What It’s Really Like To Go From Private School To Public College

Making the transition from private school to public college can be overwhelming. We have the ultimate guide for what the experience is actually like.

Transitioning from high school to college is already a major change, but going from private high school to public college can be an even bigger adjustment. If you are coming from a private school to public college, here are a few things that I’m sure you can relate to.

1. Having no school uniform.

If you went to a private high school it’s more than likely you wore a school uniform. Every day was like an episode of Gossip Girl but 1-inch above the knee. Going into your freshman year of college, one of the best parts is deciding what to wear every single day, but the catch is you have no clothes. Wearing your uniform every day may have been annoying back then, but now it seems like a blessing. Rather than putting effort into choosing clothes every day, you could just wear the same thing as everyone else and not worry about it. But now we’re in the big leagues and have to decide what to wear! Of course, you’ll need to buy a completely new wardrobe before going to campus, but is that really a bad thing?

2. Small campus to big campus.

A majority of private schools are small compared to surrounding public schools. This means fewer hallways to navigate and complete familiarity by the second week of school. Walking onto your college campus for the first time was probably like walking onto another planet. The Foellinger Auditorium alone is way bigger than my high school, and that is just a concert hall at the University of Illinois. It may seem like an endless maze at first, but we will all get comfortable sooner or later.

3. You knew everyone and everyone knew you.

My entire high school had as many students as the graduating classes at nearby public schools. That size meant that I knew everyone, and everyone knew me. Your experience was probably not very different, but now we are little fish in a massive pond. Meeting people may seem almost impossible, but at the same time, it’ll be easier to find people who suit us perfectly, so don’t be afraid to jump in there.

4. Being involved in every club known to man (or so you thought).

Going to a private school means a lot of time for being involved. There are not as many clubs and associations as public schools, but it is still incredibly easy to find your knack, plus some. I sure had a full schedule, not even knowing what other things I could possibly be involved in… but then I looked at the list of registered student organizations and my mind was blown. Illinois Underwater Hockey? Never knew it was possible, but why not try it?

5. Deciding your own path.

Private schools definitely allow students to take classes based on interests, but at the same time, there was only so far that could go. Back then your schedule was practically written for you from day one and you knew exactly what to expect, from what teacher you would have to the projects you’d do throughout the year. But now there are pages of classes you can take and you have no idea which way to turn. I never knew you could have so much freedom in school!

Starting college is a new experience for everyone, but coming from a very tight-knit community makes it even crazier. If you are coming from a private school to public college, remember you are not alone in this eye opening journey, so relax, and take it all in.