The next big step in life: college. The final chapter before heading off into the real world. Make the most of your college experience because there is truly nothing like it.
Most of you reading this will be either heading off to college very soon, or are in the process of looking for colleges. I spoke to two current college students at two amazing schools and a current senior to get their thoughts.
Current senior Sam Beaton, and alumni Denny Blom and Jack Taylor, may all be hours apart-have different majors-and have different goals in life; however, they all are going to share similar yet very different college experiences.
Denny Blom
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Current Ohio State University Student
Denny Blom is finishing up his freshman year at THE Ohio State University and had a chance to reflect on it with me. We spoke about the transition from high school, social life, dorms, tips, and the overall environment at college.
The transition from high school to college can be very difficult and stressful, especially going to a college 8 hours away from home. Freshman typically struggle with finding new friends, dealing with home sickness, and having to focus on themselves without relying on family.
“The transition to college was a lot harder than I initially expected,” Blom told me. “The amount of time that has to be spent on school work per week was a wake up call as well as being responsible for everything myself and not having anyone to help me.”
Denny is an outgoing person who is very social with people so making friends could have been a little easier because of his personality.
“College life is great, the work is hard but rewarding and I have a great group of friends. I am in a club. I really enjoy my weekends, they are a lot of fun and the environment is one that I feel like is really welcoming if you put yourself out there,” Blom said.
Outside of his school work, Denny is involved a lot with his social life. People who are not as social or are introverted could find this part of college a little more difficult. Denny told me the best way to make college life easier and better is to put yourself out there to find your people.
When it came to tips for upcoming freshmen to make sure they are prepared, Denny said to make the most of it, have a lot of fun but also take your work very seriously.
“Tips would be don’t skip classes, put yourself out there, and have fun,” Denny suggested. “The fact that I’m done with classes already for freshman year feels crazy so really enjoy every second you can.”
Even though graduates are ready for college, they still like to reminisce about high school days:. missing the people you saw every day, grew up with, and spent your young lives with. That was what Denny missed the most about high school.
“From high school I miss my friends, being able to see people you’ve grown up with everyday is a privilege you don’t really appreciate until you can’t anymore. As well as relationships with teachers– being at a big school it’s much harder for me to make relationships with my professors and having that with teachers was always very helpful,” Denny said.
Denny also told me how it is harder to build relationships with his teachers because of how big his classes are. Ohio State is a huge school, one of the largest in the U.S., so class sizes are going to be in the hundreds. This can be different for other schools; however, smaller schools mean smaller classes which could allow you to be able to create a bond with your teachers.
When asked to rate how his first year went, Denny had nothing but great things to say: “I would rate my first year of college as a great year, but also a very important year. I met some great people I enjoy being around, and I also found out how much effort I need to put into school to be successful. Overall, it was a great year and I can’t wait for the next three.”
Jack Taylor
Major: Marketing
Current Seton Hall University Student
Similar to Denny, Jack is a freshman at the tail end of his first year in college. Jack had a very similar yet very different experience than Denny. He informed me on a lot of the same things Denny told me but also some things he wished he had known before venturing off to college.
Jack also had a tough time transitioning from high school to college.
“The transition was tough at first, but at least for me, I got used to being away from home after a while,” he explained. “You’re around a lot of new people and gain independence that you didn’t have before, but once I got settled it wasn’t too bad.”
This is how it is for the majority of people: it starts off hard but overtime you settle in and realize you are going to be just fine.
One big difference Jack had compared to Denny was his dorm situation. Jack was fortunate enough to get a suite with a couple roommates.
“I got lucky with my dorm situation, as most schools have the dreaded communal bathrooms in their freshman dorms. But, I was able to get a suite with my roommate and another room sharing a bathroom, and all three of my roommates are some of the best friends I’ve made thus far at school,” Jack said. “I would recommend anyone to take a suite over communals if that is an option at their school. I love the campus environment here as well.”
He also pointed out how active people are on campus and some of the perks of being so close to NYC.
“Many people are active in our campus community, through clubs, greek life, and countless other opportunities,” Jack said. “With Seton Hall being just 14 miles from Manhattan, I can take a 30 minute train into the city anytime I want, which has also been very fun.”
Jack agreed with Denny about how important it is to put yourself out there at college and how much it can help you not only make friends but feel more comfortable: “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, even if you’re not a super outgoing person. Everyone is in the same situation as you are, and everyone wants people to hang out with. But on a similar note, the people you’re friends with in the first month of school most likely won’t end up being your best friends at college, and that’s okay; everyone eventually finds their people.”
When asked about what he wished he knew before college, Taylor said, “This definitely varies from school to school, but the dining hall food isn’t that bad, though you’ll get sick of it at times. Something I also wish I knew was that it’s going to be hard to have some time to yourself to recharge, so make sure you find that time because it is very important.”
Overall, Jack had nothing but great things to say about his first year at Seton Hall University.
“I’ll give it a 9, because hopefully my next three years will be even better,” Jack said. “I love Seton Hall so far, and recommend anyone looking at colleges to consider!”
Sam Beaton
Major: Business
Future Bucknell University Student
With college silently but quickly approaching, I had a chance to speak with senior Sam Beaton about his future in college. He is very excited and thinks he is very prepared for what is ahead.
When it comes to what Beaton is looking forward to, Sam said, “I am really looking forward to meeting new people. I am also looking forward to exploring the beautiful town of Lewisburg and all they have to offer!”
College workloads can be very stressful and cause the majority of problems for the students. Beaton believes that New Hartford has prepared him for what is to come.
“I feel like New Hartford school district has prepared me for any workload I will encounter in my near future,” Sam said.
Sam knows that expanding his horizon is a very smart and important thing to do to ensure he makes the most of his college experience.
“Many college kids have told me to not be afraid to expand my horizon, for example, try things you would have never thought you would have done in your hometown. By doing that, it is a great way of meeting new people,” Sam said.
At the end of the day, college is a big step in a person’s life; it comes with its highs and lows but is a very important time in your life. For upcoming freshmen, go make the most of it, put yourself out there for who you really are. For people starting to think about college or are currently looking, find somewhere you feel you will fit in, find somewhere that feels like home– you’ll know.
Finally, stay in touch with your high school friends, the people you grew up with and spent every day with. Don’t lose the people that you spent years with, but also go out and make new friends. Go join a club, go talk to that person, and go be yourself. Good luck to everyone!!
