By Sydney Keiser
With the start of a new academic year, many first-year students arrive on campus with excitement and suspense for the new experience that college promises. Especially at Penn State, an extremely large and iconic institution, there are many expectations that freshmen hold about aspiring friendships, campus life, and academics. However, these expectations often differ from reality. As a freshman myself, the assumptions I held before moving to Happy Valley differ from what I have encountered so far. While there is no single experience that can define the first year at Penn State, there are common fallacies that are easily debunked as students transition into Penn State’s environment.
Expectation #1 – Gen Eds Don’t Matter
Before my journey at Penn State began, I assumed that general education courses (often referred to as “gen eds”) were not important and a waste of time that could be spent on classes supporting my major. As a Public Relations major in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, my schedule consists of classes like Econ 102 and English 15, both of which are filled with people from various colleges also needing to fulfill gen ed requirements. I thought these courses would take away from my focus on Public Relations, offering little value to my future career. However, when I actually started these classes, my opinion started to change. The reality is, gen ed classes are required for a reason. They provide valuable skills that are essential for becoming well-educated, regardless of major. For example, Econ 102 has introduced me to core economic principles while also building critical thinking skills that will be useful for the rest of my college career. Similarly, English 15 has taught me how to express thoughts persuasively and with clarity, which are clear strengths in the realm of communications and beyond. Additionally, being in a classroom filled with students from different majors has diversified my learning. It has sparked opportunities to exchange ideas with peers from different backgrounds, introducing me to new perspectives. In hindsight, I now realize that my expectation of gen eds being a useless distraction was unwarranted. Far from being a waste of time, gen eds have become a valuable part of my academic journey, reinforcing the idea that a diverse education can lead to better creativity and knowledge.
Expectation #2 – Pollock Dorms Are Terrible
When I received my housing assignment for this year and saw the words “Pollock Dorms” on my computer, I was extremely disappointed. Along with most first-year students, I was hoping for East Dorms as they are newly renovated, containing air conditioning and private bathrooms. The general consensus is that living in Pollock is synonymous with outdated facilities and a less desirable living experience. The stories I had heard about bugs, coughs, and more led me to brace myself for what I thought was going to be a year of discomfort and dissatisfaction. Once I settled in, I began to realize that my expectations were not the full reality of living in unrenovated dorms. Yes, the dorms may not have the same level of luxury as East, but they definitely have unique benefits that I couldn’t get anywhere else. Pollock’s main attraction is its proximity to both campus and downtown. While many students living in East Dorms opt to take the CATA bus to their classes, mine are only a 15-minute walk. I can easily go downtown to grab food or go on a Target run. The amenities may not be as modern, but they are functional, and I’ve learned to appreciate my living space. Everyone who lives in Pollock shares the same living experience and as a result bonds over the once unfavorable conditions that initially seemed like drawbacks. The communal bathrooms and shared spaces, which I had dreaded, have actually become common talking points sparking conversation. This collective experience has fostered an environment in which we support one another. It has transformed our initial disappointments into inside jokes and memories, making our time in Pollock not just bearable but genuinely enjoyable. While I expected a year of jealousy towards those living in East, the reality is that living space isn’t everything. I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.
Expectation #3 – Independence
When I first got to Penn State, I assumed that college life would automatically grant me freedom and independence. I expected that I would have the ability to manage my time, make decisions, and navigate life on my own terms without the structure of high school. The reality is that while freedom is greater here, a new set of challenges also comes with gaining independence. Without the guidance I was used to at home, managing academics, a social life, and personal responsibilities can be overwhelming. Having control over my own schedule means I now bear the full responsibility of balancing all the different aspects that college life brings. It’s surprisingly easy to overlook things like laundry and even setting aside time to recharge when I’m busy juggling academic and social obligations. Without a built-in structure, I’ve had to work on developing my own routines and finding the discipline to follow them. The shift also means learning to deal with consequences more directly. If I procrastinate or stay up too late, I’m the one that has to deal with the consequences. This process has shown me that independence isn’t just freedom. Self-discipline, resilience, and learning from each small decision I make are the true factors. I’ve concluded that college tests how prepared we are to manage this new level of independence. I’m slowly realizing that independence is a skill I will have to build throughout my college career, one that requires finding balance and prioritizing goals.
Happy Valley Comm 