Are you prepared for life at college?
Transitioning from being the oldest and most influential from one place, to being the youngest and most vulnerable in another is a change stressful enough to knock the courage out of any one. Your first few months at college is no different, but this doesn’t mean it won’t be fun either.
‘One benefit of college life is that you’re in a completely different environment…you’re meeting different people from different backgrounds, from different areas…the diversity of it is my favourite thing, and probably the best thing about this college.’ As college student at City and Islington says. I think this is very true, especially if the college you’re attending is in a central location or in the city. Be prepared to meet anyone and everyone!
Well how do I make friends with people who have nothing in common with me?
That’s the best part! I’m sure other people feel that same way, you’re a stranger to whomever you regard as a stranger. Look, you already have something in common!
I asked the student I interviewed what the worst part of college was for her. She said, ‘I had to take a real exam last year’. In secondary school, you’re given five years preparation before you’re GCSE’s, not at A level! The fact that that college is more dependent on independent work didn’t help the issue.
Some tips a few students gave were:
• To buy as much stationary, folders, revision guides and organisational tools…it may not be useful at first but trust me, you’ll thank yourself if you were organised from the start
• Just because you’re in a different environment, it doesn’t mean your standards should slip. Keep a good record of attendance.
• Start revising early and make use of the revision tools and support your college or sixth form offers
• You might want to find other outlets apart from college if you’re struggling with outside college issues BUT always go to the help provided in your college first. If it’s not working out for you, have a chat with your guardians and a trusted friend or adult to see if there are other places that can help you with your issue
• Embrace the positives and negatives in college because if you’re planning to go to university, things will get much harder.
Don’t worry too much about starting out at a new college is the message here, but also worry enough to keep you alert!
