Is your kid enjoying college?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
| Yes, doing great socially, thankfully pledging is almost over and hopefully will mean more sleep. Also plays a fall sport which keeps DC busy. Grades could be better but with increase time coming up, I am not worried. |
Anonymous
|
Yes. My DC is at an OOS flagship and loving it. I was not ready for a large college, so I didn't know how it would go for DC, but they are adapting so well and I've seen so much growth in the first 2 months.
As far as academics, DC is finding it completely manageable. The heavy AP courseload in HS, plus all the ECS, made DC's time management skills really good and that is paying off. DC is absolutely loving taking classes that are in their major. Most GE type classes are covered by APs, but there are a few mandatory ones and the one DC is taking isn't their favorite, but it's not too hard. I think they were used to a lot more personalized comments on grading, but they are still getting full points. Making friends has gone well. I think being in an all-freshman dorm is an advantage, even if it isn't the newest or the nicest. I do wonder about next year bc kids are already talking about finding housing/roommates, but rush is in January and sophomores have to live in their house. If rush doesn't turn out to be a good fit, I'm worried DC will have to scramble even though it's actually against the law to require lease signing until Spring (I've totally just given away the school for those who know). They were a little surprised by the amount of partying, but do not feel pressured to go out any more frequently than they like. It's been easy to make in-state and oos friends. The school spirit is off the charts and so infectious! And, fall could not be more beautiful. Yeah, the dining hall chicken is sus and DC is not getting enough protein, but they are figuring it out. |
Anonymous
| My son is loving it. When he wasn't playing sports, he was a homebody in high school. Came out of his shell. Got involved with a club. That takes a lot of time. But it gave him a second set of friends in addition to his roommate, etc. Has met with professors, advisor, disability office, etc. He is doing it right. |
Anonymous
| DS is loving his experience. Some of his HS friends are hoping to transfer to join him. |
Anonymous
| My kid loves it. I feel like it's important to manage expectations- before he left home, I told my son that kids rarely stay friends with their freshman orientation cohort and that most of your long lasting friendships will be made sophomore and junior years. I told him to expect it to be a bumpy transition- plan on sitting by yourself in the cafeteria sometimes, and occasionally not having plans on a Friday night when it seems like everyone else does- and that's perfectly normal. Join clubs and get to know people, and realize that it takes time to settle in. It's so different in terms of dating now, too- my kid doesn't seem to be interested in dating, nor do his friends, they hang out, play board games, go to concerts, etc. He loves college and my D26 is very much looking forward to getting out of her small, private HS and having the type of experience that her older sibling is enjoying. |
Anonymous
Yes |
Anonymous
| Absolutely. She has a spring in her step that she hasn’t since sophomore year of high school. All the hard work was worth it I guess to get her to the right place. |
Anonymous
what school? |
Anonymous
| Mine is a junior and he is. Doing well in classes, fraternity, girlfriend. Living his best college life. |
Anonymous
| Notice the trend: Most of the "yes" answers are coming from parents of kids in Greek life. I saw the same thing when my own kid came home for Christmas break as a freshman and reconvened with his high school buddies. The fraternity men were dishing story after story about college life and what a great time they were having. The GDIs were still reminiscing about high school and longing for the good old days. |
Anonymous
|
Kid at a school with no Greek life and strong dorm culture. Loves it. Loves his major. Great friends.
(Now a senior). |
Anonymous
| Mixed bag. Academics are great-- breezing through classes thanks to IB in HS. But socially it could be better. |
Anonymous
This is highly individualistic. Going Greek is a big choice and not for everyone. My daughter is deeply, deeply regretting rushing and living in a sorority. Many of the girls are catty, mean and spoiled and the obligations are never ending. And once you're in, it's hard to get out. There are many paths to happiness in college without Greek life. |
Anonymous
The person you are replying to is a greek troll. Ignore. |
Anonymous
| Ah, dating is the only area where DC is not the happiest. They had a SO going into college, but that didn't survive a month. They definitely feel sadness related to not being part of a couple, even through they don't miss their ex. |