Diving in headfirst into the world of college can be a frightening feeling! However, college is a time for personal growth, new friendships, and newfound freedom. Your college years are to be cherished because they will be some of the best years of your life. To recent High school Grads: I leave you with this list of 11 things I discovered (or had to learn the hard way) when I began college.
1. Only YOU are responsible for your future.
Being a college student means that you must take responsibility for your future. For the first time in your life, you won't have your parents reminding you to study and keep up with your schoolwork. Your parents won't be there to get you out of sticky situations. Your future in college is reflected directly from the effort that you put into your schoolwork.
2. DO NOT compare college to high school.
College is completely different from your high school years. You will no longer have to ask for permission to go to the bathroom, be reprimanded for skipping class, and be reminded multiple times when an assignment is due. College is a totally different world that cannot be compared to any previous experience you have had.
3. Study hard.
College classes will require a lot more study time than high school courses. Gone are the days of studying the night before the test and making an A. To keep from falling behind, read over the material once a day and keep up with your studies. Trust me, you will be glad you did.
4. Call your parents.
Moving away from home, to a strange new place, is not only stressful for you, but for your parents as well. They have sent their baby out into the big world and miss you more than you could ever imagine. Give them a call from time to time. They will look forward to hearing from you and hearing your words of excitement will help to ease the transition for them as well.
5. Get involved on campus.
Join a club, go through Greek recruitment, or get involved in honor societies. There is an organization for just about everything and anything you may be interested in. With hundreds of clubs and organizations on campus, the sky is the limit. There are clubs for biking, baking, biology, and even a cat lovers club! Visit get on board days to get more information about all of the campus clubs and activities.
6. Money doesn't grow on trees.
Spending $5 at the campus coffee shop every morning before class adds up. Being a college student and working a job, or relying on your parents for money is not always easy. To minimize tension and stress, try to cut costs as much as possible. However, treating yourself to fro yo or coffee after a hard test is never a bad idea either. Spending in moderation is the way to go!
7. Make the right friends.
Success in college has A LOT to do with the friends that you surround yourself with. Don't be afraid to make friends with the girl sitting on the side of you in class. Surrounding yourself with goal oriented and driven students will help you to focus on school and stay on track. One day, you will definitely need a study buddy.
8. Make time for yourself.
Everyone needs a little "me" time in their life. Feeling stressed out? Take a walk, talk to a friend, watch an episode of your favorite series on Netflix, or take a bubble bath. Making time for yourself is a great stress reliever and will prevent you from getting burned out with coursework.
9. It is OK to change majors or career paths.
Deciding what you want to do with the rest of your life at 18 years old is a big decision, but it is completely okay to change your mind about your future! You are the one that has to work in a field that you love for the rest of your life. If you are miserable in a major during your undergrad, chances are you will be miserable for the rest of your life working in a similar field. Take classes that seem to interest you, try different majors out, talk to people in that major. All of these things will lead to you finding the career of your dreams!
10. Don't be afraid to ask for help.
College is all about opening up your mind and learning new things. Sometimes, these things don't come easy. However, ask for help. Go to free tutoring on campus, ask your teacher for clarification, or ask your classmates and friends to help you understand the material. Chances are that if you have a question about something, so does someone else in the class. The only way to receive help is to ask for it.
11. ENJOY your time in college.
Through the mounds of homework, the endless all nighters before a big test, and the many presentations, the enjoyment of college can be lost. College will be the best years of your life! Cherish these times, make memories with friends, and always remember that the sky is the limit.
