Reading an acceptance letter can be one of the happiest moments of someone’s life. For many, starting college in the fall is an exciting experience full of possibilities. However, the transition from high school to college can also be difficult for several reasons. Whether it be moving away from home and family or having to survive on your own, college can be daunting. Luckily, there are ways to make the transition as smooth and simple as possible.
I spoke with Aarav Shah, a Connect Me board member, about his college experiences and differences he noticed between high school and college. “For differences, I’ll say that you have a lot more free time in college compared to high school, so it’s important to be disciplined about your routine.”
There are many differences between high school and college such as class size and workload. As long as you have good time management skills and are able to create a baseline routine to follow, these differences shouldn’t have a large impact on your college experience.
He also shared valuable insight and advice about how to make college enjoyable outside of the classroom. “When you’re going into college, the most important thing is to put yourself out there however you can. It’s a good idea to get involved in stuff, even if you drop those extracurriculars later… and find friends that match your energy and vibe.”
Remember, college is supposed to be fun. Do things that you enjoy and meet people who also enjoy those things and have similar interests as you. This along with the aforementioned information ensures a happy medium between school and outside activities, which is essential.
Overall, it’s normal to feel anxious about moving away to college, it’s a major change that takes time to get used to. However, it’s important to remember to find excitement in the new chapter of your life. When you get to college, it’s also important to create a balance between schoolwork, extracurriculars, and outside activities to avoid burnout, minimize stress, and make your college experience as enjoyable as possible.
Author: Natalia Okitukunda, Media Department Member



