Your first year in college is like no other. You are finally living on your own, and you're surrounded by people you've never met in a place you've never lived. Here are some top tips to make the transition a little easier.
1. Always look forward.
College only lasts four years (in most cases). You don't have to have your life figured out by sophomore year, or even by the time you graduate, but it's important to have your life planned out at least a little bit in front of you. Keep track of your syllabi and keep an organized calendar so exams and papers are never surprises.
2. Don’t be afraid to fight for points.
Some classes have so few assignments that one grade can almost entirely determine your course grade. Do not be afraid to talk to your professor about each assignment and fight for the points that you deserve.
3. Watch your laundry.
Never be the person who leaves their laundry in the washer, tying up a machine. Sooner or later, someone will need that machine and they'll put your soaked clothes on top of the washer to grow mildew.
4. Getting a tutor is never looked down upon.
There is no stigma associated with getting a tutor in college. It absolutely does not make you look stupid, but what will make you look stupid is not getting the help you need.
5. Don’t be afraid to go to the dining hall by yourself.
Everyone does it at some point, and they're is no shame in it. Maybe someone will come sit down with you and you'll meet someone new, so it's a win-win situation.
6. Learn the bus routes early.
I didn't realize there was a bus that stopped right outside of my 9:00am econ class until the last week of classes. Find the bus schedules, get the bus schedule app, or ask your RA if there is an easier way to get to your early class.
7. It’s ok to stay in and watch Netflix.
There is no shame in skipping a night out to stay in, even alone, and binge watch your favorite show. You'll be glad you did when you wake up well-rested the next morning while your roommate sleeps through her first class.
8. Don’t stress about the first day.
There is nothing you need to do prior to your first day of class, so don't stress about it. You don't need to arrive with a full stock of school supplies or even with any textbooks. Bring your laptop, or maybe a notebook, but there is no need to stress.
9. Keep track of your passwords.
College comes with so many different log-ons and accounts, and it is hard to keep them all straight. Write them down somewhere safe, or save them somewhere on your computer.
10. Keep your One Card on you at all times.
There is nothing worse than walking all the way to the dining hall from your dorm and realizing you don't have your One Card. Keep track of it and you'll never have to get out of line at Chik-Fil-A.
11. Acquaint yourself with campus health services.
I visited Campus Health nine times during my first year of college, thanks to a bad case of mono and two sprained ankles. They are always there to help you, and are conveniently located right near most of the freshman dorms. Take advantage of the services, and never let yourself go sick without help.
12. Take as many opportunities as you can.
Never again in your life will you be surrounded by thousands of people your same age. If you can either stay in bed or wake up and get dressed for the football game, always go to the game. If you don't have the energy to stand on your feet for 24 hours at Dance Marathon, drink a cup of coffee and go do it anyway. If you get invited to spend the weekend at the beach, take the opportunity and don't look back. Just don't skip much class in the process.
13. Watch your bank account.
There's no better time to learn to keep track of your finances. Don't be caught by surprise when your card gets declined trying to buy a bagel before class; be careful to watch where your money is going. It goes fast when your parents aren't around to buy food and school supplies for you.
14. Keep your professors close and your advisor closer.
Professors and advisors are invaluable resources and can open so many doors for you in college and beyond. Get to know your professors and make sure they get to know you.
15. Make friends all across the board.
College is all about making friends and expanding your horizons. Having friends in all different groups and from all different backgrounds will open so many more doors for your college experience.
16. Keep your suite bathroom clean.
For the sake of your hygiene and the sanity of your roommate and suite mates, keep the bathroom clean. It doesn't take a lot of work if it's done regularly.
17. In small classes, answer the easy questions so you don’t get called on for the hard ones.
Pro tip. Enough said.
18. Do what you want, but keep it off social media.
Employers are looking at what you post online. Just because you delete something before an interview also doesn't mean it's gone. Once you post something on the internet, it's out there forever and there is no way to get it back. This isn't just about future employers either. The sorority you want to get a bid from, the president of the club you want admittance to, and your boyfriend's parents, whom you haven't yet met, can all see what you post online, so be careful to represent yourself appropriately.
19. Get to know people in your residence hall.
The people you live with don't have to be your best friends, but they can be a great resource. Get to know them and you'll always have someone there to study Spanish, order Insomnia cookies, or have a movie night.
