The class of 2016 here at Millennium Brooklyn is approaching graduation this June. With that in mind, here are some things students can expect during their first year of college. 

College Expectations

According to Raymond Lopez, a sophomore attending Borough of Manhattan Community College, “college is the same as high school but everyone’s older.”

“School will always be school, the only difference between college and high school is the difficulty level,” replies Joseph Reyes, a sophomore attending Baruch, when asked his expectations of college. However some people like Mike Jordan, a sophomore attending Nassau Community College, didn’t really know what to expect from college. “Just remember everyone is the new kid, so everyone is out of their comfort zone” states Joseph Reyes.

Registering For Classes

Raymond advises to register early for classes, “for my first semester I had a late registration so I had two 12 hour days of classes.” In addition, “any classes that are to be announced is a wild card, don’t take that class unless you have to”, advises Joseph.

Raymond, Joseph, and Mike all agree that it is important to go on ratemyprofessor.com to see what the teachers are like as you register for classes. “Look at what your professors do and how they act, half of the time they’re correct. Your professor’s attitude affects how you learn”, states Raymond. This website ensures that students receive professor that best suits their learning style.

Registering for morning or afternoon classes depends on the student. According to Mike who attends school two days a week from 7am to 4pm states, “early morning classes are good for early risers, or if you plan to go to school two or three days a week.” However, according to Raymond, “afternoon classes are better for people who like to sleep in.”

Joseph pitched in, “with night classes you get to sleep how much you want, and you have time to do work before class, but then when class is done and you get home you don’t have time to do anything.”

First Day of College

Before the first day of classes, colleges have orientation where students meet other students and get a feel for the campus. Joseph’s orientation at Baruch involved a big breakfast, a tour of the campus, lunch, college ID photos, a hypnotist show, and a speech from the school president and alumni in robes. Orientation is meant to help students find their classes during the first day of classes, and welcome them to the school. “I highly recommend going to orientation to avoid missing classes on your first day, because I missed every single one of my classes the first day,” states Mike. Also keep in mind that the first day of classes in college will go straight into lessons.

Further Advice

“Whatever you do try joining a club, clubs are nice,” states Raymond. Clubs help students to become more involved in college. By becoming more involved it is easier to meet new people and attend school everyday. “It’s boring and lonely if you’re not engaged in your school,” replied Joseph. 

When it comes to the workload in college, it’s very homework and project heavy. “It’s all about time management in college, you do homework whenever you choose, it’s up to you” states Joseph. Joseph adds, “your second year is going to be easier than your first year because you get used to time management and know how college works.”

According to Quintcarrers.com the top five tips to help students survive senor year are:

1. Go to orientation.
2. Get to know fellow roommates and students,
3. Find an ideal place to study.
4. Go to class.
5. Become an expert on course requirements and due dates.