But many college grads agree that, in the end, few experiences are more rewarding and fulfilling.
We asked University of Dayton students for their advice on everything from selecting a major to preventing roommate conflicts.
Here’s what they had to say:
Remember that you’re never alone
“Your whole freshman class is in it with you. They’re all new, and they’re all scared,” said junior Katie Falter, 20, of Gahanna.
Attend welcome week activities
“It’s good to go to new student orientation. It may seem really useless, but you can bond over that,” said senior Katie Trempe, 21, of Toledo.
Beyond providing a means for meeting new people, orientation also gives you an overview of academic and social opportunities.
Discuss your habits ahead of time
“My roommate and I started a dialogue so we knew what to bring and our habits, like ‘What time do you go bed?’ Also, ‘When I’m sleeping, it’s OK if you do this, but I’m going to get mad if you do this,’ ” said Winston Black, 20, a junior from Kirkwood, Mo.
He recommends discussing pet peeves and lifestyle differences ahead of time, rather than waiting until a disagreement.
Be friendly toward your roommate — but you don’t have to be best buds
“My roommate freshman year was completely opposite me. Even though outside the room we might not have hung out if we weren’t roommates, we got along great,” Falter said. “We watched Food Network all the time together.”
If you do have a bad roommate experience, though, always keep in mind that you can switch, she added.
Establish a routine for studying
“I recommend getting ahead in your classes on the weekend so you can just focus on your classes during the week, rather than focusing on last week’s material,” Black said.
He also suggests bringing a textbook in case you have downtime between classes.
Take advantage of the great outdoors
“Spend as much time as you can outside, especially in the parks and quads,” said Trempe. Once winter comes, she says you’ll regret spending warm days secluded in your dorm room.
Pencil in some fun
“Don’t overwork yourself. You have your whole life to work,” Falter said. “Now that I’m looking for jobs, I just feel like, ‘All I want to do is hang out with my friends!’”
Falter said she was kept busy with a part-time job, but she learned to maximize her study time by cutting out distractions like the TV. Thus, she found the time to spend with friends.
Be open to meeting new people
“Understand that no one knows everyone. No one’s going to say, ‘Who are you and why are you talking to me?’” Black said.
The people you meet now — whether at class, in the dining hall, or at the gym — might become your friends for the next four years and beyond, he added.
Pursue your passions
“You have to follow what you really want to do. You know what you want to do; there’s nothing holding you back. This is the place to learn,” Falter said.
She originally majored in religion, but in the end chose theater, which she was active in during high school.
Start out strong freshman year
“This is as easy as it gets. It only gets harder,” Black said. “If you can get that ‘A’ in philosophy, do it.”
Black said acing general-education classes can offset grades in difficult major classes, such as the chemistry, calculus and physics courses that are required for his chemical engineering degree.
Don’t feel pressured to drink
“I personally do not drink, but I found my activities. No one can make you do anything,” Falter said. “I’ve been offered (alcohol) many times, and they’re respectful of me.”
If you still feel forced to drink, Falter said the solution is simple: Find a new group of friends.
Explore the surrounding community
“There are a lot of majors offering bus tours. We took a tour of South Park, and they showed us the community and explained plans for the neighborhood,” Trempe said. “It gives you a sense of pride and a sense of what’s going on outside the (UD) bubble.”
One last thing . . .
“Don’t forget to call Mom. She worries about you,” Falter said.
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