To my friends preparing for college next year,
Going away for college isn't exactly the easiest of things, especially if you're going "away-away", as in out of state or out of the country. You're leaving the world you've known for the past four years of your life and everything you've grown accustomed to will be no more. You won't recognize any faces in the halls nor will you sit at your usual lunch table in the cafeteria. You'll struggle just to find your class on your first day.
Even the structure of classes will be drastically different. There’s no assigned seating, extended due dates, or friendly due date reminders. Your instructors may not know your name or ever speak to you directly and that also goes for your classmates. Not every classroom will be filled with 25 students maximum. Some lecture halls can hold up to 100 students! You’ll feel like a little fish in a big pond.
Quickly changing environments and lifestyles is a lot for someone to handle. I know I was stressed and could have used some advice on how to easily adapt to my brand new life. I don’t adapt to change well and there are plenty others like me. Let’s start with how you’re feeling right now. Maybe you’re nervous? Maybe you’re excited and nervous? Maybe high school didn’t go too well for you? Well, either way, this is your chance to start anew! These 8 tips and tricks will help make your transition as smooth as possible.
1. Explore campus.
Remember when it was your first day of high school and your guidance counselor handed you a schedule and a map and you got to practice getting to class on time? Well, college isn’t going to be that simple. There is no map and there is no given practice time. You’ll have to do some practicing on your own. Take some time whether it’s before class, after, or in-between to do some exploring! Make sure you can find all of the important offices on campus such as the dining hall, student employment, the financial aid office, etc. You may not ever visit these places, however, it’s comforting to know you know your way around campus.
2. Reach out to your friends from high school.
You’re not going through this transition alone. Try reaching out to your friends from high school who chose to go to college as well. I guarantee they’ll understand how you’re feeling. Leaving high school doesn’t mean you’re putting that life completely behind you. Your friends may become distant but that is just because they are trying to make a life at college too. You may not talk as often or see each other on a daily basis, but they’re still your friends. Texting, calling, or video chatting a friend makes the weight of change much easier. Be each other’s support system.
3. Make your dorm cozy.
You’re leaving your childhood room associated with so many memories into your dorm. Dorms look a little intimidating before they’re decorated to your liking. Don’t settle for just a comforter and clothes. Put some effort into making it cozy and a place you’d like to come home to every night. Decorate with pictures, maybe bring a stuffed animal from home, put up those Christmas lights- whatever you need to do to get yourself in a peaceful state of mind. Fill your space with objects that make you happy.
4. Get to know your roommate.
Your roommate is also going through this transition with you. Maybe he/she is having a tougher time? Or maybe it’s easier for them? Although they may not be your best friend, in the long run, it’s good to form some sort of a relationship with them as you’ll be sharing a common space with this person. Ask them about their hometown, their hobbies, and their favorite tv shows. Chances are, you’ll have at least one thing in common with them.
5. Call your parents.
Learning to cope with homesickness can be tough. You’ll give anything to go home and watch tv on your couch with your dog but that’s not always optional if you’re “away-away”. Super corny (I know), but try calling your mom just to talk. I cannot express how much this has helped me transition. It’ll be relieving to hear a familiar voice and your parents will also love hearing from you. It’s not weird or as uncommon as you think. Everyone does it.
6. Get involved on campus.
Most colleges and universities offer clubs, sports, and other activities on campus. Try getting some more information about what your school provides for social involvement. Putting yourself out there will help you make friends as well as continue doing what you’re passionate about. Don’t let yourself get bored!
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
You have campus resources for a reason. Email your academic advisor or peer mentor if you have any questions about campus life or academics. They are there for your aid and benefit. If you don’t feel comfortable asking an advisor, try asking a classmate. If you are confused about something, it’s likely someone else in your position is as well.
8. Organize.
This is probably one of the most important tips I can give you. They don’t emphasize the difference in teaching structure in high school. College professors are ruthless. They want your papers and they want them when they are due. Extended due dates are the unicorns of college. Once in a blue moon will a professor allow you to hand in something past its due date. Certain circumstances like family emergencies and medical absences are excused of course but that’s where the line is crossed. Some professors don’t even let you know work is assigned. They’ll simply post the assignment on the blackboard and let you do the rest. It’s best to check these dates on the syllabus ahead of time and plan accordingly. I highly suggest purchasing a planner or agenda for your to utilize throughout the semester. Write down all of your daily tasks. I like to get super specific and mark down when I need to wash my laundry, pack a bag to sleep out or buy new toothpaste. This ensures that nothing will be forgotten.
9. Set aside YOU time.
College is all about gaining independence. Where you’re not completely alone, you are still on your own in some ways. Get content with being alone. College is overwhelming and you need to be able to put your work down and take some time to work on yourself. Do some soul searching, take a yoga class, go for a walk, listen to music. Your mental health is more important than your grades. Prioritize.
10. Be open-minded.
One of the biggest challenges I faced during my transition was failing to accept change. For a majority of my first semester at college, I didn’t want to accept that my life was changing. I had no desire to make new friends or join another theater company. I didn’t want to make new memories with new people in fear that I would replace the memories that I already cherished. However, I eventually figured out that new memories and friends don’t replace old ones. They just build until they eventually become old ones too. You can’t stop yourself from moving onto better things. Life is going to go on with or without your approval and it stops for no one. Be open minded to change. Approach it head on. You can always go back and revisit those old memories and catch up with your high school friends but you can’t revisit memories that don’t exist with people that you haven’t given a chance to meet.
On that thought, good luck on your next four years of undergraduate school. I hope you are able to take what you’ve learned from these 10 steps and apply them when it’s time. Keep them in mind and I’m sure you’ll succeed.
