COLLEGE: Books, Bills, and Breakdowns – Blog 1

By Martha Aguilar

October 12, 2024

Welcome to COLLEGE: Books, Bills and Breakdowns. This is a mini-series of my college experience. I am currently a junior and a transfer student from community college. I graduated with my associate’s degree in Chemistry in May 2024, and then in August, after completing my REU, I made the move to Phoenix to attend ASU, one of the largest schools in the United States, home to around 140,000 undergraduate students. My community college had an enrollment of fewer than 5,000 students, and the town I lived in had a population of about 30,000. Phoenix, by contrast, has a population of around 4 million.

1. Class Size: A Double-Edged Sword

One of the first things I noticed was the drastic change in class sizes. In some ways, it’s a good thing; in others, it’s more challenging. For example, when I took University Physics I at community college, there were just 7 students, 6 boys and me. It was intimidating being the only girl, but the small group made it easier to participate and get one-on-one attention from the professor.

Now, I’m in University Physics II at ASU, where there are around 170 students in my class. While it’s overwhelming, there are about 50 girls in the class, which gives me a chance to make new friends and connect with more people in my field. The downside is that larger class sizes can feel impersonal, and getting help from professors or TAs requires more effort.

Everyone seems to have their cliques, which is tough as a transfer student. Most of my classmates have known each other since freshman year, and it can be intimidating trying to break into conversations. It actually took me two months to gather the courage to talk to a girl in my physics class, but when I finally did, it felt like a small victory.

2. Relationships with Faculty: Personal vs. Distant

At community college, I had built strong relationships with professors, administrators, and even maintenance staff. I knew almost everyone, and they knew me. I had inside jokes with professors, and they watched me grow both personally and academically during my time there. That kind of familiarity made me feel supported and cared for.

At the university, it’s different. With thousands of students, it’s harder to build those personal connections. While the resources are there, the atmosphere feels more detached. I’m working to form relationships with my professors, but it’s not as easy to walk into their office and strike up a conversation as I could back at community college.

3. Financial Pressures: Juggling Jobs and Bills

One of the biggest adjustments has been the financial strain. Tuition at community college was much more affordable, and now, even though I receive the full Pell Grant, I had to take out student loans to cover the cost of university tuition. I also don’t live on campus, I share an apartment with my friend, and the cost of living in the city is way higher than in my small hometown.

To make ends meet, I’m working two jobs while attending school full-time, and my friend does the same. Balancing work and school has been tough, especially when bills start stacking up. While I was prepared for university to be more expensive, living in a major city has introduced a whole new level of financial responsibility.

4. Campus Life: A Bigger World, More Opportunities

At community college, there were fewer clubs, organizations, and campus activities. The smaller size made it easier to get involved, and the environment felt more intimate. At university, the opportunities are endless, but with so many people and events happening all the time, it’s easy to feel lost or overwhelmed.

Living off-campus also means I don’t experience dorm life or the constant buzz of campus activities, so I have to make an extra effort to stay connected to what’s happening at school.

Final Thoughts: The Journey So Far

Transitioning from community college to university has been a whirlwind, filled with challenges but also opportunities for growth. I’ve had to adjust to larger class sizes, a busier city, and financial pressures that make balancing school and work more difficult. But through it all, I’ve gained independence and resilience.

If there’s one piece of advice I can offer to others making this transition, it’s to stay patient and give yourself grace. It’s okay to struggle, to feel overwhelmed, or to take time to find your place. College isn’t just about academics; it’s about figuring out how to navigate life, bills, and all the breakdowns in between.