Experience of Being a University Student

I've completed five semesters of university so far and have learned along the way what being a university student is really like. If you are applying to colleges/universities, an incoming freshmen in January, transferring to a different school in the future, or just interested in knowing what college/university is like... please read on! I hope you enjoy and take away valuable information!

If you have read other blog posts of mine or are currently in college/university, you know that it's completely different than high school! If you didn't thrive academically in high school or thought you didn't "fit in" all of that changes once you start college/university. One of the most refreshing aspects to me about university is that most students are accepting of others of different backgrounds, cultures, and interests. There isn't a "norm" and there is less judgement. To me, this type of environment encourages everyone to seek new interests, interact with different people, and figure out their potential. I started my blog in the summer of 2016 (after my high school graduation). If I was graduating the following year instead of that year, I don't think I would have started a blog. I would have feared judgement from people at my school and probably feel bad for doing something "new and different".

University is great in that you get to create your own class schedule (no more 8:30am classes if you want!), take classes that interest you, be surrounded by different people from potentially all over the world, and discover your career interests and just interests in general. I know I've talked very highly of university so far, but the truth is that I'll always think of it as better than high school.

However, that being said there are still bad aspects of university.

It is a transition. It'll take some time to adjust to the professors, new people, new school, course workload, and city (if you choose to move away). If you looked into what your school has to offer, toured the campus, and feel that the school is a good fit for you... it'll be an easier transition. Once you start attending school you'll start to notice that the course material is harder, the professors can be more strict or have poor teaching skills, exams are worth more %, and that it's hard to balance it all. University is harder than high school, but what can make it easier is to develop good study habits in high school. When I was in high school, I made study sheets and studied for every test I had. I still use the study techniques I did then... for my university courses.

One of the biggest changes I have recognized throughout my time in university is the people themselves. Most of the people in university are more mature than students in high school. Not everyone in university is mature though, so you may come across people throughout your years that are immature, disrespectful and arrogant. Dealing with these kinds of people sucks in the moment, but it tests your ability to stand up for yourself and recognize who is negatively affecting your life. You learn more about yourself when you stop letting people treat you the way you shouldn't be treated! What I've learned about being a university student is that you can't force people to respect you, some people are "stuck in their ways" but you can refuse to tolerate their disrespect and get them out of your life.

To end this post on a positive note... university is suppose to be an enjoyable but challenging time of your life! You get to expand your knowledge and develop career interests... all while building good time management skills that you'll use for the rest of your life. Expect to study hours on end for finals, come across a week or two with multiple assignment deadlines, but also to meet unique people and have unforgettable times with your friends!

#univeristy #college