Im not sure if its common in the west but its not common here in the Middle East, so I just wanna know a few pointers & advice from people who've been in the same position as / or have been to college. came to atrl to ask this since I know y'all have some wise things to say, tysm 

Or I'm overthinking too much(?)

for anyone curious, I'm studying architecture 

Don't be worried if you feel like you chose the wrong major to study. Most college students change 2-3 times, and it's normal. Also most important thing about college is balance. Life and study balance is the most crucial part of young adulthood and preparing for the workforce. Everyone has thier own way of navigating freshman year, but as long as you have an understanding of balancing study, Work and social life you should be good. Experience as many clubs and activities around campus that fit your lifestyle and niches. Do and study what you're passionate about. Trust me, you don't want to get a degree in something you don't care about and be attached to it for the rest of your life. But also you don't want to waste money and not be committed to a goal for 4 years and end up with a lack of education. Find the middle ground, unless your fully hooked on a career and internship plan already

17? 
 

whatever you choose don't forget to live your life in the meantime. if you waste these college years you'll NEVER get them back. I lost mine due to COVID and it still pains me to this day.

4 minutes ago, Cain said:

17? 
 

plot twist: OP is the grandma in this scenario and you're actually a 6 year old ipad kid

Anyway for my useful answer; study something you love!
 

The job market comes with trends and whatever industry you will work in it's gonna eb and flow anyway, our generation will not have pensions and will be the longest working generation so far (we're gonna work til at least 70), so in those ~45 years of work you will experience it really doesn't matter what decision you made at 17

 

I studied Sociology, loved it and got my Masters with distinction, something I'm still proud of today. Uni is hard and I would've never been able to do that if I wasn't genuinely interested in the topics. Because of this and my sidejob at an NGO I was able to get a high paying job afterwards even tho people told me Sociology wasn't going to 'get me anywhere'

 

I've never cared for that though as we live in a capitalist hellscape anyway and after uni you get sent to the e-mail factory one way or another, so the best thing you can do imo is make sure you enjoy yourself 

Don't go to The Roof section.

1 hour ago, hyde said:

for anyone curious, I'm studying architecture 

Goodluck with all the sleepless nights and say goodbye to your social life. But it will all be worth it in the end. I have a degree and license in Architecture, tho not practicing anymore. Having your own design turn into reality and watch it be built from scratch to the final touch/finishes is such an amazing feeling. 

I started college at 17 as well. It's normal depending what month you were born in.

 

1. try to enjoy every moment, y'all never get that time back as someone said

2. Study abroad; even if it's just a week program but aim for at least a semester

3. Get involved in student organizations. Networking starts now

 

Being involved on campus got me my first job, the knowledge to study abroad, and a graduate assistantship  (I didn't have to pay for grad school).

 

4. Take advantage of all the free food events and free college merch

In between all the coursework, do not forget that university is also about socialising, discovering new parts of yourself, getting into new friend groups, picking up new hobbies and interests, etc., so all the things that expand your life. This is very important to discover but don't feel rushed into it. Do it on your own time and pace. 

I don't think anyone is going to put much importance about you being 17. The 18 year-olds who are going there will be feeling how you are too!

 

A few pieces of advice I have:

• Get out of your comfort zone socially (joining clubs, saying hi)! It is intimidating putting yourself out there but it is the only way to make new connections.
• Take things a step at a time - things probably will be overwhelming/overstimulating but just take a breather
• It is okay to backtrack. A semester in you realize you hate things, it is okay to pivot. In the grand scheme of things, the one semester you "wasted" won't matter at 35. 

Is that not normal? I was 17 for a few months my 1st year of Uni before my birthday.

6 minutes ago, Raphy said:

Is that not normal? I was 17 for a few months my 1st year of Uni before my birthday.

not where I'm in, my batchmates were 18-19. I was one of the 3 people in my batch who were 17 out of 50

you were born in 2008?  god i'm old.

You'll be the little kid on campus, so embrace it! I went to college at 15, and law school at 19. Everyone thought it was impressive and that I was a little genius when they first met me. However, as they got to know me they realized I was a normal person and it was the best years of my life! I was always the dd until I turned 21 in law school, but my college mates and my law school mates all came back to celebrate my 21st birthday, and probs gave me alcohol poisoning.

 

Trust me, you are better of because you literally can't do anything. Take the first year and do the most house that you can. I did 21 hours every semester my first two years, 18 hours my 5th semester, 15 hours my 6th (because the US takes away your scholarships after the 120 hour mark), and then 12 hours my last two semesters to actually enjoy being 18 in college and it helped me have a good GPA when applying to law school, and got to party the last year while everyone was buckling down because they partied early.

 

Focus on school first, do everything else second, because ultimately, you are there primarily for a good education!