Differences are not always a bad thing!
1. Teachers Vs. Professors
Typically, high school teachers are more personable than the professors you will meet during your first year at college. This is because most high school teachers have more class time to spend engaging with students and smaller class sizes. If you are struggling or not understanding something properly in a college class, don't expect the professors to reach out to you and ask you if you need help. Once you begin college it is your responsibility to find the help you need whether its through attending office hours, getting a tutor, or asking for help from a classmate.
2. Class Schedules
Instead of sitting in class for eight hours a day, five days a week you may find that you only have three or four hours of classes to attend every weekday. This means that you will have a lot more time on your hands. It will be your choice on how you will fill this time. The majority of your free time should be spent studying because you can't succeed in your classes without doing so. Joining a club or a volunteer organization is a great way to spend the extra time you may have. By joining a club, you will have the opportunity to meet new friends and grow your network. Volunteering is the most obvious way to give back to your community and it can be a helpful addition to your resume.
3. The Food
There will be many more dining options on-campus at your college or university than there are at your high school. Most students far prefer the meal options offered at their college over the school lunches served at their high school! With so many different choices, it's important to make sure you are eating a balanced and healthy diet.
4. Your Social Group
When you go to college, your social group will inevitably change. It might be larger or smaller than it was in high school, but size is not what matters most. The most important thing is that the people within your circle of friends build you up and encourage you. One kind, loyal friend is more valuable than a hundred friends that don't bring out the best in you.
Your college years will likely be a lot different from your high school years, but that's a good thing. The freedom college life offers allows you to grow as a person and discover new passions.
