In one week, I officially start college. That is the most absurd thing ever, in my opinion. With that said, I am absolutely terrified. I have no idea what I am getting myself into starting at university in just seven short days. I don't have any idea about what I need or what I need to be doing, what I need to know.
So I decided to take to social media.
I asked my Facebook friends, Snapchat community, and Instagram followers what things that I absolutely need for school, and what I definitely need to know.
GET INVOLVED!
Whether it be participating in greek life, student council, or just participating in one of the many clubs/organizations that your school has to offer, make sure to keep yourself busy. But don't take up too much time, make sure you have time to study! You will also be able to meet a ton of people this way. Make sure to make some new friends!
PLAN AHEAD!
"Make sure to bring a planner/agenda. As a college student you will need to learn to be organized and stay on top of things. Your professors will not remind you if homework is due because the course is all outlined in the syllabus indicating test dates, homework due dates, final exams, etc."
-Anonymous College Student via Snapchat
GO HOME
"As much as eating out with friends is fun, make meals at home and pitch in ingredients to make a nice, healthy meal. Go home and visit your parents, and don't be afraid to call home."
- A High School Student With Good Advice via Snapchat
GET KNOWN BY YOUR PROFESSORS
"Go to office hours and develop a name-basis with a professor in one of your big lectures. I was able to ask for scholarship recommendation letters and personalized help preparing for tests because I had a couple of professors that knew me well!"
-Paul Holmgren via Snapchat
FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS
"Bring your common sense, a good handshake, an inquisitive mind, and most importantly, focus and self motivation!"
-A High School Teacher via Facebook
ITS OKAY TO FAIL
"Don't be afraid of failing. It takes a lot of time and effort to do this [college] and I don't even have it fully down, but just relax and go one step at a time. I hear this all the time from freshman 'Oh no, I got a C on that exam...' Well a C isn't the end of the world, especially if it's a hard class."
-Liam Wilson, College Student via Facebook
BE CALM (and eat comfort foods😊)
"Remember to take a deep breath when you feel overwhelmed, paying attention in a boring class takes the same energy as an exciting class. Don't overcook microwave popcorn, hot sauce improves microwave popcorn, top ramen, and cheese crisps. And NEVER be afraid to call home just to talk, and know you are loved by people that are already proud of you"
-A Loving and Supportive Family Member via Facebook
MAKE FRIENDS IN CLASS
"Be friends with the person you sit next to in class so they can give you the notes if you are gone"
-Bekah Green, a College Student via Instagram
FINALLY
"Don't talk to boys."
-A Nervous Boyfriend via Instagram
These are just a handful of things that I was told would make my college experience SO much better. Most of these people have been through this before, so I think I trust their judgement. Overall, just relax, have a good time, make some friends, and whatever you do, DO NOT overcook your microwave popcorn.
And if you're already at college as we speak, go ahead and call home.
