The first semester of your college years is a doozy, especially if you’re fresh of the boat from high school and you’re riding Cloud 9 from being free from the constraints of high school life. That is until you hit the wall of college life and you’re faced with the reality that college life is very different and in most aspects harder than high school.
BUT FEAR NOT YOUNG HATCHLINGS! Here are a few tips to help you endure your first dip in the college pond.
1.BRING A DAMN PENCIL
Again, this isn’t high school anymore. You can’t rely on your teacher or classmates to have a pen or pencil to give you every. Single. Day. Don’t be that person this semester. Nobody likes that person. Same goes for notebooks, loose paper, etc. Get your own.
2. Sturdy Backpack & Water Bottle
That old ratty thing that you’ve had since 8th grade? It’s time to say goodbye. That’s not going to hold all your books, binders, projects, and reports. Same for a insulated water bottle- it prevents you from having a crumpled plastic one floating around in your backpack. Cute isn’t cutting it. Efficiency is key.
3. Know Your Schedule
It is way less stressful when you have a feel for the campus and you have a general idea of where your class is. There’s going to be tons of other freshmen lost and looking for the same building as you. Stay one step ahead by knowing where your classes are. Even if you end up having a brain fart, there will be kiosks with kind people to help you out. That said, also know where the bathrooms are. Otherwise you’re going to be running around barely being able to hold it. Lastly, make sure you check your email in case your teachers send the syllabus ahead of semester starting. You just might need to have certain things on the first day.
4. Utilize Your Resources
Majority of colleges have a book store of some sort. And there’s usually stores around campus that have school supplies such as textbooks, scantrons, and report booklets. Plus there’s the library and computer labs where you can type, research, and print anything you could ever need. And they’re relatively cheap. Do your research on these locations on campus and you’ll be set.
5. Always Keep At Least $5 On You
And know where your closest cafes and snack shops are. Something quick just might keep you awake just enough to remember that equation that’s going to be on that major exam. But BE CAREFUL. The Freshman 15 is no myth. Weight gain is an actual thing during the first year. Don’t get anything sugar based. It’ll make you crash- aim for green teas and fruit. They’ll help maintain your memory and health in the long run and when you’re trying to cram.
6. Make Sure You’re Healthy
Time to go to the doctor. People get sick. Especially during the fall. And with being a first-time college student you do NOT have time to be sick. Class and lecture time is too precious to spend at home sick as a dog. Get your shots. Take your vitamin C. Stay hydrated — remember that water bottle!. You’ll be fine.
7. Think Outside of the Box
This kind of goes with anything, but in this case it means a typical day of school. If you think you won’t need it — you will. If you drive, keep a spare umbrella in your car. Because you NEVER KNOW. Also, make sure you have a spare toothbrush and little travel tube of toothpaste and extra deodorant in the car for the days where you have a 7 a.m. class and you’re rushing out the door. Wallet, phone, keys. Check. And keep a jacket on you or in your car. Classes get chilly despite it being a million degrees outside. We’re trying to keep you healthy here.
8. Charger & Headphones
Face it, there will be downtime in between classes and you won’t want to give up that parking space you woke up earlier for. Those are precious minutes of sleep you could’ve savored. Make sure you have your charger on you, there are outlets everywhere. And not just your phone charger, your computer one too. Can’t have your computer shutting down RIGHT as you finish a report you haven’t saved for 45 minutes.
As for headphones — if you’re studying or trying to have a little “me” time, headphones are key. They say “don’t talk to me, I’m focused” and will help pass time as you’re walking around to your own personal music video. On that note — don’t be afraid to talk to people. Staying social actually boosts morale and work ethic. Study Buddiez 4 Lyfe.
9. Stay Motivated
You’re actually paying for these classes yourself. Or your family is. Whatever the case is, money is going to your education. Take pride in that and try the best you can in your classes to ace them. This time your future really is on the line and you don’t want to be wasting everyone’s time. If you mess around in class and are disrupting everyone else’s education, then you’re stealing the opportunity from someone else who just missed the chance to be in that class, someone who actually wants and needs to be there.
10. Don’t Be a Dick
High school is over. Leave your pride at the door. No one cares that you have four years on your Letterman jacket (speaking of, please don’t be that guy who wears it in college. No one likes that guy.) Or that you’re wearing designer any thing.
Most people there are there to get their education on and build a future, or fix their current life and don’t for a second think you’re better than anyone else. You made it there same as they did. Respect all walks of life regardless of how hard or easy it has been. Talk to people, get to know them. These people may be your future colleagues, supervisors, bosses, or employees. Or maybe your friends for life. This is your opportunity to be placed in a truly diverse environment and to broaden your horizons.
Take a deep breath, and knock ’em dead.
Welcome to college.
