Jadexx

Hi All,

I am a home schooled senior who will most likely be attending UNC Chapel Hill this fall! I am really excited about going to college, but also a little worried about attending such a large school. It's not so much the social, one-on-one interactions with people that scares me, so much as the sheer NUMBER of people that will be around me all the time. How the heck am I supposed to keep names and faces straight? I'll have people in my classes, people on my dorm hall,that weird guy who I don't know that always waves at me.. Etc. So maybe that is a slight exaggeration, but still- There will be people everywhere. O-o

Another thing that's bothering me: I think I am extremely organized, and have good study skills, but I am worried about how I will fare in an actual college class. Can anyone share about how much of an adjustment period they went through being in a college class? I have not dual enrolled, or been in any large-class environment. Most of my high school has been self study, with me putting together my own courses for subjects, signing myself up for tests etc... (School means ME at my desk, in my room for 6 hours a day). I can't visualize myself sitting in different classes and walking all over a campus.

Anyway, the excitement I have about college outweighs these two issues weighing on my mind lately. i am not freaked out about being away from my family/home, or dealing with friends (I do get out of the house! and I will still be pretty close to home) But, If anyone has some answers or their own experiences about going from home schooled to a large school, I would really appreciate your comments. ^_^

sbjdorlo

Jade,

I'm betting you'll do fine. You say you've never taken a college class but you got accepted to Chapel Hill? I believe that's a very fine school so you must have some excellent academic skills.

My understanding is that the first year (or first semester) will be challenging because it's a transition. Don't try to meet everyone. Perhaps join one or two groups where you'll get to know a smaller group of people. You'll then have some instant acquaintances that you can spend time with. (You know, maybe a religious organization, an intramural sports team, chess club, etc.)

Others can chime in here.

GeekMom63

I agree with sbdjorlo, and taking those comments even further, maybe don't sign up for a full 16 - 18 credits, but start with 12 - 15. I have terrible difficulty with names and faces, so I can't help there, but I love that you're already planning for the weird guy who always waves at you!

I have been known to write down a little map of people I deal with - maybe surreptitiously go and get everyone's name from the dorm room doors before all the freshman stuff comes down...

Have fun!

classicalbk

All the young people I know who went to college from home-schooling did wonderfully. Their ability to work on their own and find answers on their own without needing to be spoonfed helped them make that transition beautifully. Have fun!!

Jadexx

Thanks for the comments! I didn't think about clubs on campus until recently,
I hear they are really popular at UNC. Maybe I'll start looking into them!

GM63- The map idea is great! I could make clusters of names by where I meet them. And I think there is always a random waving person. Hehe!

Thanks guys I am feeling better about this. It should be fun.

chacha0

Hahah I was looking up dorms when I came across this post. Not sure why the search thinks it relates to dorms but...

I'm homeschooled and going to unc in the fall too! <high five>

bookreader

Keep in mind that there will be others at this school who are also new to the experience of being in a huge school. Many traditionally schooled students come from small towns with small schools. They will also be adjusting to being being in large lecture classes. Also being away from home is a huge adjustment for many as well.

Since you have good study skills, you will find the coursework very manageable. I promise.

Jadexx

@bookreader I see what you mean, it's not JUST me. Thanks for the advice.

@chacha0 Whooooo! That's awesome! <highfive>

Journier

The two homeschooled students going to Chapel Hill should connect on Facebook or Google Plus and on campus. It helps to have friends when you get there. Also, find or start a Facebook group for admitted students so you can have some friends already. You will get to know what they are like that way and can pick and choose some who would be compatible. You will also learn more about the school and what you are supposed to be submitting throughout summer.