As a college first year going into their first semester, the transition from high school to dorming can be difficult. There's a lot of new and seemingly scary things that are happening. Going from a high school where you know everyone to a large university like Stony Brook is an adjustment. However, if you're open to it, there's plenty of help and advice out there that can be utilized.
For starters, I've learned that it's best to start gathering your dorm supplies early. The sooner you have everything, the sooner you can double and triple check before you pack.
Packing is crucial, especially if you're going to school far from home!
Ideally, you want to start packing as early as possible so when move-in day comes you only have to get there. Another helpful tip is to make sure you organize well when you pack to make unpacking easier. For example, keep all of your cleaning supplies in one box, all of your sheets and pillows in another box, and all of your random things in another box.
As a first year at Stony Brook, be sure to finish your OCPP and take your placement exams by your orientation day. This is super important because it helps your scheduling go the way you want it to! At your orientation, make sure that you talk to everyone you can, you never know who you might meet. Personally, I made one of my best friends at my orientation.
When move-in day finally comes around, wear athletic clothes. Even if you're not an athletic person (I'm definitely not), throw on some shorts or leggings because you'll want all the mobility possible. Carrying things can get tiring when you placed yourself on the second floor of a building with no elevators. Besides wearing activewear, make sure you stay hydrated!
Most importantly, when you move in, make sure you thank whoever is helping you, and if your parents are with you, give them a hug. They've gotten you this far and they've done a lot. No matter what you think when they're dropping you off, you're going to have times when you miss them more than anything.
Your first night on your own, talk to your roommate(s)! You'll most likely be living with them for the rest of your first year of university, so put some effort into the relationship. They might even become your best friend. After all, you'll be sharing most of your life with this person.
One of the most important things aside from academics is being involved. Obviously, you're in college to get an education, so that needs to come before anything else. In order to deal with culture shock though, it's vital to get involved.
I can't say it enough: get involved, get involved, get involved.
Even if you're just in one club, do something! Put yourself out there and join something that you're interested in. It makes the transition so much easier if you have friends and you're keeping busy with things you like.
After your first month away at school, it will feel like you've been there forever. As a parting comment, it definitely is not as scary as it seems, just keep your eye on the ball.
