Your college applications are in, you’re working on your scholarship applications and all there is left to do is wait… and get excited! College is a very exciting time, and it’s often referred to as the best four (or two, six, eight, etc.) years of your life. We couldn’t agree more! High school was great, but there are reasons upon reasons why we love college even more – here are a few.
1. You’re in control of your classes.
High school had its high points, but sitting in a dull classroom learning trigonometry when you just wanted to be an English teacher one day definitely wasn’t one of them. In college, you’re much more in control of which classes you take, when you take them and who you take them with. You could even leave a few hours in between your classes for an infamous college-kid nap!
And the best part is that you can finally study subjects you’re really interested in. “You get more excited about what you’re doing because you are more focused on a subject that you are passionate about,” says Hannah Davis, a sophomore at Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Excited about school? That’s new!
2. It gives you some “real world” experience.
College is a great way to introduce you to the “real world” without fully launching you into it. “It might be partly because I’m located in the city, but I feel like college really gives you a feel for real life,” says Alex Watson, a freshman at the City University of New York. “I had to learn do routine things that I’d never thought about having to do, like buying toilet paper.”
That’s the great thing about college: it not only acts as an educational institution, but also as a segway of sorts between high school and “real life.” While high school may give you a taste of what it’s like to have some responsibilities, college really exposes you to the real world. You’ll have to learn to manage your time and bank account and adapt to being in control of your own actions.
3. You’re surrounded by new peers.
After four long years, you’re probably sick of your high school classmates. You’ve been through a lot together – assemblies, prom, numerous spirit weeks, painful math class requirements, etc. – but it’s about time to say goodbye. When you ship off to college, you’ll be introduced to an entirely new pool of people. Your new college friends are more likely to have similar interests as you and the same level of intellect as you, as they chose the same school – whereas in high school, you and your peers were forced together.
“There’s also freedom from judgment to an extent,” says Ivy Stafford, a sophomore at Keene State College in New Hampshire. “You’re free from past judgments people have cast on you, and you are also free [of] any expectations that you have to be a certain way. There are more people to chose from as friends, and you don’t need to ingratiate yourself upon people that you don’t have a lot of interest in.”
4. There’s no more high school drama.
In college, there’s really no room for that he-said-she-said silliness! Okay, there might be a few rumors flying around on your dorm floor, but the majority of that old high school drama will be a thing of the past. In college, you’re learning and growing up – not creating drama. College students are likely to be more mature than your high school peers, and they probably have more important things on their mind than petty gossip.
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5. It’s more rewarding.
A lot of high school students are intimidated by the prospect of college – after all, it’s a new place with new people and notoriously harder classes. But have no fear! You’ll get used to the transition, and you might even find that you like the challenge.
“College is more challenging academically, socially and personally, but also more rewarding,” says Ivy from Keene State College. It’s not just about memorizing vocabulary and mathematic formulas now – you’re actually learning what you want to learn, as well as the real-life skills that Alex mentioned!
“If you work hard and spend a lot of time, there’s a lot more opportunities in college to take on leadership/other important roles,” says Kendall Donohoe, a sophomore at Northeastern University.
College may be more of a challenge than high school, but it also churns out awesome rewards and opportunities.
6. You get the dorm living experience.
What’s better than a constant slumber party with your BFFs? In college – especially in your first year – you’re likely to be placed in a dorm with at least one roommate. And while you may have heard some roommate horror stories, many times it works out. Living in a room with another collegiette will help you bond and create friendships while also teaching you certain skills – like being quiet, respecting others’ space and cutting your shower time down! Dorm life is also a great way to make friends, as there are tons of people your age living all around you.
7. There are tons of extracurricular options.
Sure, your high school probably had a student government and varsity sports, but does it have a hiking organization? A vegetarian club? An a cappella group? Probably not – especially if your high school was small. Colleges, on the other hand, offer access to countless groups and clubs (not to mention, Greek life), so you’re bound to find one you’ll love. Extracurricular organizations are one of the best ways to meet new people and make friends with the same interests as you!
8. You have more independence.
“There’s a lot more freedom and independence in college,” says Hannah from Mass Art. “I get to stand on my own two feet and not worry about curfew or doing chores before Mom gets home.”
College means doing what you want when you want to. What you want to eat, where you want to go, when you want your bedtime to be – it’s finally all up to you. The freedom can be a little intimidating at first, but having so much responsibility really teaches you a lot about yourself. “Overall, it’s a whole new perspective with a little more responsibility, but a LOT more fun,” Hannah says.
Are you excited yet? College is a great experience, and we can’t wait for you to be able to see for yourself! High school may have been great, but college will offer you so much experience, teach you a ton about yourself and be loads of fun at the same time. Start getting excited for this awesome new chapter in your life, pre-collegiettes!