echo By Lum Triny
Ah the new year, how most of us longed for it! To many, the start of the new year (and also a new decade) means new possibilities, resolutions that we won’t follow, and 2020 planners that we’ll forget about in 2 months. However, for many people (particularly those between the ages of 16-22) it also means starting college, and what better way to start off the new year than the dawning realisation that you’re entering a new and unfamiliar world of academia which will leave you in a puddle of your own tears and/or overdue assignments.
I’m pretty sure a ton of people have given you their own personal experiences and opinions on what college is like. This results in putting a bunch of expectations in your head that might not even be true!
Wait! Don’t panic just yet! Yeah college is scary, but there are some things you might be overexaggerating in your own head. Don’t fret, because I’m here to give it to you straight on what college is REALLY like while debunking certain expectations or fears you might have.
1) Productivity!
Expectations:
You’re thinking, ‘Hey, you know what? New decade, new me! I’m going to work really hard and stay at the top of my work! Procrastination who? I’m going to take this chance to get my life together!’.
Reality:
Maybe you’re going to keep it together for the first semester but trust me when I say you are going to BURN OUT by the second semester. Timing is very important and unfortunately sometimes time is just not on your side. You are GOING to be behind schedule sometimes and you might have some overdue homework once in awhile, but that’s part of the college experience. Remember to take it easy every now and then.
2) Teachers!
Expectations:
You’ve just finished your secondary level education and most of your teachers have probably mentioned how scary and strict college lecturers are and how it’ll mostly be independent studying. Basically, you’re screwed.
Reality:
Surprise surprise! That’s not always the case! Ask anyone completing their foundation program, not all of the lecturers are that scary! Of course, you have an exceptional few that might strike a bit of anxiety in you, but most of them are super chill (granted, you’re not a bad student). A majority of the college lecturers are very experienced in teaching and they’re all actually really nice. They exceed the expectations of most students because they really are dedicated to teaching, which in turn makes you WANT to learn. But don’t take advantage of that, self learning and studying is just as important!
3) Fashion/Style
Expectations:
Finally! Say goodbye to boring school uniforms, you’re going to wear everything you’ve ever bought! You’re a fashion ICON! One trendy outfit after another! You’re going to be the talk of the campus.
Reality:
All I’m going to say is, that-one-hoodie you have is going to be your best friend. Maybe on certain days you have enough energy to dress up and look nice but don’t feel insecure when you’re not dressed to the nines, because at that point nobody is. A big thing to note though, is how drastically your style might change when in college because of the sudden freedom you’re given. Many of us find our true ‘style aesthetic’ in college and that just diversifies as you go along. So experiment as much as you can with fashion, because you’ll never know what style you like until you try it.
4) Romantic relationships???
Expectations:
I can’t wait to meet someone in college and fall in love, it’s going to be so romantic! We’ll have our breaks together, hold hands on the way to class and maybe even have study dates!
Reality:
Chances are, you’re going to be way too busy to even look at someone. Dating in college is not as easy as it seems, everyone is bustling around the halls, running up and down stairs to get to their next class on the other side of campus, people probably won’t even have time to notice you batting your eyelashes at them. That, or you might not find anyone that’s particularly your type. Though, don’t let me ruin your dreams of getting that To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before romance! There are a few lucky ones that manage to find someone to share the college experience with!
5) Sleep
Expectations:
Say goodbye to sleep and hello assignments! College is going to make you burn that midnight oil and the only sleep you’re getting is never.
Reality:
Depending on which course you’re taking, a lot of us have never slept better in our lives. You will definitely have some late nights and sometimes even sleepless nights but comparing it to secondary/high school? Get your pajama pants ready.
6) Food!
Expectations:
Better food but definitely pricier compared to school food. Maybe it’s better to pack your own food instead?
Reality:
This is really subjective because it depends on where you are. In Sunway, you can definitely expect better food compared to the cafeteria lunches you’re so used to in school. There are way too many choices around Sunway, and because of that a majority of your break time goes to intense discussions among your friend group on what or where to eat today. In terms of the cost? You can expect to spend about an average of RM10 per day on food.
7) Broke-ness level
Expectations:
College is expensive so I’m going to try my best to save up! No more buying useless junk or spending unnecessarily on food!
Reality:
Honestly? There’s a reason why being broke is a stereotype for college kids. It’s like your money has a mind of its own, you can’t control it.
8) Friends
Expectations:
Oh no! You’re leaving all your old buddies that you met in high school! You’re absolutely devastated but also excited to meet new people. Wait, but what if they’re mean or they don’t want to hang out with you?
Reality:
Really listen to me when I say this; the people you meet in college are going to be some of the best and most significant people in your life. The longest friendships are the ones formed during college and university and these are the ones that last the test of time. Everyone wants a fresh start, so don’t be shy and introduce yourself to everyone, because you’ll never know who is going to be your next best pal.
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See? That wasn’t so bad right? Hopefully I’ve managed to prepare you by giving you some insight into what college life is really about. But take this with a pinch of salt, each individual’s experience is different from the next. Take it in strides as it’s all part and parcel of the college life.
