Ever since I began to think about college, I’ve been consumed with this overwhelming dread. It was a fresh, clean slate: a new social life to shape and form, more rigorous classes and living on my own. It was a lot of newfound responsibility for the 17-year-old senior I was a year ago.
Even after choosing my college as well as a career path I enjoyed, I still found the entire idea to be shocking. Being a huge introvert and just coming out of my social anxiety shell, I was terrified! So, as a nervous incoming freshman, I read millions of articles about tips for college, but they began to get super redundant after a while.
Beyond the typical “go to class, don't skip” lecture, I managed to discover a few tips I hadn't heard of before that still stick with me to this day:
1. Get ahead of the material.
You know that feeling when you go to class and already know what the teacher is talking about? It’s an absolutely fantastic feeling — a sudden burst of confidence — and what's even better is that you can already have questions prepared to ask in class rather than waiting a week or so later!
2. Go up to strangers. Really.
Just from my first week at Kennesaw, I’ve learned that the community is extremely friendly. Whether it’s just small chats while waiting for the elevator or waiting in line for pizza in the dining hall, everyone is always super peppy and welcoming, which is such a refreshing change!
3. Don’t eat junk food all the time, even if it is cheap.
“You are what you eat." Ramen noodles and Easy Mac may taste good for the late-night munchies, but if that’s a common meal, you might feel sluggish in the morning. While some habits are hard to break (like drinking soda), at least getting a few glasses of water in a day can make a fantastic change, plus it has a gazillion benefits (like clearing your skin and giving you tons of energy)! Vegetables can be pretty yucky to some people, but fruits taste amazing. It’s like healthy candy! Also, eating healthy is a great way to keep away from the freshman 15.
4. Keep tabs on your mental health.
Our age group is the most vulnerable to developing a mental disorder, whether it’s anxiety, depression, etc. A positive attitude makes your day so much better, so if you’re feeling like a super pessimist all the time, go take advantage of your counselors. They’re there for exactly that reason. You wouldn’t let a wound fester before seeking treatment, so don’t let mental issues become unbearable before seeking treatment!
5. Talk to your professors during their office hours.
When you form a relationship with your professors, you gain access to a variety of new knowledge. When you show them that you care, you can form connections that could lead to recommendation letters and potential internships and jobs. Remember, your teachers are people, too. They have lives outside of class, so don’t treat them like robots!
6. It’s totally normal to have bad days.
Although people claim that university is the “best years of your life,” it won’t be for every second of every day. Someone is going to screw you over, someone is going to upset you, some nights you’re not going to get any sleep — but you’re going to have some amazing highs that’ll overshadow those lows.
7. Breathe.
You don’t have to experience every single thing college has to offer in your first semester. Don’t overload yourself. You’re adjusting to your new life; don’t let yourself get overwhelmed with clubs and organizations to join. You have four whole years, so pace yourself.
8. Take advantage of your resources.
Are your writing skills weak? Kennesaw has a writing center! Are you struggling in one of your subjects? Find a tutor! There are so many study resources that are offered to help you in the areas you’re struggling in. Don’t sit with material you don’t know and wait for quizzes and exams to come around! On another note, there’s a gym — go exercise! Start on the path to getting healthier. You can make huge, positive changes to your life with what’s offered on campus, so take advantage.
9. Treat college as if it were a nine-to-five job.
One of the best tips I’ve received is to devote your time to your studies and classes as this were a nine-to-five job. That’s eight hours of work each day, and it’ll leave your evenings free. There will be weekends where you can go out and party without having to worry about the project or paper due the next day. Devote a certain time to your work each day, and you won’t have to worry about a thing. Just think: You are paving your way toward a future career where you enjoy every year and every day, so all the hard work you do now can pay off in the future!
10. Don’t be afraid to follow your gut!
You are your best friend, so listen to yourself when you feel uneasy about something. Of course you want to do as much as you can during your four years of college, but you don’t have to do everything. Don’t be afraid to say no, especially if you think you’ll be in trouble the next day. Don’t choose a party when you have to write a paper you’ve procrastinated on that’s due the next day. It's totally OK to say no to someone. For all the people pleasers out there, it'll take a while to get used to. Short-term regret can turn into long-term enjoyment and vice versa. You should always pay yourself first. Treat yourself when you feel you’ve worked hard. Finally binge watch that show on Netflix you’ve been wanting to see, go out and get a ton of ice cream or go to a nice restaurant. Make sure that you’re happy, and do whatever makes you the happiest!
