With a month left until I move in for my second year of college, I can't help but reminisce on how I felt last summer as a high-school graduate. I remember counting down the days to freshman orientation week. I knew I was ready for college academically and emotionally. Yet, I still felt uneasy and unprepared for what everyone told me was going to be the best four years of my life. Here are some tips for all of those high school graduates looking for advice on how to be successful in college.
1. Try something new.
We all had our activities we were known for during our high school years. Maybe that was ASB, sports, or Key Club. There's nothing wrong with continuing those activities at a university. Just remember that college is going to throw new opportunities and experiences at you, especially during freshman orientation. There will be endless amounts of clubs and organizations running around convincing freshmen like you, to join. If something peaks your interest, even slightly, try it!
2. Prepare yourself for ice breaker activities (especially during orientation week).
OK, if you're an introvert who is selectively extroverted, like myself, you dread activities that force you to be social with people you don't even know. Relax, and know everyone is trying to make friends and will be nervous just like yourself.
3. Go to as many on campus events as you can.
This includes home sporting events, speakers, concerts, dances and festivals. These events are most likely free for attending students. Free!
4. No, you DO NOT have to go to that party this Friday.
OK, there's no way to sugarcoat this. Parties are everywhere in college. Sooner or later, your friends are going to tell you you HAVE to go to the party going on later in the week. You might say no because you are exhausted, you have work, you have to study, or you just don't feel like going. Then, your friends will tell you it's going to be "lit" or "popping." One of your girls might even tell you that cute guy you've been staring at in your history class will be there. Listen, you do not have to go. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do. Don't feel pressured to go party because "partying is what people do in college." Make decisions for yourself.
5. Exercise.
The freshman 15 is a real thing. If you don't want it to happen, exercise daily.
6. Boys are still boys.
That summer between high school and college does not transform boys into men.
7. Make new friends.
Easier said than done, right? It's very likely that from kindergarten to high school, you spent your time around the same group of people. You don't have to let go of your close friends from home, but you have to realize that all of you are on somewhat different paths now. In college, talk to people from your hall, classes, and clubs. The more involved you are on campus, the easier it will be to socialize and make friends.
8. Do not procrastinate.
Procrastination is not your friend in college.
9. Get help if you need it.
Whether it be related to your classes or your health, there are a lot of resources on campus to help you throughout college. As an adult, it will be up to you to seek out the help you need. Nobody is going to come to you. You are paying tuition to go to this university, so use all the resources you can.
10. Study. Study HARD.
Alright, with all the fun surrounding college, let's not forget the real reason you are there. You are there to get a quality education. It doesn't matter if you were the top honor student in high school who never had to study to get by. College is different. It's not harder, but it is different. Study every day. Yes, EVERY day. Don't just go through the motions of studying. Really do study. Study it until you can teach it to someone else. If you can't explain a complicated topic in simple terms, you don't know it well enough. If you study, not only will you get better grades, but you will feel like you are learning. Remember this feeling, and it will get you through those late night study sessions.
College can be scary. Trust me, I've been there. There are some obstacles along the way, but you can get through it. You might break down in your dorm from stress or homesickness, and that is totally okay. A month from now I will move in as a second year student, and I can't wait to go back. Remember, college is a time of change, so don't be afraid to change and grow. With that being said, best of luck to all of the incoming college freshmen.
