valecollegorian

working to pay for college isn't always harsh. there're jobs that u can study at work, but u might have to be a work-study student.

i think the hardest thing is to do everything in time and keep tracks of things. there're a whole lot more of what i want to do than what i really need to do. i never thought i would have to stay up so late as after 3 am, but i've been staying up that late for 3++ weeks.

Spetsnaz Op

Academics.

collegebound09

Before I got here in August, it seemed like the hardest part to adjust to would be the social and leaving home, and while both of those have been hard, the academics are intense to say the very least. More than a thousand pages of reading every weekend, and 2-3 papers every week plus weekly reading. Although this semester has taught me one thing: never take 4 writing/reading intensive classes in the same semester, no matter how much you detest science and math.

morada

I thought the financial challenges would be the worst.

they still suck.

but the hardest part was definitely adjusting to academics.

MissSaraAnn118

it's hard to pick just one, but i think that being away from my parents will be the hardest on me because i'm an only child and i dont go away for long periods of time without my parents. also the academics and the different social world is going to be tough too.

4321234

Finding a major.

ScienceGeek

Living with a roomate. I have my own room now so living with someone else is going to be odd.

melon390

god how am i gonna study?
think its hard to pull a 3.5 at albany?

fisher104

College is more anoynmous than high school because of the number of people on campus. You can ace everything in college and no one would know, whereas in high school, if you're brainy, then everyone knows.

ihateCA

Yes, you did miss something. Enduring yucky Gen-Ed science classes. (SCIENCE?!?!?!? EWWWWWW!!!!-puke, run other way)

Oh, and trying to pull a 4.0 at NYU Stern while at the same time doing two majors, holding down an internship at Goldman Sachs, and having a social life.

schoolforme

college is a completely different life... be surrounded by 18-22 year olds 24 hours a day is exteremly different than a completely interactive society. it is an adjustment.

Jo.InC.

more on social and less on academics. on the first day, you'll virtually have no friends, you're surrounded by strangers, and you're in for a major campus culture shock.

rayj28

Academics really isnt that big of a deal honestly. If you were one of those people who never studied in high school and still got good grades I would consider a different route. If you realize that college just isnt about going to parties every weekend and making friends you should be fine. I think it all about finding a balance that works for you. Everyone different.

rayj28

Also those of you who are apart of almost every organization on campus, I would really cut my work load. Classes, meetings, jobs/internships, studing, AND having some semblance of a social life will run you into the ground. Plus who are you trying to impress with all these activities. You cant use any of them on grad school apps when your being treated for a complete nervous breakdown. Seriously cut the fat. Your body and your sanity will thank you later.

Folle

leaving your friends.

i don't know, i've never really had to (or wanted to) try in school. math sometimes, but there hasnt been any challenge so next year im hoping itll just be a workload, not a bigger one. and more interesting classes

i've been away from my family for a long time before too

but leaving your friends is what makes it totally having to start over. your friends are the people who make school fun.

ohhh, and having to share a bathroom with 20 other people. that'll be terrible.