First Year Experience

How College Differs from High School:

Independence! Most high school students name independence as the number one difference between high school and college. Take a few moments to consider what this means to you. Not only does it mean that you have the freedom to make your own choices – with independence comes responsibility.  Think about the things that your parents may do for you on a daily basis… Do you have your own checking account and know how to balance your checkbook? Do you have a savings account to access spending money? Do you have a credit card that you manage? Do you know how to use your health insurance? If you are planning to live in an apartment, can you prepare a few meals? (You may want to collect some recipes to take with you.) Do you do your own laundry? Take this time, while you are still at home, to sharpen some of these survival skills that you will rely on while in college. Spend some time thinking about how the freedom of independence may shape your life while in college.

Current college students will tell you that time management in college is much different than in high school. It is difficult to believe that managing time while in college could be a challenge when there seems to be more time available (since you aren’t in classes all day every day). However, there are many choices of how to spend time in college that may not have been an option in high school. In addition, college students report that they were able to maintain an A average with very little effort in high school. Students in college often site sleeping, working, gaming, surfing the web, and socializing as activities that get in the way of academics. Finding a balance with these activities is important and may take some time to find out what works for you.

If you haven’t already taken a look at the table that sites differences between high school and college instructors, please do so. One of the other differences that new college students are surprised by in college is the “hands off” approach of the instructors. In the classroom, the biggest difference is that high school teachers are responsible for making sure that students learn what they need to. In college, your instructor believes that it is your responsibility to attend classes, come prepared and ask if you need help. After all, you are paying for your education now.

The possibilities are endless in college. Current college students often say that people are much more open-minded in college and boundaries or cliques are less common. You can choose from activities, clubs and organizations, theatre, music – you name it! The opportunities are here for you to explore. If you have always wanted to travel and study abroad – you can do so at UMD. Spend some time thinking about the opportunities you might like to explore. Make the most of your college years!