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Latwell Nyangu Youth Interactive Writer
One of the best things about college life is that you get a new experience every day.
As far as new and exciting chapters in life, college ranks pretty high.
For many, college will be one of the first times where you truly feel like you have real freedom. And while it’s thrilling to get your first real taste of freedom it can also be daunting, after all, suddenly it’s all on you to figure out and manage.
With all the freedom, as a student you have to maintain the right equilibrium between class, studying, responsibilities, money management, free time, and time with friends are all new aspects of life that everyone is trying to figure out.
Life at college is not black and white. College fuels your desire to navigate the grey areas, finding the answers to life.
In college, it all seems to happen at once. Maybe it is the first time you don’t have a set schedule, or a parent telling you what you cannot and can do, or you are trying to make friends while getting good grades in harder classes.
Being a student is all about balance.
Everyone’s experiences and journey are a little bit different and we all find our own way to become independent and successful, but here are a few helpful tips to help with that transition.
But, a big part of freedom in college is where you take ownership of your time and what you choose to do with it. Some people want to focus on their studies, while some focus on their social life.
It’s okay if what you want to prioritise is different from your roommate or your friends because your college experience is unique and what you choose to get out of it is up to you.
In my college life, along with studying, I and my friends enjoyed a lot of other things. We travelled to lots of places, had new experiences, and learned many new things.
All these activities are a sign of freedom but it should come with a lot of responsibility.
Whether college is looming in the near future or is a distant speck on the horizon, it’s never too early or late to figure out if college is the right choice!
Make sure you take care of your overall well-being with a complete approach to development and better your life as well as back home.
Utilise campus resources to support all of your needs — academic, social, emotional and financial.
Don’t forget to make friends and share your collegiate experiences together.
Freedom at college is powerful but use it responsibly.
But remember, while independence gives you the power of choice, you will need to strive for balance in your endeavours.
Whatever, the freedom you have doesn’t push aside schoolwork completely in favour of social activities, and vice versa.
Figure out what’s most important to you – make a list and outline how much time everything takes by day, by week, by month. Remember to double-check that nothing is completely falling off your radar.
It’s up to you how you want to spend your time but being at college means you have grown up and you have the freedom to choose also means you have to deal with the consequences. So, choose wisely.
From time to time things go to hell and there’s nothing you can do to prevent it. Many fellow students have done the worst things at college because of freedom.
Some learnt how to smoke dagga, take drugs, date, drink beer, attend parties as well as other adventures.
But above all, it goes with responsibility and self-discipline.
Gaining freedom in college is something that does not happen overnight.
College is like the gateway towards adulthood and starting that journey towards freedom from your parents. Many times, failing and learning lessons from failing is crucial to finding that freedom, so failure or asking for help is okay.
Be gentle with yourself and allow yourself to grow and mature as you gain and find your own freedom in college and beyond.
You will grow more independent. Whether you commute to campus or move out of the house, your independence will expand by attending college. You become the master of your own schedule, you learn how to manage time effectively, and you get to decide how you want to live as a growing young adult.
Most importantly college opens doors to opportunity.
Many students think that college will guarantee a successful life but the truth is, success comes through personal initiative and hard work. However, college does provide far more contacts, internships, and networking opportunities than sitting at home!
You will become better disciplined for the world. Good college courses will prepare you for the challenges you face in everyday life. If you learn to turn in homework on time, you will be able to meet deadlines at work. Thinking critically about your thesis or contributing to the great conversation will make smaller tasks at work or home easier to accomplish.
You will have fun! While the purpose at college is to learn, living in a dorm and connecting with like-minded peers is filled with adventures! From college sports to club meetings to study parties to dining hall conversations, you will have plenty of moments to fondly remember and cherish.
You will see the world. Travelling to a college far away from home provides hours of exploration and entertainment.
The happiest moment of a student’s life will be when he or she finishes writing a semester exam. Happiest moment varies from student to another. It could be to become the topper of the class. It could be the most epic picnic one had during school life.
Happy freedom to all my fellow students but..!
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