As August rolls by, incoming college students begin to shop for supplies, dorm items, and textbooks all across the nation. Emotions are high after high school prom and graduation and at the prospect of finally being alone in a new environment, with new people and an entirely newfound sense of freedom. If this sounds like you, welcome to the Class of 2020. College will be more than you could have ever hoped for, but it is still up to you to make the experience as enjoyable and influential as you want it to be. Here are seven tips to ensure that you start your college life on the right foot!
1. The syllabus is your lifeline to passing/getting an A.
Whatever you do, don't lose your syllabus! On it, you will find important details such as your professor's contact information, when and where their office hours will be, the grading scale, and how you can ensure that you are prepared for each class. Print and keep your syllabus with you or make sure you can always access it online. Highlight any and all important details and read over the entire thing by the end of the first week of classes.
2. Your professors are people too... talk to them.
I cannot stress this enough. Talking to your professor can be the difference between a C or a B or even between a B+ or a A-. Take the time to go and visit your professors at least three times a semester. Although visiting your professors in the first week is an option, keep in mind that your professors will be meeting hundreds of new faces like you within that time! The key here is the number of quality visits. Make sure that you don't just rush in, ask a question or introduce yourself, and then run out! To make sure that you have a good relationship with your professor (and possible recommender in the future!), come prepared with questions and topics of interest before you walk into their office hours.
3. The first two weeks of school are the best times to make new friends.
Everyone is looking to make friends during this time! Even if you are very shy and have a hard time opening up to people, make an effort to step out of your new dorm room and attend some of the many "ice-breaker" events that will be going on in your dorms and around campus. These are created to ease the awkwardness between new students and to help you find your place more quickly at university. I met one of my best friends at one of these dorm "ice-breaker" events and you can too! Also, get to know your roommate. At the end of the day, you will end up spending the most time with them and you don't want to have a sour or nonexistent relationship with them. Be open minded and receptive to new ideas, perspectives, and opinions during this time and don't be afraid to share yours!
4. Don't sign up for 8 a.m. classes... or even 9 a.m. classes if you know you aren't a morning person.
Just don't do it. You will regret it every morning as your fifth alarm goes off and you begin to seriously consider throwing your phone or alarm clock in the trash. If you know you are an night owl or are doing a major that is notorious for its workload or difficulty, I would highly advise you to schedule your classes later in the day so that you can get the rest you need to function.
5. Make your health a priority.
Running around to class, staying up past 3 a.m. four times a week, eating at the buffet in between classes, and keeping up with organizations, tutoring and your social life can take a major toll on your health. Don't let yourself become the poster child for the Freshman 15. Try to join or maintain some sort of physical activity throughout the semester, take a trip to the salad bar, and make sure to relieve your stress by doing something for you once in a while. If you feel really stressed, depressed, or lost, reach out to someone you trust and try to use campus resources such as the counseling and mental health center to get help immediately.
6. Get a job!
7. Join an organization or two.
Organizations are another great way to quickly find your niche at university. You can try as many organizations as you like, but make sure to join at least one by the end of first semester! Try looking up organizations on your college's website or asking upperclassmen for ideas as to what appealed to them about certain clubs or activities as you search.
Good luck to the Class of 2020! Remember to have a good time, take a breather now and then, and save the many memories and lessons you will learn this year as you journey one step closer towards your dreams!
