Video: What to Expect When Entering College | CollegeXpress

Video: What to Expect When Entering College

The college journey can often feel like an expectation vs. reality meme. Get prepared for freshman year by learning what to expect from vlogger Jordan-Paige.

College and campus life are different for each student, of course, but there are a few general things that every new college student will definitely experience. Student vlogger Jordan-Paige explains what incoming freshmen should expect before entering college. Check out the video below!

 

5 key things to know before starting college

  • There are going to be college parties, and at times, you may feel pressured to do something you’re not comfortable with. Always remember you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to, and keep in mind whether or not that decision you’re about to make is going to help or hurt you on your path in life.
  • Find new friends but keep the old. You’ll be meeting many new people and making new friends in college. Be open to getting to know these new people, but don’t forget to keep in touch with your old friends from back home too. The more friends, the merrier!
  • College isn’t going to be a piece of cake. You have to work hard to do well in college, but if you’re excited about your path, the hard work will be well worth it.
  • College isn’t for everyone. It’s okay if you start college and realize you want to take a gap year or decide to do something else. Not everyone takes the same path.
  • You will get homesick. It’s normal and okay to miss your family and friends. But make sure you still get out, get to know your surroundings, and meet new people, even if you’re pining for home. It’ll help you become more comfortable being away. 

Related: 5 Ways to Prepare for Freshman Year of College

You might be nervous to start college—you may even question your final college decision. But remember, this is a chance to try new experiences and find new opportunities. Just dive in and submerge yourself in a new atmosphere with new people. Good luck! 

Find more great advice from students just like you on the CollegeXpress YouTube channel!

Like what you’re reading?

Join the CollegeXpress community! Create a free account and we’ll notify you about new articles, scholarship deadlines, and more.

Join Now

Tags:

About CollegeXpress

CollegeXpress

Welcome to CollegeXpress, your one-stop college shop! We’re a free college planning website used by millions of college-bound students, parents, and counselors—anyone who needs help navigating the college search and application process, financial aid opportunities, and more. 

You’ll find comprehensive College Search and Scholarship Search tools, tons of articles and expert advice, unique college Lists & Rankings, and lots of other resources to help make your life easier. Teen Vogue even named us one of the 7 Best College Search Websites!

Current college students and recent grads also love CollegeXpress for our Graduate Program Search tool and endless information on student life, internships, and beyond. We really have something for everyone, no matter where you are in your college journey.

Create a free CollegeXpress account to start connecting with colleges, winning scholarships, and simplifying your life as a student!

 

Join our community of
over 5 million students!

CollegeXpress has everything you need to simplify your college search, get connected to schools, and find your perfect fit.

Join CollegeXpress

College Quick Connect

Swipe right to request information.
Swipe left if you're not interested.

Alabama State University

Montgomery, AL


Ana Sophia Garcia-Cubas Assemat

Ana Sophia Garcia-Cubas Assemat

$10,000 Scholarship Winner, 2020

CollegeXpress has been an instrumental resource for my scholarship search and has given me the opportunity to try my best so I can graduate from college debt-free.

Elizabeth Stafford

Elizabeth Stafford

High School Class of 2021

As a UK student moving to California due to my dad's job in the military, when I first signed up for CollegeXpress a few months ago, the college process ahead seemed daunting and incredibly stressful. That all changed after I started to explore what this website had to offer. Not only was I helped by the vast array of resources available to me, but through being a CollegeXpress member, there have been so many more benefits. There have been emails with college tips—all of which I found incredibly helpful—as well as invitations to events and notifications of scholarships that'll make college possible for me. Overall, I'm very grateful to CollegeXpress for all of these things and more. Not only have they helped me grow my understanding of the college process, but they've also helped me to grow as a person, giving me new skills that I can take with me through life.

Katie

Katie

High School Class of 2019

My favorite feature of CollegeXpress is the scholarship search. As someone going out of state for college, I needed all the financial help I could get, and CollegeXpress helped me easily find scholarships I could apply for to help fund my education.

Mimi

Mimi

High School Class of 2022

CollegeXpress has provided me with tips that were for college students, but as a high school junior, they were still very useful. Not only that, it also gave me an idea of what to expect when it comes to going to college or already being in college. I want to say thank you to CollegeXpress, and I hope you continue the wonderful tips until I hopefully get into college and throughout my college journey.

Alexandra Adriano

Alexandra Adriano

$2,000 Community Service Scholarship Winner, 2016

I've used CollegeXpress quite a bit as a senior, particularly for colleges and scholarships, so it's been a very big asset in that respect! I would recommend it to anyone looking to pursue a college education, especially seniors! This scholarship will help me achieve my goals in ways I couldn't have before, and I know that there are opportunities like that for everyone on the website and in the magazines!