For those of you soon-to-be college freshmen out there, eagerly or nervously awaiting the beginning of your first semester, take a deep breath. I'm sure you've heard about a million things that you're supposed to do and remember as you start your college experience, but there are a few simple things that are truly the most essential to keep in mind. And if you're going to remember any six things in this next crazy week or two, let them be these.
1. Try everything that interests you
Have a Freshman Orientation Week? Take advantage of it and go to activities, meet new people and get lots of free stuff! If there's something you're passionate about, join a group for it or start your own group. Try all of the best restaurants on campus at least once, go to a sporting event or a concert, find out what your campus and city has to offer, and try anything that looks at all interesting. College is the best time to have tons of new experiences.
2. Talk to new people
A mistake I made freshman year (and sometimes still make now) was not talking to enough people right from the start. I tend to be quiet when tossed into big groups of new people, but that's basically what college is all the time! At the very least, be open to talking to some of the people who live in your building (they're around all the time and they'll probably be your friends for life), as well as people in your classes and student groups. Making great friends early on in your college career is a good way to enjoy your entire college experience, and it helps to curb loneliness or have people to study with.
3. Ask questions
I don't necessarily mean in classes (though that's a good idea, too). During your Welcome Week (or whatever it's called for you), ask your leader questions about the campus, logistical concerns, how to survive [fill in the blank college struggle], etc. Those people want to help you, and it's easier to get an answer before you get to the first day of the semester and have no idea how to survive.
4. Be excessively prepared
Before your first day of classes, figure out where each of your buildings are, and how much time you have to get to each. Bring your schedule with you so you don't forget what room you're looking for and your professor's name. Figure out where to get your lunch or coffee, find the library, and at the very least, look at your textbook lists. Get some type of planner so you can keep track of your due dates for each class.
5. Find the resources you need
If there's one huge thing every university seems to offer, it's resources, and lots of them. Lots of schools offer therapy and counseling services, writing and research assistance, academic advice, exam prep information and so much more. Your school will probably also have its own medical center, with things like quick appointments when you're sick, physical therapy, a pharmacy, dental services and so on. Look into these things, or anything else you know you'll need to have a good year. Take your school up on free services and programs while you're already paying them so much money to be there.
6. Don't panic!
This may seem like a lot of information, and it is. But there is also plenty of room to make mistakes and figure things out as the semester progresses. You don't have to know everything right away to enjoy college. Just keep these things in mind the next week or two as the semester approaches, and then feel free to get swept away by the semester knowing you're just a little more ready to face it.
And above all...
