Whether you're struggling to pass your classes or struggling to make new friends, college can be pretty stressful. I remember my first day of college I was super anxious about how the vibe was going to be. I guess it all depends on your school. After getting through the day, I didn't want to leave! I loved being able to have a long break in between classes and the feeling of being independent. Here are 6 tips to help you prepare for your first day of college.
1. Come to class prepared everyday!
Make sure that you come to class everyday. Most college courses are lectures, meaning sitting in a big room for at least two hours listening to the professor talk about that particular subject. If you miss one lecture, chances are you've missed something that's going to be on the next test! Showing up to class, and taking good notes is key to passing.
2. Choose your classes wisely.
Let's say you have to finish remedial math or English. Make sure to add those classes before any other classes onto your schedule. It's important that you take care of all general education classes so that you have can graduate on time. In some cases, you might even decide that you want to change your major. If this is the case, be sure you complete the require general classes for that specific major.
3. Be social!
It's crazy to say that some of my best friends were made on an app. While scrolling through the Cal State LA Twitter page I noticed that there was an app that was basically a group chat for incoming freshman. I downloaded the app and talked to these people about how excited we were to start school. Today, about four of them are my closest friends. Join clubs, participate in campus activities or join a sports team. Whether you're from out of the state or country, joining clubs are always available and allow you to connect with other people on campus. In college, there are so many unique clubs to choose from compared to high school.
4. Explore the city
The best part about going to college is choosing your schedule and having spare time to hang out or study. I usually go to cute coffee shops to do homework, and if I'm not doing homework, my friends and I google "cute places to visit in LA." Whichever city you're attending college in, it's always good to know what's around you.
5. Study as much as possible!
Let's be real, we all procrastinate. That's because in college, it's easy to do so. If you're going to hang out, make sure to balance your social life and your study time. One of my biggest regrets was hanging out late at night, waking up late and having no time to study for the test that was the next day. Give at least two hours to each class. One hour studying, and the other homework. Remember, you can always take a break in between studying.
6. Know about your school
This is something that should be done as soon as you begin college applications. it's important to know the history of your school. If the dorms are haunted or if there was a recent incident on the news. Going to a school unaware of it's history can be dangerous and sometimes regretful. Yelp.com and Ratemyprofessor.com are both common sources on the internet to help you know more about your school.
