by Robyn Keyster

Created on: October 12, 2009   Last Updated: October 14, 2009

For many first-year students, TV shows and movies have been their main sources of information on college life. Thinking the first year of college will be filled with neverending rounds of frat parties and blow-off courses, many freshman are surprised to find college much tougher than they thought. From the shock of leaving home to the ache of growing apart from high school friends, college brings students a host of new and often negative experiences. Just as high school wasn't like Saved by the Bell, college is far from Felicity.

First, forget everything you think you learned about college from friends and the media. No two students' experiences are the same, even if the school/major/dorm room is. You will not only have to chart your own course in college, it will likely be much more difficult than you expected. Unlike on TV shows or in movies, campuses aren't always beautiful, transportation can be a hassle, classes can be maddeningly difficult, and roommates can be downright frightening. While it would take far too long to list all the harder-than-expected aspects of college life, it's important to simply expect that yes, it will be hard. Indeed, not expecting college to be easy is probably the freshman mindset most likely to succeed.

Likewise, while it's certainly a plus to investigate your school ahead of time, even getting a feel for the local culture, it's almost impossible to know beforehand exactly how you will fit in on campus. Fortunately, nowadays there's a niche for (practically) every type of student. College life is no longer divided between greek row and the library. Amongst the fraternity/sorority types and the bookworms, you'll find all sorts of interesting people. Especially during orientation and the first week of school, delve into every possible student group and campus activity. There is often some sort of fair showcasing these at the start of the semester, so be sure to attend. You'll not only find engaging and productive ways to spend your time, you'll also meet like-minded people. Go into it with an open mind, and you're bound to come out with new friends and new ideas.

Getting involved is crucial, but don't expect it to take charge of your social life. That is a task you must complete, and it sometimes proves frustrating for first-year students. Most have lived in one area their whole lives, and thus have always simply had friends. They haven't yet had to go out and make them. As a result, freshman year is often an experiment in winning

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