After a full year at college, I feel like I have learned so much and yet still have so much to learn. I can only imagine just how much I have still to go, but looking back on my first year there are five super easy things I wish someone would have passed along to me my senior year.
1. Talk to all of your professors, no matter how awkward!
Leaving the comfort of your high school is incredibly bittersweet and difficult. You have probably grown up getting to know your teachers on a more personal level, but you have never met these professors before and they have no idea who you are. It is your job to make sure that they can put a face with your name and that they get to know you because it shows them that you truly do care to be in their class (even though you may really not). I assure you that your year will go by much smoother and you are way more likely to get the most out of the class!
2. Get out and make friends!
Another awkward moment is that first initial moment of making new friends at school. The best part is that it is probably awkward for them too, so why not try to make it less awkward together. There are plenty of chances to get out and meet people, and try and meet your new friends' friends. You will be grateful during the long days at school that you have people you can confide in. Plus, make sure to find friends that are in your classes and start study groups and hold each other accountable. Friends make the school part way better!
3. You must accept now that you cannot do everything!
If there is one thing that I have always struggled with, it is to say no to someone. I find myself overwhelmed and over-committed because I try to do everything WAY too often. In high school, you may have been able to take on a lot more, but realize that you are in a new setting and trying to get your feel of life on campus and away from home. You need time to adjust and not simply throw yourself head first. Take on things you know you can manage and have a real desire to do, and put yourself fully in those instead of half-hearted into a bunch of other areas!
4. The Library is a real and very useful place!
With finals coming up, there are no empty seats to be seen in the library, but throughout the rest of the year, you could throw a party with all of the empty space. The library is a great place to study away from distractions and meet up in groups to study as well. The library is not a scary place to avoid until your grade cannot take the separation anymore. Learn all of the services that your library offers and use them They are most definitely there for you to succeed.
5. Stay in touch with home always!
Whether you think you are escaping from home, you are going to miss home and I assure you that home is definitely going to miss you! You are going to get busy, but I promise you that you are going to want to know how life at home is and they are going to want to know what college life is like. Some weeks are harder than others with missing home, but staying in touch will help make that bad grade or just plain long day better. Your family has been in your corner all these years and they will always be, no matter how far!
