what the first week of college is really like (classes, parties & more)

Summary

In this back-to-college video, the host dives into the realities of the first week for freshmen, highlighting the common emotions of confusion, feeling lost, and surprise. She humorously describes the 'first week bigness' where everyone is extra friendly, the laid-back nature of introductory classes, and the importance of navigating the social scene, including parties and student organizations. The video also touches on the challenges of adjusting to new living situations with roommates and the allure of campus food during the first week.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The video is an intro to a back-to-school series focusing on the first week of college, aimed at freshmen and upperclassmen with college amnesia.
• 👋 The first week of college is described as a hit-or-miss period with a variety of emotions, including confusion, feeling lost, and surprise.
• 🤝 The 'first week bigness' phenomenon is characterized by people being extra friendly and outgoing, trying to make as many friends as possible to avoid being alone.
• 📚 The first week of classes is typically not difficult, involving introductions, syllabus reviews, and light material, with professors aware of the add/drop period.
• 🏠 Living with roommates for the first time can be an adjustment, with the first week being a period of learning about each other's habits and routines.
• 🎉 The first week is a prime time for parties, with dorm parties, frat events, and school-organized gatherings being common, offering opportunities to make friends.
• 🚫 A warning is given about the presence of 'creepy guys' at parties, advising girls to stay with friends, be alert, and for guys to respect boundaries.
• 🍽 The first week of college often features great food, possibly due to the presence of parents and the desire to impress, but the novelty tends to wear off quickly.
• 🏛 Navigating campus and finding classes can be challenging, with advice to ask upperclassmen for help and not to get too attached to classmates who might drop the class.
• 📈 There is a lot of student organization activity during the first week, with fairs offering free merchandise and information about clubs and societies.
• 📈 The video also promotes a music video by Willa Barnett, directed and produced by the video creator, and encourages viewers to check it out.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video?

The main theme of the video is to give an overview of what the first week of college is like, focusing on the experiences of freshmen, including emotions, social interactions, and practical advice.

What emotions are freshmen likely to feel during their first week of college?

Freshmen are likely to feel a state of confusion, a sense of being lost, and surprise due to the new environment and meeting many new people with a small support system.

What does the term 'first week bigness' refer to in the video?

'First week bigness' refers to the heightened version of oneself that people display during the first week of college, being extra friendly and outgoing to make as many friends as possible.

Why are first week friends often not maintained after the first week?

First week friends are often not maintained because people are trying to make as many connections as possible and may not genuinely connect with everyone they meet during that time. After the first week, people tend to find their real friends and settle into their social circles.

What advice does the video give regarding the first week of classes?

The advice given is that the first week of classes should not be difficult as they are mostly introductions and syllabus reviews. Professors understand that students are still adding and dropping classes, so they don't delve into heavy material.

How should students approach finding their classes during the first week?

Students should reach out to upperclassmen or people who are more familiar with the campus for help in finding their classes, as the instructions provided may not be clear enough.

What is the significance of attending parties during the first week of college?

Attending parties during the first week is significant as it is a prime time for socializing and making friends. It's also a time when many back-to-school functions and events take place.

What is the video's advice on safety for girls attending parties?

The video advises girls to go with multiple friends, stay alert, and have good judgment about their surroundings. It also emphasizes the importance of respecting boundaries and not being a 'creep'.

What challenges might students face when living with roommates for the first time?

Challenges might include adjusting to different sleeping and living patterns, dealing with potential snoring or other habits of roommates, and learning to handle the sense of independence and responsibility that comes with living away from home.

Why are student organization fairs recommended to attend during the first week?

Student organization fairs are recommended because they offer a chance to discover various clubs and organizations on campus and to collect free merchandise, which can be useful throughout the school year.

What is the video's perspective on the quality of food during the first week of college?

The video suggests that the food during the first week is usually of high quality, especially if the college has a debit card system for dining at various campus restaurants. However, students may quickly grow tired of the food options.