In the months leading up to college, an incoming freshman is bound to receive advice from just about everyone.
Since you control the majority of your college experience, you shouldn’t be disillusioned by over-generalizations and wives tales about what you’re gonna get. Here are some common myths about life your freshman year:
The freshman 15. This myth assumes that freshmen only order takeout, eat pizza, and chug beer on a regular basis. But not everyone gains weight that first year. In fact, with so much on-campus walking and opportunities for athletic involvement, many people actually become more fit than they were in high school.
You’ll be stuck in your major. It’s okay to switch areas of study – several times if that’s what it takes. Many students begin taking some of their required classes and find that the material is too difficult, uninteresting, or simply not what they were hoping to learn. You’re not really expected to know what you’re getting into until you’ve taken a course or two to figure it out. Take your time and follow your passions.
You have to graduate in 4 years. The 4-year finish is great, but it doesn’t happen for everyone. If you have to work to put yourself through school, or if you need to change your major, don’t sweat it! Take fewer classes so you can more easily accomplish all areas of your life successfully.
You can go out every night. It shouldn’t take long for you to figure this one out. However, if you do find yourself going out every night, keep careful track of your grades and notice how they might be affected by the party lifestyle. Keep in mind that something’s gotta give.
Your professors will never learn your name. This myth is for you to debunk. Every professor has office hours when they are available to meet with students to go over material and answer any questions. Take the time to meet every professor and your life will be much easier.
Attendance doesn’t count. This may be true in some classes, but don’t rely on it. Professors share a lot of valuable information during lecture and some WILL take attendance.
You no longer have to answer to your parents. Until you can pay for everything by yourself, your parents still have a say. Sorry.
Your roommate will be your life long best friend. This could possibly be the mythiest of myths on this list. Sharing a space (especially a smaller, college-sized space) is hard. You might come to find that every single thing your roommate does annoys you, or you may find that he or she is very clean and respectful of your personal space. It all depends on the cards you’re dealt. Do your part to be respectful and friendly and remember that they don’t have to be your bestie to be a good roomie.
College is an amazing time in your life. You get to branch out, meet new people and become your own person. Don’t let a few myths define your story.
See also: Adult Things You Didn’t Learn but Are Expected to Know in College
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