make it. It can be a great time for learning and exploration, but everything may not be how you thought it was. Follow these tips to avoid common freshman pitfalls.

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References

-“Does College GPA Matter When Looking for a Job?” - https://www.noodle.com/articles/does-college-gpa-matter-when-looking-for-a-job

-“On average, college students ‘are taking six years to get a four-year degree’” - https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2013/aug/11/ron-johnson/average-college-degree-takes-six-years-us-sen-ron-/#:~:text=Johnson%20said%20that%20on%20average,duration%20is%20about%20six%20years

Tags: College, College Hacks, Success