What does a student typically do?

I’m curious about the responsibilities and daily life of being a college student. What should I expect? I want to know how it might differ from high school and what new experiences might come my way.

The college student experience can be quite different from the high school years, largely influenced by the decisions a student makes. Here's an overview of what a typical day might look like.

College has a more flexible schedule compared to high school. For example, you might only have classes two or four days a week, instead of five. Depending on the intensity and requirements of the course, a student may have 15-25 hours of class a week, much less than the typical high school schedule. Due to this flexibility, a student's day could start later or end earlier than it would in high school. Some classes might even be in the evening.

Secondly, the bulk of learning in college occurs outside the classroom. You're expected to spend about two hours studying independently for each hour of class, totaling between 30-50 hours a week. This could include reading, research, homework, projects, and studying for exams.

Extracurricular activities constitute a significant part of the college student experience. As a student you get the opportunity to participate in clubs, organizations, sports, community service, part-time jobs, internships, and other activities, often for several hours each week.

There are also many other non-academic things that college students may have to manage for the first time. This can include managing a budget, cooking meals, doing laundry, and maintaining their dorm room.

There's also an important aspect of personal growth and discovery that's characteristic of the college experience. Interaction with students from diverse backgrounds, independent decision-making, and exposure to new ideas and fields of knowledge can be transformative.

In turned, every college's culture is different, and students have widely varying habits. Balance is key in the college student’s life, and it often takes the first few weeks or even a full semester to adjust and find what works best for you. Of course, it's important to remember to take time for self-care and relaxation too! College is a unique and exciting phase of life, filled with new experiences and opportunities.