Have your kids or someone you know ever wonder what college would be like?  I have a niece that will be a freshman at USC next year and is getting some pre-college jitters about her first year and living away from home.

Managing her time will allow her to have a much smoother transition and make this life change a bit less intimidating.  For some, this is a transition from living with your parents to making decisions about your future on your own.  Yes, you will have a lot more freedom, but with that comes responsibility.  You won’t be told when to study or be told to get to class.  If this sounds pretty great, that’s because it absolutely is!  BUT, then comes the exams.  It may seem like 90% of the exam is always based on the 1 lecture that you missed and the 1 topic that you didn’t understand.

Here are some key differences between high school and college life:

High school: You have to live with your parents

College: You get to live with your friends

High school: Everyone is required to be there

College: Everyone wants to be there

High school: You know everyone in your class

College: You’re lucky to know one person in your class

High school: Books are provided at little or no cost

College: Textbooks cost a small fortune

High school: You wrote notes to friends

College: You take notes for yourself

High school: You’re stuck with a set social hierarchy

College: You get to choose who you spend time around

High school: You have adults telling you what’s expected of you

College: It’s just expected

One thing that will help my niece when she is away is all the Penless products. This will allow her family to send gifts with cute stickers and a message from home.  She can also upload videos and send Penless stickers or postcards back to her family.  What a fun and easy way to stay close when away!!