As school season rapidly approaches us, first time college students are beginning a new chapter in their lives. I remember how exciting it was to head off to college, but at the same time I was very nervous. I spent a lot of time on Pinterest researching tips and tricks for college life. While no amount of reading can truly prepare you for your college experience, connecting with others personal experiences can provide a peace of mind for students, so here is my two cents on advice for first time freshman.
Now that I am going into my third year, I realize everyone was in the same boat I was when the last dorm décor was hung and parents were driving away. For most of your dorm mates, this is their first time being far from home too and everyone wants to ensure they make friends and enjoy themselves. While it is easy to feel lonely in the first few weeks of adjusting to your new life, reaching out to classmates and those on your floor will give you a support system. I don’t think many freshman realize the similarities they have with each other, because I definitely didn’t. On top of that, those first couple of weeks are crucial to developing relationships with your colleagues. The events put on during move in and orientation are there for a reason: to provide a place for students to connect with each other. So, even if it means stepping a little bit out of your comfort zone reach out to those around you, a simple smile is a good start!
Many students move hundreds, or even thousands, of miles away to go to school, which means you are further from home than you’ve ever been. While it usually seems that parents are the ones who have a hard time letting go, I have seen countless students miss their families, including myself. What’s important to remember here is your family is still there to support you, even from a distance. During my first year I called my mom several times a week, set up times to Skype my family and would text or use social media to keep up with my extended family. Homesickness is incredibly common when first moving away and preparing yourself for it will make it a lot easier to manage. Parents can also help when you feel stuck or lost and bring a different perspective to a situation, so don’t be afraid to reach out to them for help.
Exploring your new home can enhance your college experience immensely. Even though you are there to study, play time is important too. Build time into your schedule to check out local shops and restaurants rather than eating at Carl’s Jr. every time you want a burger. Asking other students will help you find the best hole in the wall places that may just become your new favorite restaurant. Take advantage of what your surrounding area has to offer. If you go to school on the coast, visit all the beaches, or if you are in a city, visit the attractions they have to offer. Academics do take up a lot of time, but your most vivid memories will be the ones when you are out having fun.
Advice for first time freshman wouldn’t be complete without tips on how to do well in your classes, so taking courses you are actually interested in versus what everyone else is taking will make class a lot more enjoyable. There are often many different options for your General Education requirements, so even if you don’t like science, you might find a class that focuses on earthquakes is far more interesting than a general geology course. Your professors are also there to help you. One of the biggest myths I carried with me from high school was that my college professors wouldn’t care about me and wouldn’t want to help me succeed. I can’t explain how wrong this is! Professors are there for a reason, they want to teach you about their subject, because they love it! They all provide office hours that are mostly spent waiting for students to come by, so even if you are nervous to talk to them, taking that small leap will benefit you a ton. Not only do your professors want to help you learn about their subject, they are also people too. They are usually more than willing to sit down and have a conversation with you about life or are happy to chat if you see them around town. Remembering to reach out and make connections with your teachers will set you on the right track for success.
The first year of college is nerve wracking for everyone, so remembering that everyone is in the same boat will help you adjust. Keep in touch with your family, especially in times of homesickness and before you know it, you will be visiting for Fall Break. Taking time to explore your new home will give you reasons to love it and create memories to last a lifetime. Keeping up with your academics and using the resources provided by you professors and the university will ensure you are on your way to your degree!
