You’ve seen the movies and you’ve heard all the things said by older peers, telling you the same old, scary things about the experience you’re about to get into for your freshman year of college. But how much of it is true? Instead of getting caught up in all of the deterring myths of the first year of college, here are some of the most general myths debunked.
“You and your roommate are going to be best friends”
Regardless of what a lot of people say, you do not have to be best friends with your first college roommate. It seems scary to think that if you don’t, there is a possibility that you and your roommate will not get along. It’s perfectly normal to gain friends elsewhere, other than the person that was likely given to you randomly. But as long as you both respect each other’s boundaries and communicate efficiently, living together won’t go wrong if you aren’t each other's besties. And if things do go awry, communicate with your RA to assist your roommate conflicts.
“You have to pick between sleep, a social life and your studies”
Once the school year starts going, you’re going to find how difficult it is to balance your homework on top of your sleep schedule and the new friends you’re making. With the right planning and with a little determination, it does not have to be one or the other. It can be as little as studying with your friends, that way you are still spending time together while still focusing on your work. But if you don’t get enough sleep, the whole system shuts down, so each three are just as important as the other.
“You’re on your own now”
Chances are, you’ve probably been told that “No one is going to hold your hand in college” by fellow high school teachers and what not, but college does not have to be entirely completed without anyone’s help, especially if you have no idea what you are doing and need even just a bit of guidance. Academic coaches and career counselors are there for a reason, designated to help with any inquiries or questions you have, big or small. Or even if you need help with a particular class, fellow students are tutoring the classes that might have you in trouble. Other than educational troubles, your well-being is just as important, Counseling and Psychological Services offer help as well.
“You’re going to a party school, so you have to party”
It’s inescapable for a person to tell you that Ohio University is a party school, with them assuring you not to “party too hard.” For some people, partying is their ideal form of socializing. And for others, that method does not seem desirable. No one is forcing you to party, but if “FOMO” is tearing you down, perhaps it can be a “one-and-done” deal. Nonetheless, you aren’t skipping out on the major college experience whether or not you decide to go out and party. But if you do decide to party, make sure that you are partying safely, and of course, don’t let it upend your education or other physical and mental needs.
“You don’t have to go to your big lecture classes”
Unless you are determined to fail, you need to consistently go to those big, full lecture classes. While they might not grade for attendance or participation, the best chance you got for understanding and grasping the course material is going to class. Plus, there’s a chance of meeting other people that will be beneficial when you get stuck on a problem or need help studying. But of course, it's important to remember that you are paying for those classes, so don’t go wasting your money on a class you’re skipping out on. There’s something worth gaining while going to what seems like a boring useless gen-ed class.
