My community college didn’t even have a tour and our “orientation” was just to schedule classes and the people helping us didn’t really help at all. I have two classes ten minutes apart and they are in different buildings on opposite ends of the street. They expect us to know what to do and where everything is. Also I have no friends attending the same college. Honestly petrified because I feel so lost and overwhelmed. I’m afraid I’ll be late.
I didn’t do a tour either or have any friends either. The friend thing worked out to my advantage because i was forced to make friends (I’d legit ask people when their break was so we could lunch together) and for the 10 min gap.. just talk to your professors about it. Tell them that you’ll sometimes arrive late because of it and if you do your extremely sorry. What i did was print out my schedule or now I’m sure you can get on the phone, and then if go to school and find everything myself! It’s hard the first couple of days but I promise it will get easier (also could be a great convo to have with a new classmate about how big the campus is)
I know this is like 2 years late but I start college on Monday and I’m excited but I’m also nervous. Thank you for making a video specifically for community college attendees.
The M Blog I’m going to be 20 and I have completed 2 semesters at my local community college. I have only been taking two classes per semester so I can get used to everything. I don’t know how people can take like 5 or 6 classes per semester and hold down jobs. I’m really dreading taking the math and science classes. I am jealous of my friends that are going to 4 year schools because I don’t feel like I’m growing at all and getting the same experience. I also have no clue how I’m supposed to finish college by 22. I’d like to transfer to a 4 year one day. Maybe a private college. I also have developmental disabilities that make things much harder for me.
Going to CC was by far the BEST decision of my life and it made so much sense for me (I’m paying for my education and I like smaller class sizes). My point being here is that you are only 20! This is your time to figure it out just like your friends. No path is the same so it’s unfair to compare. Just by what you’re telling me, I know you want to take it slow so maybe take one math and then 3 electives (art,political science, and a film class?). Don’t pressure yourself on a due date to graduate. It’s better to take your time now so you get it right. Challenge yourself to succeed no matter the obstacles and be positive with every step. Work hard and recognize those efforts!! (This is where you’ll grow the most). Also, I know a lot of great people that didn’t graduate by the “expected date”. Success looks different on everyone but it’s still the same feeling!
The M Blog thanks so much. That’s a good idea. I believe that our society has kind of put out an unfair stigmatism towards community college. I also think that there is a lot of pressure to have college done by 22, be married by a certain age, have kids at a certain ave and get a job at a certain age. This doesn’t have to be the case though. I guess I’m maybe a bit jealous of my friends who are getting the full college dorm experience. But I have to realize no two paths are the sane and that’s ok 😊
I would add that visiting professors at least once during office hours is important. The can provide you with letters of recommendation for transfer, etc. It is also a time when you can talk to them about any issues you may be having in the class. It is good when instructors know you.
I’m noticing a lot of “well my community college is super laid back!!” And that’s great - but I think a huge point to remember is that most students transfer to a university after CC. If you take CC as seriously as possible and practice things like not taking your phone out, respecting instructors, etc., then you’ll be more prepared in a possibly more structured and strict environment like a university.
Man I start this week and I'm nervous as all heck. I was home schooled and just graduated so this is my first experience 'in the outside world' kinda thing. I've got some major anxiety when it comes to talking to people and I'm really inexperienced with... well, everything. This video helped me a bit tho so thanks for that.
thank you soooo much for this, I start my first year of community college on August 21st and I am scared out of my mind! I will take your advice to heart!
Thank you for watching! Know that feeling too well, & I promise you so many others feel it too. But you absolutely got this! These tips will truly make a difference!
Definitely know the feeling of adjusting to 2 separate programs! Can be nerve-wracking but once you get the hang of it, you'll be knowing the system better than anyone else!
Great video, however, you kind of made community college out to be kind of more severe than what it is. I'm going into my third year of community college, my instructors are extremely laid back. We address them by their first names. Maybe that's just my college. *Shrugs* A tip I would add is that as adults, you have to learn self-discipline. Is your phone on your desk going to be distracting to you? Can you take notes on your laptop without bringing up Facebook? Ask yourself what can you do for yourself to be successful.
Thank you for the comment! And cc to me is a severe topic just because 70% of students don’t meet their desired goal. Whether it’s obtaining an AA or transferring, many don’t complete it. For me it’s very important that those students succeed because the majority aren’t given the resources due to the lack of social mobility. That’s a whole other topic! But I understand where you are coming from and yes my cc was laid back as well but I encourage everyone to challenge themselves to be the odd one out and treat it as though you are going to an Ivy League. This approach has led me to accomplish many things at community college and it’s honestly my best advice for others. Great comment and great tips! Thank you!!
Thank you for making this video ! I am 38 , haven’t been to school since high school. Already a business owner but going back to obtain my Business Administration degree. You touched on a lot of doubts I had so thank you . 💖🙏🏼
Good to hear! Never too late to get more schooling, hope you enjoyed your educationa nd hope it helped you in the way you wanted! (Assuming you just finished or are halfway through, eitherway, good luck! Hope it is fun and helpful :)
I start tomorrow hella nervous lmao but the thing that makes me feel better is everyone’s nervous too. We’re all in the same boat it’s like starting high school all over again
It’s been 8 months since you wrote this comment so if you don’t mind me asking, how was it when you started? I’m especially curious because I’m starting CC in the fall, and I want to know what should I expect. I’m really nervous just thinking about it so your words could go a long way in calming my concerns and fears! 😩
Coco Taveras I’m not gonna sugar coat it but it wasn’t as nervous as it seems considering legit no one tries to make conversation with you. Kinda sucks it’s like that, so it’s pretty hard to make friends just gotta put yourself out there. I made 4-5 friends my first year there but only have 2 of them on social media. The classes are really easy so it’s easy to get a good GPA just gotta put a little of work in it. What’s your major
Man I go to a trade school for welding (community), biggest lesson I learned is that nobody cares about you. I don't mean that in a bad way but there is no real pressure for friends.. I mean yes I talk to a few and eventually get to know some students much more personally and its fun to talk to them but its not necessary. I would however make friends with the instructor, at my school they can give great advice and provide feedback crucial for a better grade as well as information for the future work you are going to take., My instructors are loose, swear, and carry a chill aura about themselves. The phone thing is not true in my experience and I've seen people just on their phones 24/7 and most teachers don't blink an eye because they get paid regardless of your grades. Nothing to worry about IMO especially if you are in a community trade school because of the fact that it is self-paced, you get out what you put into it and you can finish some classes like a week early if you are on great track. Don't freak out and act as if making friends is the main goal, the main goal is education. Buckle down and don't procrastinate and you can achieve your goals, make a GOOD schedule that's realistic.
Yes! My main tip is to take time to find the college resources, they will help a lot. Cc is a bit different than high school since you won’t know many people and you’ll be on your own. Finding your favorite spots to study will help you feel comfortable and give you a better chance of succeeding!
After 6 years from graduating high school, I am now starting college this upcoming fall! Im super nervous and excited lol thank you so much for this video!!
thank you sm for making these community college videos! i just transferred from a university to community college this year and i’m actually so excited to start now!
It’s been two years since you wrote this comment so if you don’t mind me asking, how was it when you started? I’m especially curious because I’m starting CC in the fall, and I want to know what I should expect. I’m really nervous just thinking about it so your words could go a long way in calming my concerns and fears! 😩
Thank you for this! You earned my subscribe. I’m about to start as a freshman at community college. Is there any website on the computer that you can use for note taking?
It’s Been a year since you wrote this comment so if you don’t mind me asking, how was it when you started? I’m especially curious because I’m starting CC in the fall, and I want to know what I should expect. I’m really nervous just thinking about it so your words could go a long way in calming my concerns and fears! 😩
Coco Taveras When I started CC, I felt nervous meeting new people, but after 1 month later I actually became friends with some of them. The friends in CC are better and more even than in high school. The friends in High school were too odd. Life got much better when I started CC. Also, the drama in high school is gone now. In the other hand, you have to navigate yourself around with the professor with the online work. He’s gonna expect you to work outside of class. It’s a decision you have to make for yourself basically. If you fail a test you haven’t studied for, it’s your consequence. You are also responsible for self-advocacy and you usually have an advisor who helps you make your own schedule basically.
lol i start college tomorrow... i don't know what im doing and i don't have anything that i need... edit: i was reminded of this so i'll give a little update. i got through my first week. i get some money soon, hopefully this week so i can get new stuff. i was a little confused about my schedule so i missed a class but other than that i think its well. still dont have a major though....
Been a year since you wrote this comment so if you don’t mind me asking, how was it when you started? I’m especially curious because I’m starting CC in the fall, and I want to know what should I expect. I’m really nervous just thinking about it so your words could go a long way in calming my concerns and fears! 😩
Coco Taveras it was definitely a new environment and new schooling structure... but you’ll get through it!! I was nervous but talking to my classmates helped ease things. A majority are feeling the same way so don’t be too hard on yourself! Time flies omg times flies soooo fast!! The first week you might feel a little overwhelmed with the syllabus or homework, but you’ll get the hang of things really quickly. Don’t worry don’t stress or get too nervous. I promise you’ll be fine! And tell me how it goes !!! I’d love to hear.
Maria Baron Ok thank you so much, you honestly calmed my nerves down! I’ll tell you how it goes when I start. Have an awesome day and don’t forget to stay safe! Take care! 😊👍
I start college this fall and I’m going to a community college I’m really scared and nervous to be entering my first year year of “adult” life I’m 18 and I don’t know how to prepare myself or what supplies I need for the first day
Community college is what you make it if you talk to people and do your work you will have friends and be out in no time for me I hated going to community college and I did everything I could to transfer after my first year so I worked my ass off for one year and got into temple University. Tbh I didn’t make any new friends at community college but I did know a decent amount of people from my old high school that went there if you go to a community college like mine expect to get a good education and possibly some new friends if you get yourself out there
So exciting! I would recommend to try as many new things as possible. This is probably a really special time in your life where you can have time to work on yourself and your resume. So join a club, try to make something new on campus (event,campus, club). Also, make sure to always ask questions for the things you don’t understand about transferring. It’s really important that you stay on top of it. The clubs you join may link you to students who know their stuff and can help you if you don’t get something. So be motivated, and make sure you at least know one person in each class!
Kyla Malicad I’ve been in college for a month. It’s great. Here are some tips Week before classes begin your instructors should post all the assignments. Write down the First and second week assignments for all your classes. If you have time go find all your classes, so you don’t accidentally go into the wrong one. Takes notes and read your textbooks When you see an assignment that looks easy, do it right then. Once you actually begin to read it there may be more steps than it actually seems. Speak up to your instructors. Since I’ve been homeschooled I’m extremely shy, and I didn’t ask my instructor to go more into detail about an assignment we had and messed up on it only because I didn’t speak up. Make sure you do that please. HAVE FUN! Let me know if you have any questions.
Most of my professors did not want to allow laptops. On day 1, students would ask this question but most would grudgingly agree and state that if you are caught doing anything else other than taking notes, then no one would be allowed. And on most syllabi, most teachers will state a no phone or laptop policy. However, then students would ask the above question. Hence, were my teachers really open to the idea of students using laptops? The answer is no. However, some would grudgingly agree even though they really do not like the idea of students using laptops. As for 1st name basis, I have found out that most humanities teachers love to build relationships with students and STRESS to use their office hours. However, never assume this will be the case. If they have a Dr title, call them formally by their title. If they do not like to be formally addressed, they will tell you so.
CC....4 year.....saved me. I have bipolar d/o and could have not have made in a a noisy dorm. Some people look down on you if you don't get that college experience. That is nonsense!
It’s been a year since you wrote this comment so if you don’t mind me asking, how was it when you started? I’m especially curious because I’m starting CC in the fall, and I want to know what I should expect. I’m really nervous just thinking about it so your words could go a long way in calming my concerns and fears! 😩
I start in two days and I have to go get my student ID and presumably my parking pass before class starts. Do we even have a parking pass? I don't know! Two of the books I need were out of stock, and there was no tour so I only have general idea of my classes, which I enrolled in rather late because I wasn't allowed to enroll until after I officially got into the Honors program. So I'm speedrunning videos like this cause I'm excited but also nervous about missing something vital that isn't mentioned anywhere on my account.. Let's goooo
If you are animated and interested in the lecture than yes. However, you'll stand out to your professor like no other. Many people shy away from such a great opportunity to showcase skills that can lead to a great letter of recommendation!
I'm starting college next Monday and I'm really nervous and trying to memorize my classes on the campus map so I don't get lost but I'm still scared its gonna happen or I walk into the wrong class ;-;
It will be okay! I understand the feeling completely. I would go sometime this week and walk around in the order that you have your classes during the day so you at least know the path. Also someone once told me that writing down the classes and class times and then taking a picture and having it as wallpaper is helpful! I usually just make a flashcard and put in my planner. Good luck! You got this!
Do not worry! Sometimes these things happen but then you learn the process/get to know the different offices. You’ll be able to help another person later. Hope it is all sorted out now :)
Yes but most depends on the professor I think it is easy than high school but if u take calculus 1 2 3 or anatomy or organic chemistry then it is a different story
For the most part people say 2 years so you can build a solid track record with your grades and school activities. If you rush and do one year, you may suffer from lack of time to learn your way of learning and balancing other priorities.
Do you find that most community college students use computers to take notes or they just write it down on a notebook? I'm undecided on wether buying a new laptop.
Personally I find people use notebooks more. I honestly don’t recommend buying a new laptop. It’s sort of an extra cost that you can just save for other things in the future.