Dear Class of 2018…

The Scituation sent surveys out to members of Scituate High School’s Class of 2017 after they completed their first semester at college. We asked them a variety of questions, which were provided by the current senior class, about their experiences so far and what students could expect as incoming college freshmen. These are some responses — look for the second wave of responses in our 2018 Graduation Edition!

How should I prepare for college?

In my opinion, college is a lot easier than high school, but I would say make sure you stay organized because in college most professors don’t remind you of deadlines or things. It’s all on you.

Sabine Adorney, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

What’s the most difficult part about college?

The most difficult part for me at USC is balance. Coming here though, my ability to balance school, co-curriculars, and a social life has been put to the test, especially at a school like USC where the party scene is so accessible. Though it took me a long time to adjust, I think I’ve finally found my groove. If there’s ever a time when I’m stressed about school or caught up in a meeting, I’ve gotten a lot better at telling my friends no. It’s really important to learn that staying in one night isn’t going to result in you missing out.

Teresa Desmond, University of South Carolina

For me it was the academic transition. But it was also really hard for me to leave behind my high school friends because we had always been so close. What I learned was you will keep those friends who mean a lot to you no matter what, and it’s also really fun making new friends who are sometimes really different than any other friends you’ve ever had.

           Emily Shea, Tulane University

The most difficult thing about college is developing a new routine. I had a high school routine that worked well for me. College is a time where you make big changes, but ultimately it helps you in your journey to find yourself and your passions.

Emma Chisholm, Connecticut College

What is your favorite part about college?

Getting a different viewpoint of the rest of the world. Growing up in a small town can sometimes close off what you understand about the world around you.

Emily Damrell, Stevens Institute of Technology

I love the freedom and personal responsibility. If you don’t go to class, no one is going to scold you, but you have to figure out how to catch up on your own

Emily Shea, Tulane University

How’s the food?

The food’s pretty good, but it’s still dining hall food, so it’s not always as good as a homemade meal. University of Massachusetts, Amherst, has a lot of options and is #1 for dining in the country.

Colleen Lumnah, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Ehhh, 6/10 there are some good spots but overall below average. Off campus though food is dope–the South has the best food.

Ben Smith, University of South Carolina

Do you find the financial issues to be stressful? How do you deal with that?

I got a decent amount of aid and I have federal work study. I haven’t struggled too much with saving money. Textbooks are really expensive though–especially because you buy them for first semester and new ones second semester. Just have to be conscious of your spending!

Genevieve Goodman, Endicott College

What’s one thing you think people don’t often consider, but should, in their final college decision?

The culture/atmosphere of the school. Even if the college has the perfect major for your interests, if you can’t connect with the place you’re living and the people living in it, it’s not going to be enjoyable for you.

Emily Damrell, Stevens Institute of Technology

The true reality of the money. I chose a college that was one of my most financially smart choices based off of scholarship, but at the end of the day, the expenses of travel and cost of attendance is still really difficult for me to wrap my mind around.

Emily Shea, Tulane University

Can I have friends without drinking every weekend?

Yeah, definitely–some weekends you’ll just wanna stay in, and no one judges anyone for that at college.

Colleen Lumnah, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Of course, when you first get to school everyone goes out because you have the freedom, but once you settle you have no problem staying in with your friends, or by yourself, if you need to study or have homework.

Will Granatino, Bates College

Is your workload manageable?

Very — I have a lot of free time, but you find yourself behind if you choose to ignore school work. Mom and Dad aren’t there to make sure you stay focused anymore, so learn how to prioritize in order to get stuff done.

Will Granatino, Bates College

As a music student–it isn’t awful. It’s definitely hard at first, but you can quickly learn how to manage time with friends.

Matt Fiddler, Middle Tennessee State University

How did you adjust to college life?

I introduced myself to as many people as possible to allow for a friend group that contains many different types of people. Also, I joined a few clubs, which helped me get acclimated to the overall environment of the school. I found that it’s very helpful to make friends in my classes because studying and doing homework with others makes the transition to college level academic work much smoother.

Griffin Seidel, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

How did you adjust to college life?

Honestly, it’s hard to adapt, which no one really tells you when you are applying to schools or about to head off to school. At the end of the day, you have to listen to yourself, and even on the days when you’re feeling a bit homesick, think about all the good things you have at school. Also, getting involved in clubs and in activities around campus are so helpful when it comes to adjusting.

Emma Chisholm, Connecticut College

It’s a lot of independence. I saw some people struggle with that independence, and I saw some people thrive with it. Time management is key, and keeping yourself busy is another major part of college. Some people struggle being away from home while others don’t. If you struggle being away from home, just keep yourself busy.  Finding good friends, I think, is also super important because they are the ones who will help you through the transition from high school to college.

Spencer McKinnon, University of Massachusetts, Boston