My parents have completely wrong expectations from studying?

My father has just expressed his displeasure that I'm not sitting at my desk and turning over thick books. "I think you are studying now!"

Yes, but today was just the first day, we don't even have books yet. And besides, studying doesn't automatically mean that you are busy reading and learning around the clock. First of all, we generally have to collect basic knowledge during our studies before we can even learn anything.

But in general, the idea that as a student you spend around the clock rolling through medieval books is probably a bit very clichéd.

Just like my father suddenly wants me to get a new computer and printer. First of all, I don't even know where to get the money and, secondly, I don't need it either. I have been getting along very well with my laptop for three years now, so I don't need a new one "because I'm studying now".

But maybe I'm wrong too. What is your experience?

Explain to your father that he is happy to organize his own studies the way he wants.

As a father, he should trust you enough that you too will be able to do this for yourself.

Check it out for him. He only means well and wants the new printer… That you are always at the forefront and that your studies are not hindered by anything. You will definitely need these things during your studies.

Speaking of acquisition - he should of course support you financially. You don't earn anything in your studies. He should know that.

Otherwise - let it come your way, but make sure you don't miss out on the beginning. Catching up is always difficult. It doesn't hurt to go over everything again after the lectures at home or to prepare for topics. Depending on your perception, you will find your studies easier or more difficult. There are so many who are sorted out at first if they do not perform well.

Do you already have a library card? If so, find out which books you will need soon and borrow them. They are often all loaned out when you need them.

Do you already have old exams, if possible with solutions?

Find friends and form a working group. It's more fun and helps when you support each other.

On the 1st day, the 1st week or the 1st month of course not that much happens…

You have to orientate yourself, get to know people (OK, Corona?), Check dates, set priorities, decide on courses, etc. Semester important…

But of course. You already have the first documents that you have to sift through. Go through the transcripts again, if necessary, do exercises, start looking for and sifting through the material you need for your first housework.

I have never 'rolled over' old thick tomes, and certainly not at home! I had 2-3 modern textbooks, gradually borrowed from the library. But rather checked in before exams! 'Old tomes', or rather 'older publications' in chemistry (5-50 years old), you had to order in the library, wait for them to arrive, look through them and then copy them because you weren't allowed to take them with you!

I don't know how material is distributed today. But at the latest if you want to type together more than 5-10 pages neatly on a term paper, a good laptop / PC is important.

I would say you ALL have a bit of a misconception about studying.

Your parents' ideas about books - they are out of date.

And you yourself seem to see it quite loosely; I hope you do not underestimate the demands that you have to face now!

Important: Reworking the lecture material at home every day from the start, otherwise you will quickly lose touch. The amount of material and especially the pace are completely different at university than in the "cozy" school, where everything was chewed through several times.
With "gathering basic knowledge" this can be completed within a few lectures and then you can quickly move on with new material…

► Which subject are you studying?
When it comes to a "new computer" there's a big difference whether you e.g. Studying computer science or German studies ;-)

And a little note for students who might take their studies a little too lightly:
In Germany, on average, every third student breaks off their studies. Too bad.