Future college student needs advice…

[Anonymous]

Hi

I come from a family that didn’t go to university so I need advice from people who have been to college please .

The university that I’m accepted to has so many different activities and clubs and I checked their online presence and their is just so much of the students hanging out all the time and socializing. So. Much. Socializing. They have podcasts and blogs and people are active there and it’s giving me anxiety. I guess all universities are like this?
But my question is, can’t you be a student who just goes to class and goes back to your dorm? Maybe it’s a stupid question but I spent hours looking at their social media and everyone just seems so connected. It’s too much for me. I don’t want that. I just want to learn, get my degree, talk to students when I have to but that’s it.
Like I want it to be like a job.

Is that weird? Can I do that? Im really anxious. Btw I’m not some grinch or rude to people at all. Im just a really big introvert.

Thank you

[Anonymous]

Don't ever believe everything you see on social media.
Make friends. You are not the only introvert on campus.
College is as much about networking as it is about academics.
You should try to join one club, sport, or social activity.
Make time to go to office hours and talk to your professors.
And yes, you can treat college classes like a job, but you want to take full advantage of what college can offer.
Good luck!
-Professor and Mom

[Anonymous]

You can choose to be as social as is comfortable to you. There's nothing wrong with being an introvert. Social media is going to make things seem hyped up, but there will be a wide range of personalities and preferences at any university, including people who aren't visible on social media. Good luck with your academic career!

[Anonymous]

You can have whatever college experience you choose.

There are plenty of kids that don’t do any social s eve at every school.

[Anonymous]

Universities are filled with all kinds of students. You won't be the only introverted student, by far.
However, when living on campus especially, you are part of a community. Becoming involved in a community in some way, is an institutional priority and is important for your well-being and for the health of the university itself. I personally would not want to view your life there as a job, because life on campus is so much more than classes and homework. But you might and that's ok too, I just worry that you might close yourself off from opportunities that can be really nice and even life changing, and memories...
You don't have to change who you are. But I would encourage you to join a few clubs or activities just to test the waters - you will find people to connect with, and that will make your experience richer.
Oftentimes, service-based activities are a nice way to be in the company of nice low key kids.
Adjusting to college can be hard, especially that first semester. Everyone has to begin to "find their people", and while that is easier for some, it's a challenge for all.
You are an important part of the culture there. Find your path and interests, and connect with others
Pay attention to those feelings of anxiety and please avail yourself of the resources the school will offer, to help.
All the best to you as you begin your journey.

[Anonymous]

No, you don't have to do anything you don't want to but if you are in STEM field, knowing our classmates and professors help tremendously. Join study groups and use office hours wisely. Seek research opportunities.

[Anonymous]

What you describe is essentially how my husband did college. He was a first gen student, lived at home, went to the local public U for an engineering degree. He worked really hard and got a good job out of school. But looking back he knows he missed out on some good experiences.

You definitely don't have to join social/recreational clubs but I think every student should participate in a club related to their major. If nothing else, these clubs often bring in speakers in jobs related to the major so consider it part of your education.

Also, an on campus job can be an easy way to get to know people on campus and, of course, help with expenses.

[Anonymous]

SOCIAL MEDIA IS 96% FAKE

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SOCIAL MEDIA IS 96% FAKE

This. My son is a college sophomore at a big U. He has a small group of friends he hangs out with and he's not into social media. He's never been a joiner or partier Tried a couple clubs but they didn't stick. Still has a good time with his friends, works hard in his classes, has an on-campus job, goes to clubs/events related to his program. He's doing fine.

[Anonymous]

You are not alone!

Here is what my son has done. (He's not a super social person, but wanted to get more out of college than just going to class.)

1. He got an on-campus job. (This has been a great way to meet people.)
2. He joined a hiking club that just goes on hikes. (Last year, he joined a service club too, and they literally gather only to plan or do service projects.)

I hope this helps!

[Anonymous]

I have been doing college visits with my son. I have noticed that the emphasis of all the materials the colleges send us - and 95% of the emphasis of the college tours - is "THIS COLLEGE IS FUN!" You will see students taking advantage of the amenities (the spa! the pool! the leafy quad!), hanging out together, being in clubs, etc. Actually working, writing papers, studying for tests, not so much. But it obviously can't be like that in reality.

If you are doing science / math / engineering like I did, you will absolutely be spending lots of time in the library or your room studying. It will be a job. And most of the other students in your program will be like that, too.

[Anonymous]

Hey guys I’m the one who wrote the first post. Thank you !!
Im part of generation Z and we grew up with social media so its really hard to know that social media is fake..

I mean I get it but my brain can’t really fully understand it, I think its because we grew up with it.. Thanks everyone

[Anonymous]

You can make it what you want OP.

BUT there are definitely schools that are FAR more social than others. It's not just a social media thing at these places. Often, this is how the admissions office is crafting their class. I went to a school like this. Everyone was very outgoing and had many interests (in addition to academics) and were willing to try new things. Lots of hanging out together. I have a child who is less social - I think it'd drive that DC bonkers to attend my school. They need a lot of downtime.

You'll probably find it easier to be an introvert at a larger state university.

Which ones are you looking at?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You can have whatever college experience you choose.

There are plenty of kids that don’t do any social s eve at every school.

As long as you do well in class, you can have whatever experience you want at a university. You can grow at whatever pace with which you are comfortable.

[Anonymous]

If you spend too much time in your dorm room, your roommate may complain. Consider getting an on-campus job or finding a place to study each day other than your room.