Being a college student is WAY different than being a high school student. In addition to all of the new quasi-adulting you have to do, you also have to quickly adapt to a brand-new learning environment. Here are the three biggest differences, along with our best advice for how to adjust and thrive.

1. You are in charge of your learning.
No one will force you to go to class or do your homework; it’s up to you. Your professors aren’t going to reach out and ask why you missed class or remind you that you should be working on your term paper before the week it’s due. This isn’t because they don’t care, but because they see you as an adult. It’s crucial that you be responsible and diligent.

• Listen actively and take good notes. Jot down key ideas during lectures and discussions, then fill in details later.
• Go to every class, on time. If you’re absent, there will not be make-up work, and if you get really behind, you might stay there.
• Ask for help when you need it. Classmates, professors, TAs, and advisors are all there for you, but you have to initiate the conversation.

2. You really have to understand the material.
Your professors will expect you to do all reading and coursework on your own and come to class ready to apply what you’ve learned in new contexts. In higher-level courses, you’ll be expected to remember what you learned in previous ones.

• Manage your time. Plan on spending 2 to 3 hours outside of class for every hour in. If you don’t have a specific assignment, review your notes and actively study.
• Join or start a study group. Rereading isn’t studying, and peers can help you apply, connect, question, respond, and re-teach.
• Do not create “Future You” problems. No, you don’t “work better under pressure.” Chunk up long-term assignments and keep to your schedule.

3. Every class is different.
Every professor will have their own expectations, preferences, policies, and approaches. Some will lecture every class; some will make you do group projects; some will assign presentations. Some will be very formal; a few might bring snacks and go by their first name. Learning to manage these differences is great training for the workplace!

• Read the syllabus. This detailed document contains all important policies, like how late work or absences are handled and what the grading scale is.
• Read the syllabus. You’ll find a schedule for the entire semester and can plan ahead for major assignments.
• Read the syllabus. It’s basically a contract between you and the professor, and they will hold you to it. Seriously…read the syllabus.