Advice to Seniors from REAL college students.

I know I was super nervous for college and I would spend countless hours scouring over blogs written by college students. Now as a college student I thought I would write my own blog about college. But I wanted to include other perspectives because not everyone's experience is the same. First I asked a bunch of seniors (if you are one of them, thank you for making this possible) what questions they had about college. Then a mixture of college students answered them.
Here are the college kids:
You can read their bios or just skip straight to the questions.

Michaella - Hello there! This is my blog so if this is your first time here, welcome! My name is Michaella Scholz and I am currently a freshman at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. I graduated  from Hanford High in June 2014. I continually fell in love with theatre all throughout high school and I realized I couldn't live without it. I am a Theatre Studies major right now and will apply to the Theatre Education program in the fall. I was inspired to write this post and recruit others to help me because I was extremely anxious before moving and even after living here for seven months sometimes I still am, and I know that there are people (like me) who just need to find some comfort in the words of people who have been there before. Thank you to all those that helped with this post and enjoy the words of the people who have gone before you. In the wise words of Effie Trinket, "May the odds be ever in your favor."

Nicole - Hola! My name is Nicole Haroldsen, I'm originally from Ecuador but moved to Kingsburg, California when I was still in elementary school. I am a freshman at Brigham Young University - Provo. I am Michaella's roommate, lucky me! And I am majoring in Dietetics and Nutrition. I hope I could help you feel better about opening up the next chapter of your life!

Hannah - Hey students! My name is Hannah Hilyard and I am a freshman at West Hills College Lemoore. I graduated from Hanford High School in June of 2014. I am studying Liberal Arts, as I want to be a Kindergarten teacher. I hope to transfer to either Sacramento State or Cal Poly SLO. I teach dance and love to volunteer in elementary school classrooms. I wish you all the best of luck on your future college endeavors!

Elyssa - My names Elyssa, I’m a freshman at the beautiful Chico State and I don’t know how to write my own bio. I’m majoring in nursing but I’m only in the pre-nursing program right now and I’m  planning on beginning to start minoring in either psychology or child development. I choose to not live in the dorms my first year and instead move into a cute little town house with some roommates, and I love the freedom and responsibility that I get because of it. When I’m not at work or school  I like to inhabit a vegetative state, watch netflix or youtube, play the ukulele and eat mac-n-cheese.

Jessica - Hi! My name is Jessica Rinehart, I go to college at Cal Lutheran University (aka CLU), and I am a freshman. My major is English with a concentration in Creative Writing. CLU is 4 hours away from where I live. My school is a private Christian college and was probably one of the colleges that I didn’t expect going to.  I ended up choosing this college because I loved how you could have one-on-one time with your professors and how everyone was friendly. You can really tell that all your professors want you to succeed in their class. It feels good to know that people are on your side. In my spare time, I watch shows on Netflix and spend time with my friends. I try to write for my blog, Imaginable World. Imaginable World is on WordPress and is about my experience at college and some college advice. If you have time, stop by and take a look at my blog.

Pheobe - Phoebe Zayas-Defiance is a 20 year old freshman at West Hills College Lemoore. When she is not earning her AA in physics, she is also a professional musician. Her post-college goals are to be a rock star and perfect time travel. 

1. How much sleep do you get in college?

Nicole says: "Well, I try to go to bed before midnight and I usually get up around 8 so I about eight hours (on good days)."

Michaella says: "I get about 6-7 hours and that’s on good days. But it’s all about choices. I choose to work mornings so I get up a lot earlier than most kids but I also take naps during the day and I usually go to sleep at 11-12. But sometimes you just have to choose sleep over Netflix or hanging out with friends versus sleeping. Both are important. One thing about sleep is it's going to vary a lot. Being in college gives you a lot of freedom you may choose to stay up till 3 am and then maybe go to sleep at 9 pm another day."

Eylssa says: "I usually get about 6 hours of sleep but because I choose to go to bed late. During finals though its a whole other story."

Jessica says: "It all depends on my classes. If my classes are at 8 in the morning, or 9 in the morning I try to go to bed at 11, or 10:30. If my classes are at 10 am I will stay up till 1 or 2 am. I also factor in priorities. If I have an important test, or assignment, I might stay up later."

Hannah says: "I really try to still get a solid 6-8 hours of sleep, but often times that is way easier said than done! Sometimes with working and such it’s hard to get homework done at a decent hour, but I try to compensate by sleeping in an extra half hour or whatever. Sleep is SO important."

Pheobe says: "As a procrastinating night owl, I’ll start studying and doing homework around 10 pm and finish around 2 in the morning. But I still manage to good 7 and a half to eight hours because my first class of the day isn't until 11. I didn't kid myself, no morning classes for me!"

2. How do classes compare to AP classes?

Nicole says: "Ugh. They’re freaking hard. Like you think High school is hard? No. Just no."

Michaella says: "For me I wouldn't say the classes are harder, I’m very capable of learning the content. However, the speed and sheer amount of information is difficult especially, since there really isn't any busy work, you have to stay on top of studying because there is nothing that forces you to do so."

Eylssa says: "In these past 2 semesters I’ve only had about 3 classes where the actual work was more challenging than ap classes and it was because they were pre-recs to get into my major.The hard part actually comes with the amount of work given that you have the responsibility of doing/learning on your own. Some classes on the other hand are just easy peasy lemon squeezy."

Jessica says: "I would say college classes are a little bit easier than AP classes. It might be because I already know how to manage my homework and classes, along with hanging out with friends and catching up with all my favorite shows. The reason why I feel like college classes are easier, are because you don’t have the same class everyday. So you have more time to prepare (or procrastinate, which I do not suggest) for the class. Also some classes’ homework are reading and then discussing it in class. I think the hardest part about college classes is that teachers don’t always have grade class work or their homework, so if you don’t do so well on a test, you have nothing to cushion you, which could possibly result in  your grade crashing and burning."

Hannah says: "I did not take any AP classes, but I would say the difficulty/workload varies by class and by professor. I had a math class last semester that took me an hour a week to complete homework wise. I also had a sociology class that took me about 45 minutes a day throughout the week. So I would definitely say it depends."

Pheobe says: "I never took AP classes, but you’ll definitely stay as busy in college as you did in AP. I can say though, this biggest difference is if you miss an assignment, your teacher is allowed to swear at you out loud and not just in their head."

3. Were you prepared for college?

Nicole says: "I think for the most part I was, but there are just somethings you can’t really prepare for like homesickness."

Michaella says: "I thought I was. But no matter how much you think you are prepared, you probably aren't. That’s okay because even if you aren't you can do it just like every other kid that leaves home."

Eylssa says: "I want to believe I was for the educational part of college but as for the things outside of school maybe not as much as I believed."

Jessica says: "Hahaha. Nope. I don’t think you could be fully prepared until you actually go there and experience it yourself, but don’t take that as a terrifying thing. I was more prepared for classes, because of the honor classes and AP classes I took. What I wasn't prepared for were how to deal with roommates, how to make friends quickly, and being homesick."

Hannah says: "Yes and no. I didn't go away to school, so there was no adjustment there. The biggest adjustment came in the sense of freedom I was given. Nobody reminds you to do anything in college. Professors hand you a syllabus and expect you to navigate it all on your own. I had really supportive high school teachers so this was a big change."

Pheobe says: "Yes, but I didn’t go straight out of high school. I didn’t take a class or choose a major until I had found something I was so passionate about that I didn’t care how much work I had to do to get there. It’s okay to not know what you want to do right out of high school, it could take a while. It took me two years, and I’m so glad I waited."

4. Were you nervous about going away from home?

Nicole says: "I was always that girl that could NOT wait to move out and leave my little small town but when it came down to it I don’t think I have ever been so nervous about something as I was when I moved out."

Michaella says: "Like Nicole, I couldn't wait to leave home, at home I felt so confined and bored so I was excited to come to school. But I definitely cried a lot the first week of school just because I was home sick. But you are entirely capable of moving out; no one would let you move out if you weren't ready. Just trust yourself and know that your family is only a call away."

Eylssa says: "NO! i wanted to get out of my home town and be on my own so bad. The worst part of leaving was actually just saying goodbye to family, I cried hardcore when my dad was leaving my apartment which was weird because I usually can be very unemotional around him. But after I sat in MY living room and laid in MY..."

Jessica says: "I couldn’t wait to leave! I’m going to  a private college that is near Los Angeles and the town is WAY  bigger than the town I grew up in. It made me excited just thinking about it. Though I was nervous about being alone. I was moving away from the familiar and was being put into a position where I knew NO ONE. I knew what I was getting myself into, but it still made me nervous."

Pheobe says: "Moving away from home was the most liberating feeling of my young life, but I also only moved an hour away. Being further away, like in a different state brings up a lot of feelings of homesickness, but that is a feeling that makes you all the more grateful to have your family."

5. What if I want to go somewhere far, but no one I know is going to go to school and I’m scared of being alone in the beginning?

Nicole says: "That is scary, but at the same time there will be soooo many people in your situation so most people tend to be extra friendly because they just want to make friends as well."

Michaella says: "I moved 12 hours from home. But I knew my roommate and knew a couple people going to my school but it was so scary. I cried a lot, but the thing is you really aren't alone everybody there is trying to figure things out just like you are. You have your roommates, your classmates, and your parents and friends back home are just a call away. My advice is if you want to make friends go to things. You can't make friends by being alone in your dorm. And if you really want to go far away do it. Don't spend your whole life afraid of what could've been. Life is too short."

Eylssa: "I moved five hours north and I only came with my boyfriend who wasn’t going to my same school. But the first day in my first lecture I started up a conversation with the girl who sat next to me about the most random subject (I was nervous talking) and we ended up having our next class together. Now were such great friends. Just know that there are so many opportunities to meet people you just have to find the courage to use them, it's worth it."

Jessica says: "I know where you’re coming from. I decided to go to a school where I knew no one and I was terrified. The first two days at my school were the WORST. People were walking together, laughing, and being buddy-buddy with each other, while I probably looked like a scared little girl. I didn’t know who to talk to or hang out with. I even cried to my mom saying I was going to be a loner for the rest of college. Until the third day some people that were in my orientation group ate breakfast together, and I joined them. I didn’t meet my closest friends until at lunch. After that I felt free to be myself and talk to other people."

Pheobe says: "Spontaneity is the key to your survival. If you want to make friends, you have to perk up the second you overhear a conversation about your favorite book or your favorite band, no matter how weird it feels. You will be alone at first though, but solitude is a great time for self-reflection and knowing who you really are, and that’s one of the more unspoken importances of the college experience."

6. How busy are you during the week?

Nicole says "You know how in high school you’d be so happy for the weekend because you got a break from school? Yeah that doesn’t happen here lol.. So just brace yourself bc college really is like a full time job. It’s hard but it is also very rewarding and sooo fun!"

Michaella says: "Extremely busy. College life is a lot busier than high school just because there is so much going on. I work, I have 6 classes this semester, and then I have homework, sleep, and friends to juggle. My word advice is to know when it is too much. I thought about dropping a class this semester and I talked myself into keeping it, now I hate myself and I’m super struggling to keep a good grade in that class and it’s only the 6th week of class. Know your limits and don’t be afraid to admit that you can’t do everything and things will work out."

Eylssa says "Last Semester I took 16 units, had 3 of my hardest classes I would need to take through my pre-recs and had a part time job that LOVED to give me many hours mostly during the holiday season so iI had a lot on my plate for a freshman. I didn’t know how to handle it yet and though I could make it without dropping a class, however it took a  toll on my grades. So this semester I chose to take 13 units so I’m still full time, and told my job i had a bit less availability and now I get out of class by 12 on most days and have a lot of free time for naps."

Hannah says: "I am SO busy during the week. I am a liberal arts major so I am required to do classroom observation days. So when I don’t have class, that’s where I am. In the afternoons, I have a job taxing some kids from dance around, then I teach at the studio, on top of dancing myself. Though I only have class on campus 3 days a week, I am busy 7 days out of the week."

Pheobe says: "I go to school from 11 in the morning to 10 in the evening three times a week, and study hard the other two days of the week to have time for the weekends, which are dedicated to band practice, performances, and anything else I have to take care of like grocery shopping, doctor’s appointments, family time etc. Adulthood and college life consist of tight regimens, all the way down to the fun parts."

7. Is it a lot harder than high school?

Michaella says: "You've got this. All of high school was supposed to prepare you for this and more or less it does. If you are struggling there are TA reviews, walk-in labs, and office hours to help you out."

Hannah says: "There are aspects that are definitely harder than high school. For me, at West Hills (Community College), I am often talked down to as many of my fellow classmates are full grown adults who are coming back to school. What does an 18 year old know right? It is often hard to try and hold your own, but you’ll find your niche within time."

Pheobe says: "It might be. I did poorly in high school due to learning disabilities, but you’ll do fine if you take advantage of all the resources your school has available to help you succeed."

8. How easy is it to make friends?

Michaella says: "If you are like me its hard to make friends. Just because I really just hate being out of my comfort zone. But once you try its easy and once you make one freind they have freinds, who have freinds, who have freinds and then you have tons of people that you can befreind."

Jessica says: "It depends on what type of person you are. It may take a few days, or it may take a few hours. One thing that you do have to remember though is to NOT change yourself just to get a group of friends, because you really want someone to like you and another is that it’s COMPLETELY fine if you don’t find friends right away. You’ll find them eventually."

Pheobe says: "Sure. Walk around campus and you’ll find your people! Every friend I have made in college has been by overhearing conversations about things that I am interested in, and then chiming in. Just don’t be scared!"

9. How is it having roommates?

Michaella says: "Just know right now that you aren’t going to be the perfect roommate. You are all going to be learning how to live together and it is going to be tough sometimes; but you truly get what you put into it. Make it work and you can find some of your best friends."

Eylssa: "Its fun yet challenging. I ended up moving in with friends 2nd semester and now live with three girls who at most times I love but other times I wish i had a lock on my door. Its all about communication and letting your roommates know what you’re comfortable with and what you want without being a nazi. I like being alone a lot and one of my roommates is SUPER social so i had to let her know that when my doors shut it means I need some space but any other times just knock. And the other 3 girls see the fridge as a free for all no matter who bought what but because I wasn’t comfortable with that we had a sit down and easily created a little sytem to know what was up for grabs and what wasn’t."  

Jessica says: "It’s a learning process. They’re not your siblings, so you can’t just yell at them and then have Mom or Dad intervene. You have to learn how to be civil. Also if you’re an only child or don’t share a room with anyone, please remember that you are now sharing a room with someone and if they’re asleep they might now enjoy being woken up by a slamming of a drawer, or door."

Pheobe says: "I have so many roommate stories, I don’t know where to begin. Generally speaking, living with other adults who share common interests is great. You’ll do fine living with one other person or even nine other people as long as everyone cleans up after themselves and respects each other’s boundaries."

10. What if I don’t get along with my roommates?

Michaella says: "The thing is you don’t have to be friends with your roommate; it is ideal. But the truth is you can finds friends other places. You just can’t hate your roommate. You’ll be fine!"

Eylssa says: "You won’t always agree with them or like them but you guys share a room, house or apartment and its key that you can be on somewhat good terms so your living situation is bearable. Drama with a roommate can also affect your school work so try to find ways to compromise on issues. Communication really is key, just as long as is compassionate communication and not just biased arguments."

Jessica says: "Make rules and be civil as possible. Hopefully you have another place to study, or can chill somewhere with a friend, but also remember that it’s your room too so you shouldn’t feel like you have to be away all the time because of your roommate. If there is a serious issues, talk to an RA or request to change rooms."

Pheobe says : "Put a line of duct tape down the middle of your living space in a sitcom-like fashion. Wait for hilarity to ensue."

11. How do you deal with now seeing your friends from high school?

Michaella says: "If college taught me anything it was who my friends are. People who love you will make sure they are in your life. But that’s also the reverse if you want to stay friends with someone make sure they know that. Otherwise people move on."

Eylssa says: "I miss a lot of friends so much and I’m not the best communicator but I’ve learned to use skype and at least make an effort to text someone I havent in a while at least once a week. It’s sad seeing people move on with their lives without you but if you really miss them its all about effort. Because just because they’ve found new people to hang out with so have you and in the end most people will miss you as much as you miss them."

Jessica says: "If you want them around, you’ll make it happen and vice versa."

Hannah says: "SOCIAL MEDIA. This is where social media is a blessing. Follow them on twitter, see what they’re up to on instagram, those are all awesome ways to keep up with each other during such a busy time."

Pheobe says: "Unfortunately you won’t see each other as often as you used to, even if you do attend the same school. You’ll make time for the ones that really matter though, and facebook/snapchat/twitter etc are such a blessing for keeping in touch."

12. Did you just bring a lot of your makeup with you or did you just buy a bunch?

Michaella says: "I brought all my makeup but I cleaned out a lot of my makeup. I got rid of all the sparkly eyeliners and bright eyeshadows I didn’t wear. But moving out is definitely a good time to purge out all the old stuff and move on with what you actually use."

Eylssa says: "GIRL, YOU ARE ON A COLLEGE STUDENT BUDGET! Ha bring up all your makeup, I did. You’ll be happy when you don’t have to spend some money here or there on stuff that you already have at home. But sometimes I do spoil myself and buy something here or there."

Jessica says: "I actually didn’t own any makeup besides eyeline, mostly because my parents did not approve of a lot of makeup. After a month or two I bought eye shadow and started to experiment with makeup. My parents weren’t around to tell me no lol. But if you do own makeup already I would suggest bringing it because makeup is not cheap."

Pheobe says: "Sephora was on my college shopping list. I prefer to look fabulous while doing science."

13. What the heck do you do for the period situations, again did you just have to bring a lot?

Michaella says: "My advice and this isn’t just for period stuff but a lot of stuff like toilet paper, lysol wipes, paper towels etc. When your parents drop you off before they leave go shopping and stock up on toiletries because the worst thing is to run out of toilet paper or tampons especially if you don’t have a car. There are places on campus where I can get stuff but its more expensive and they only have cardboard tampons here. (Gross.) I still have stuff from the beginning of the semester that will probably last me until the end of winter semester."

Eylssa says: "Yes I did. Actually my mom didn’t want me to have to worry about budgeting and running out of things that we all need so a few months before I left me and my mom started sort of like care-package-stockpiles.We would buy thing that I was going to  regularly need such a toiletries every few weeks and it’s helped out a lot to not have to worry about tampons toilet paper, toothbrushes or other alike things for a few months. It really does help to be prepared."

Jessica says: "If you become friends with your roommates, ask them if they have anything if you run out. I don’t ask mine because my two of my roommates are in sports and use tampons."

Pheobe says: " Spend not just college but the rest of your menstruating life stocking up on tampons/pads/stain remover like the world is going to end tomorrow."

14. Is there really such a thing as the freshman fifteen?

Michaella says: " Yes. Okay maybe I didn’t gain 15 pounds but I did get a little chubbier than I started. My advice is to not worry about it. You will probably eat more junk food in college more than any other time in your life. Just because it’s fast, easy, and cheap. But you are also walking a lot more and so it cancels out. Just remember that eating is important so don’t skip meals just so you don’t gain a couple pounds. (And if you are really worried most colleges have gyms and such!)"

Eylssa says: " Yes there can be. I have gained some weight for stress and REALLY unhealthy eating. During the holidays the best thing to do if you really want to avoid it is to just try to not buy so much prepackaged food. If you live in the dorms try to take advantage of the fruits or healthier items in the dining halls. For me I chose to budget my money in a way to where I could spend a little bit more on groceries because fruits, vegetables and healthier items are unfortunately, more expensive. And if your school has a gym like mine take advantage of it! Dont be afraid to go in everyones new at one point and will be just as self conscious as you are."

Jessica says: " You can just do what I do and not weigh yourself and then work out hoping that it cancels out something. I’m pretty sure my method is wrong though…"

Hannah says: "Yes, there is. The important thing here is to have all things in moderation. You can treat yourself, but don’t forget that your body needs fuel. I find that packing clif bars or keeping fruit snacks in my backpack to munch on during class keeps me from binge eating after class."

Pheobe says: "Don’t worry about it. You’re going to be growing for little while longer. As long as you take care of yourself, your body will always look exactly the way it’s supposed to."

15. Is it weird to not have your own shower?

Michaella says: "I have my own shower! Well I share it with 3 roommates! But at BYU there is one freshman dorm in Helaman Halls that is a suite so it has a bathroom between two rooms. So make sure you look at the dorms closely because having my own bathroom rocks. Do your homework and look at your college’s dorms."

Eylssa says "Not really I had siblings growing up so it wasn’t weird to share with my boyfriend or roommates because we all knew when it was time to be cleaned. the hardest part is trying to figure out where to put everything. But if you live in the dorms the best advice I can give is to invest in shower shoes."

Pheobe says: " Nah. I shared a shower with nine other men and women and never even thought twice about it. Just clean up any messes you have when you’re through, and if they do the same, you won’t even notice."

16. How do you sing in the shower when there’s other people who can hear you?

Michaella says: "Just sing anyways. Screw the haters."

Eylssa says: "Ha YES! I love one of my roommates because I’ll be coming home from school or work and she’ll be in the shower singing her heart out for all our neighbors to hear. The best thing to do is own it and know that everyone else is envious that you’re not afraid of it when they are."

Pheobe says: "Confidence, that’s how!"

17. What are some fun things to do in college?

Michaella says: " Lots of campuses put on events, my dorm complex always has activities and dances, in addition to the general BYU activities. Just keep an hear out there are a bunch of people your age all looking for things to do! Find a good friend group and just go find stuff to do (but also be cautious, there are crazy people and not everything is worth doing but there are lots of other things that will be)!

Jessica says: "It depends on the college. At my college they do not do a good job at advertising things and it’s more fun to do things off campus. Sometimes I get sushi with my friends, or go to the beach. Most of the times I’m in my dorm watching Netflix with my friends. Though some campus events are really fun. For example, my campus has Improv every other Thursday. There are a lot of hot guys and they’re all funny, so I make sure I go to that event."

Pheobe says: " Lots of campuses have movie nights, and of course be sure to find your local music scene and catch a show! College towns are full of artists and performers that would love you in their audience, and you’re bound to find a band or two that you will fall in love with, no matter which city you’re in. Culture is a must!"

18. What are the best ways to study?

Michaella says: "Coming from the girl who hates studying, I have to have something that I am working on: making flash cards, study guides or doing picture notes and I have to motivate myself. I am a very visual learner and writing things out help me out immensely. Before lectures, I do the reading, in lectures I handwrite notes, and after I organize my notes and type them. That sounds like a lot and it is but by doing this I save a lot of time by not cramming right before and exam. A week before an exam, I will go back through my notes and study. If I want to stop I usually leave where I am studying and walk around and find a new one. This helps me stretch, clear my head and I also get a snack and fill up my water bottle. Studying can be boring but if you do it consistently throughout the semester; but by keeping up with your studies can make finals week more manageable."

Jesica says: "Honestly, I was never that good at studying in high school and I’m still trying to figure it out. For me I usually read my notes and go over the powerpoints (if my teacher posts them). If teachers give you practice quizzes then I would also study off of that. Oh, and FYI, some professors DO NOT give you a study guide for exams."

Hannah says: "I didn’t really have to study in high school, so this was all new for me. I have a playlist on spotify dedicated to ‘study’ music, and I color code EVERYTHING. Keep organized notes (I like outlining). Find a system and stick to it."

Pheobe says: "Binural beats! There are frequencies you can download or stream on the internet that help your brain to focus. I’d be lost without them, google it!"

19. Things you wish you would’ve brought with you?

Michaella says: "Medicine. I remember the first time I got sick I had nothing to take. Leaving me to trek to CVS to buy a bunch of drugs. I would stock up on DayQuil, NyQuil, Ibuprofen, Pepto Bismal, and Excedrin. I also keep lots of Benadryl and allergy medicine because I'm allergic to everything. Also ice packs and a heating pad are good to have on hand. (I threw out my back last semester and could do nothing about it. Not the business).

Jessica says: " My dog. In all seriousness, you’re going to forget something. As of right now I have everything I need, but at the beginning of school I would remember random stuff that I wanted but left at home. For example, I like to draw on my spare time but I did not bring any of my sketchbooks. I had to wait till Thanksgiving to get them.  I also forgot my toothbrush when I first arrived and my parents had to go buy me a new one."

Pheobe says: "My mom’s cooking and a curling iron."

A question for you:

20. ARE YOU EXCITED?

Till next time!