August is just around the corner, which means that it will soon be time to go back to college. Which also means that since my class is moving up, it's time to start welcoming the new freshman class. Moving to college can be intimidating for some, and for others its no sweat off their backs. Having gone through one year now, I've compiled a list of 12 things that every incoming freshman should know, or at least be aware of before school starts.
1. Don't save all your major packing for the day before/day of.
Set aside at least one week to pack what you need. You might think you have all summer to get your belongings squared away and ready to go, but chances are you will continuously put it off for as long as you can. And then when you are packed, you basically packed your entire room. Edit what you've packed. After you've edited that, edit some more. You really don't need as much as you think you do.
2. Avoid buying textbooks from the bookstore.
Buying/renting your textbooks from your college's bookstore gets VERY pricey if you're not careful. We are so lucky to have the luxury of different options to buy/rent books for half the price, if not lower than that. Research the internet for different websites that do just that. I can tell you for a fact Amazon is one great option.
3. Get to know your roommate over the summer.
I personally think one of the most nerve-wracking things about starting college is the prospect of having to live with a total stranger. Unless you requested someone and know them already, take some time this summer to message your new roommate and learn about them. Find out what both of you like and dislike, so that even if things don't go as you hoped, there can be some sense of living together peacefully without much conflict! Who knows, you might end up becoming really good friends with your roommate.
4. Don't stress about your major.
Something that everyone worries about is what their major is going to be. The thing to keep in mind about choosing a major is that you don't need to know what you want to do the minute you get to campus. College is all about discovering new things and changing your interests. Take a class that has nothing to do with what you think you might want to do and see how you like it. Maybe it'll spark a whole new idea as to what you want to do with your life. But until then, relax, you have plenty of time.
5. Don't get into the habit of skipping class.
This is super important. Just because a teacher may not take attendance daily, doesn't give you a free pass to skip class. Your grades still ultimately depend on if you showed up because it would mean you learned the material. It's understandable that you may need a personal break from a class every now and then, there's no denying that. But please, please attend class daily if you can. It pays off.
6. Do your homework.
I can not stress this enough. Doing your homework matters in college. Coming from a high school where the importance of homework began to vary from year to year, I didn't always find I had the motivation to finish my homework in a timely manner. Completing your homework and other assignments helps you a great deal. It's a form of studying and useful for references when preparing for an exam. Don't slack on it. Stay on top of it as much as possible.
7. Try to make at least one friend in every class you have.
For some, this might not seem like a big deal. But other individuals might have a harder time with this one. Just know that you're not the only one dealing with this. No one likes to feel alone in a class. So try to put yourself out there a little and talk to the people who sit around you. You might find someone new to study with, have dinner with, or just become a completely new friend altogether.
8. Utilize professors' office hours.
These are given out for a reason. No one is expected to master the material given in class on their own. Your professors are there to teach it to you, and help clarify the material when necessary. Learn their hours and stop by their office to get help from them, don't just sit and fail.
9. Get tutoring if you need it.
Similar to the previous tip, if getting help from your professors isn't cutting it and helping you understand the class, go get some tutoring. Either have a friend help you out, or find one through the school. Sometimes a getting help from professors and students is the best way to go.
10. Go to as many freshman-oriented events as you can.
The idea of it may seem kind of lame, but these organized events can actually turn out to be really fun! They help you learn your way around campus better and allow you to interact with other freshmen that you otherwise may have never decided to speak to.
11. Spread out your studying.
This is something that should have probably been picked up on in high school, but that's not always the case. Do a little bit of studying whenever you can rather than saving all for the night before. Cramming is a lie, it doesn't work, it's a psychological fact which you can learn about in a general psychology class.
12. Let loose a little bit, but be smart about it.
There are people who really like to party, and people who don't. College is a good way to figure out where you stand on that spectrum. It's a time to let loose and have fun, as long as you can eventually figure out what does and doesn't work for you. Use your common sense when you decide to go to a party. Have fun with your friends, just don't let it consume your whole life while at school.
13. Call home.
Maybe you're homesick, maybe you're not. Either way, it's a good idea to call home and talk to your parents. Let them know you're alive and how things have been going. Chances are they're curious. It's also a good way to hear a familiar voice for a little bit, then be able to get back to life at school.
It's an exciting time to go off to college, so hopefully this list can offer some guidance to those who still feel a little lost. Get ready to start a new part of your life that's going to hold so much in store for you.
