College Experience Paper

Karla Ferreiras
Jason Pistorino
College 101
December 11, 2011
My First Semester at CW Post

The biggest adaption I have had to make in my life was moving away for college. Not only is it totally different from old high school in relation to the contents of classes and homework, but also completely different from my life back at home in the Manhattan. Living on my own, coming in as a freshman, and also coming in not knowing anyone was very hard to adapt to, needless to say, this was something like I had never experienced before. College classes are not that much more difficult than high school courses, the only difference is that in college I have to do all of my homework outside of class. I have to take it upon myself to get to the library if needed or meet teachers during their office hours. Another big difference between high school and college is the importance of the each test. Unlike in high school, where daily assignments can help bring up your grade, the main source of grading in college is the test. With possibly only three tests per semester in certain classes, I am under a heavy burden to do well on each test. Also, with all of the independence I now have, homework and studying are not always my first priorities here in college. I would much rather spend time with my friends, watch television, or go to a party than do my schoolwork. I have found that all the distractions that are present in college life lead to procrastinating, and procrastination leads to stress. There have been many times when I have put off doing an assignment until the night before the assignment was due. It is obvious that as a college student, I have had to adapt to a whole new style of learning.
Another thing that I have had to adapt to is living on my own without having my parents looking out for me. Since I do not have a curfew anymore, I feel more independent than I ever have before. I no longer have to worry about coming home too late or telling anyone where I'm going to be. Coming home means going back to my dorm room instead of my room at my parent’s house. I do not have to ask anyone for permission, so for the most part, I do whatever I want. This has both its advantages and disadvantages. Advantages are that I can do more than I have before and I can do more experimenting and exploring without having to check in with anyone. However, this could lead to problems, such as with school and can lead to failure if I do not manage my social and study time wisely. As a rule, we are responsible of handling our own very carefully.
Along with independent living, I have learned to effectively manage my money wisely while living on campus. College costs are rising every year, while financial aid becomes increasingly less. Spending for college must be carefully mapped out, because if money is not spent wisely, I might not be able to afford the necessary materials. It’s so easy to over spend in college, between ordering food and going out with friends or school supplies and books, you never know where all your moneys goes. Managing your money is very important for those who live on campus.
In college I got to meet many new people and make new friends. I thought it would be more difficult to meet new people because I'm very quiet and reserved person, yet I was amazed at how easy it was to talk to new people and get acquainted with them. Everybody is in the same boat upon arrival at college, not too many people know each other, and usually they are very willing to strike up a conversation to get to know some people. I have greatly enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends here at CW Post. I think I made the right choice by going away for college.
Now coming to the end my first semester of college, my feelings are so much different from coming into my first semester back in September. I remember not wanting to move in, and I dreaded each day that got closer to moving day. Now I dread each day that’s getting closer to the end of semester and going home for vacation. It’s only my first semester and I already love college.