pressures of being a  college student?
371730
Money. Language. Money. Customs. Money. Culture. Money.
825027
One option is to take out loans.  Try to get subsidized loans first but if you use up all of that, go for private.  As far as I am concerned, it is better to take a few loans and enjoy your college experience and not have to work so much then to be totally stressed out every day of school.  Try http://www.thinkfinancial.com for a private loan.  I used them and it was fast and easy.  Good luck.  College is worth it.
1078900
Well good for you! I am one of those in the middle bracket who got screwed. I really am glad to see you are doing your best in school, because where I go, it seems like 1/2 the students who get financial aid don't even want to be there! They don't show up to class, don't study, and party all the time. Then you wonder where they went next semester and they are gone because they failed too many classes and couldn't get more money. (that was my little rant) But as for the rich people, they are used to having everything handed to them. I don't see why they care though, because their parents are probably paying for everything, including rent/food/entertainment money, so they don't even need to work!
325808
College students are intimidated because unfortunately they walk into college life not knowing what to expect.  Besides the fact that they are not aware that most of them are unprepared for the challenging classes they are about to take.  Many college students are somewhat lost because they do not know how to seek guidance.  Most college students are also unprepared because most of them do not get the education they need and  deserve during their high school years.. Just some ideas
204211
College was...\n\nA much easier schedule than high school, with much harder work.\n\nA more in-depth social experience (while in the dorms, anyway).\n\nCollege is really what you make of it. Your professors most likely really love the subjects they teach, and if you show them an interest they will usually respond to you. I ended my undergrad career with a few professors I could consider friends. You should apply for at least a few clubs or groups, like the campus newspaper. This is more important than you think.\n\nI have little to say about Fraternies/Sororities, as I was not in one.\n\nHope that helps. It seems pretty big at first, but it's a life you fit yourself into pretty easily.
1109572
Growing up! Supporting yourself, not always having mommy and daddy being there for you.  Experiencing things, and making your own decisions and dealing with the consequences was the best thing I learned from college......
64197
well, a normal college life
790517
I'll give you some facts on college life, as an expert because I live in a dorm at my university for two years now. \n1. Students who live in dorms are most gauranteed to gain the 'first 15' which is 15 pounds gained from poor eating habits. Most students order pizza, and drink pop and raid the vending machines and snack lines all day..or in my case my room mates cook bacon at 4 am!\n\n2. Living with a bunch of students can be hard, not evertyone may be as 'clean' or as 'relaxed about cleaning' as you, and others might not respect personal property..I.E (which makes me furious) using my utensils..eating my food..etc\n\n3. When you live on campus the chances of you going to class are minimal . Everyone in my dorm and I mean everyone sleeps in..Half of my dorm failed and their parents yanked them out of the dorms and brought them back home next year.\n\n4. The social life can make or break you. There are alot of parties to attend, groups clubs to join..scheduling this all in 24/7 with school work an be hard.\n\ni would suggest instead join a group at school so you can still live at home but go on outings and participate in the fuctions they hold around school. my school has club week you can join cultural clubs, cooking clubs, clubs related to your program of study etc... \ntake advantage of the facilities at school instead of locking yourself up in your room, study at the library, use the gym facilities..or better yet get a job on campus. \n\nlast but not least, changing some of your eating habits or getting drinks that boost energy like fruit drinks with "alfala or grass" will help give you some get up and go.. You have to motivate yourself.. get a 4 month calender hang it in plain sight and fill it with a bunch of things to do outside your room to keep yourself busy always..\n\nGood luck!!
1051468
I had way more freedom at university because I lived independently and could come and go as I please.  From an academic perspective, I was only responsible to myself at university, so if I skipped class or didn't hand in assigments, my parents never knew!  I loved being responsible for myself.\n\nMy grades were better in high school because I felt pressure to get good marks and get into university.  At university, I had already achieved my goals and let my marks slide in order to have more fun!\n\nMy social life was pretty wild in university- I was out on the town at nightclubs most nights!  I drank and partied all the time, with totally random people, and ended up in some pretty weird situations.  In high school I didn't drink until the 12th grade and always partied with my group of friends, so it was less crazy and less frequent!\n\nI think I will be friends with my high school friends forever, but it was easy to lose touch with my university friends because we were all from different places and all moved away at the end.  With my high school friends, we all have hometown connections.\n\nBut overall, I definitely prefer university (which is why I'm going back for a Masters!)
990413
HORRIBLE!\n\nMy roomate was a complete h00k3R  who refused to be respectful and would bring multiple guys home at all hours of the night.  Many times I would get my blanket and pillow and go sleep on the floor of our suitemates.  Our RA was so lazy she did nothing about and, it took forever for student life to address the situation. \n\nThe next 4 years were absolutely wonderful! I transfered to a larger, top 50 University.  I had the time of my life there, and met my 5 best friends that I will be friends with the rest of my life.  My grades were better, and I can say I actually got an education b/c the people I was around were like minded. (They wanted to study and graduate)\n\nThe best advice I could give to anyone is that what helps make or break your college experience are the type of people you hang out with.  You want a happy balance between study/party.  Also dont drink during the week. That was my motto, and I never missed a class or slept though it.
49159
Stick with it & try not to hurt any of the younger set in your classes! I started college at 30 &, even then, found myself ready to throttle some of the kids in my classes. Personally, I found the difference in maturity to be the hardest thing to deal with when attending college at an older age :)\n\nGood luck!
417295
School is tough at times - no doubt!  It's good that you are stressed... it means you care!  Of course feeling stressed isn't much fun, though!  Sorry to hear you're having a tough time.\n\nFirst, because you care, you can pull through this!  I've been in your shoes before... I'm now on the other end of a college degree and lovin' it.  I wasn't a scholar by any means, but asked for help and ended up on the Dean's list my last five semesters.... believe me, if I can do it, so can you!    \n\nNot knowing you or how you approach things, it's hard to address specifics... rather than making assumptions, I'll cover a range of things in case any of them pertain to you... with that being said, whatever you're doing right now isn't working, so obviously you need to find a different way of studying, etc.  Here are some general tips... feel free to take 'em or leave 'em.\n\nAre you giving 100%?  If so, unfortunately our best isn't always good enough to get the results we want... but at the end of the day, when you look youtrself in the mirror... there's something about knowing you did your best.  If you continue to try your best, you will sort it out.  Of course if you're not trying 100%, then that's where you start... commit to do it!\n\nI would first start by going to your professors or teachers... go over past tests, papers, etc. and see where you didn't do well.  Ask for advice on how to study for his/her class... and find out if he/she knows of any study groups or other students from whom you could receive some additional help/tutoring.  If the class is small enough, they may be able to offer up other observations/suggestions as well.  Also, let them know how you feel and that you want to improve... they are human and all "signed on" to do this as a profession... they are there to help!\n\nThen... examine how you study... and where you study... find a place that is conduscive to studying... if you're near a TV or singing to a song on the radio... or near others where you are being distracted, it's time to find a new place to study.  Also, are you a morning person?  Know yourself... what time(s) of the day are you most alert, etc?  Try to study during those times... your mind associates certain places with certain activities... bedroom = sleep, kitchen = eating, etc.  I found going to the library and getting away form everyting was the best thing for me... and once I got into the routine, I noticed my grades improved... I knew once I stepped into the library, it was study time.  Establishing good sleep and other habits helps as well.  \n\nGo to class every day... skipping is a easy habit to get into - I've been there & it'll do ya in!  If ya don't skip, don't start!\n\nDo you cram for tests?  If so, it doesn't work... not usually anyway.  Procrastination will kick ya in the pants too... and can burn ya!  I had a coach that once said, "fail to prepare, prepare to fail."  Same holds true for school.  If in college, there should be some free academic assistance or tutoring centers that have staff that can address this stuff... same goes for proof reading papers before you hand then in... in in High school, there should be someone who can help you find these resources. Remember, no one makes it alone!  I'm assuming if you can ask for help on Yahoo, that you'd be willing to ask for help at school.  Smart people know when to ask for help!      \n\nRemember, balance is key!  Your future (in a career sense & lifestyle) depends on school... take care of business first... work hard when you have to, then play hard when ya can... finding the balance is key, because you do need both.\n\nSometimes easier said than done, but tell friends that you're struggling... let then know what you need or don't need from them... if friends undersatnd, that helps!\n\nStudy tip... take notes... first, make sure you're t
216476
oh, honey. college is harder for some than others. if you're feeling overwhelmed, see a counselor first. have them direct you to all of the TONS OF RESOURCES for people just like you! they can help you learn to study better if that's the problem. or tutoring. or just learning good test taking and study habits. most colleges have freshman orientations as well.\n\nif those resources aren't working or you're feeling too bummed out to pursue those answers, see your doctor so that he/she can evaluate you for stress, anxiety and/or possibly depression. i will BRB to modify this. there's a book by a college student that is fun and funny and tells you how to survive college.\n\n\nhttp://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5306614\n\n"the broke diaries" by angela nissel. the link above is from an interview on her. she wound up having to see a doctor during her college life. she wrote the book to relieve stress. (try meditation or writing. it helps!) there are classes for this too!
302154
There are many factors which will influence what your college experience will be like.  Just remember that it REALLY IS what you make of it.\n\nHopefully, you'll be living on campus, or at least away from home!  Make friends...but be weary, many people change while in collge.  What you think a person is all about on day one, freshman year, will most likely change by soph or jr year....you'll change too, even if you don't realize it.\n\nKnow what you want:  are grades your priority?  then get comfortable w/ the library and work out a system to do your reading and studying.  \n\nkeep an ear out for where the parties are.  i dont know of any college where the parties aren't fun, at least for freshman.  you will probably drink a lot, maybe gain a few pounds b/c you're eating disgusting cafeteria food, but just try and STAY BALANCED!  \n\nwork out at the gym, or if you hate gyms, swim at the pool or walk around the town where your college is to get aquainted.\n\ni always made my own food b/c i hated cafeteria food so much.  if you like being inependent and wouldnt mind grocery shopping, you'll be amazed w/ what can be done in a mircrowave and toaster oven.  \n\ngood luck!
1098032
I recently graduated from college and think I can offer you some good advice. If you're new to college don't get overwhelmed. Its important to find that balance between school and personal time. Trust me you'll need it. You don't want to be all books and have no personality and people skills but at the same time don't forget you're in school to do your best and receive an education. Don't treat college like you did High School it is a different environment. Even if you didn't have to study much in High School, trust me you'll have to study at least some in college. Remember the uneasiness you probably will feel at 1st will pass quickly. To stay focused remember not to look too far ahead be aware of your goals but focus on your present priorities. Start a good communication line between yourself and your professors, they can help keep you on track. And remember have fun, once u finish college you will have the whole rest of your life to work, so enjoy your college experience!!
125944
You added two items after your question, but one thing to remember is that tuition, room & board, etc. are NOT just expensive cover charges to an ongoing party interrupted by an occasional class. Yes, it may be a good thing to have fun and unwind once in awhile, but you're also young enough (I'm assuming) to get through the physical rigors of college and still come out with your health relatively intact.\n\nGoing to college takes a real time and effort commitment. Your primary reason for being there should be to get that degree, not to socialize, so go to class and do your homework first. But socializing is also important because you'll need to "network" in order to help secure that job so you can pay those loans, and so you can have someone to lean on or support through trying courses.\n\nFind a major that you like, but find a way you can use it out in the real world, too. Money doesn't buy happiness, but it's great for whittling down the number of concerns you'll have.\n\nIf you have a class with a lot of terminology, make notecards/flashcards for yourself - put the term on one side and the definition or concept on the other side, and quiz yourself.
190235
MY PARENTS DIDNT PRESSURE ME, BUT THEY WERE EXPECTING ME TO CONTINUE MY EDUCATION... TWO YEARS AFTER I GRADUATED (WHICH IS NOW) I BARELY FOUND A JOB THAT PAYS GOOD.  ITS A SHAME WHEN PEOPLE ARE PRESSURED INTO DOING THINGS... IT SHOULD BE UP TO YOU TO DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO DO WITH YOUR LIFE, NOT YOUR PARENTS. GOOD LUCK!