It's that time of year again. Summer vacation is slowly winding down and the chilling revelation that college is around the corner sets in. For those of us who've already spent a few years at university, this it's just another semester. However, for incoming college freshmen this can be terrifying. Changing schools, moving into a dorm, the increase in independence, it's all so new, and it can be extremely overwhelming for those who aren't prepared. Luckily, there are a few things you can keep in mind to help make this transition as smooth as possible.
1. Time management & organization is a must!
This might seem like an obvious one, but it's very easy to lose track of everything during your first couple months at college. You've got to find the right balance between having fun hanging out and studying. Unlike high school, many of your professors might not remind you of an incoming test or assignment that's due. Not to mention that many of your assignments could be worth more than half your total grade! If you don't keep track of all these things you're bound to be caught off guard by five last minute essays all due tomorrow!
2. You'll make tons of friends as long as you put yourself out there!
One of the biggest fears you probably have with going to a new school is making friends. However, you shouldn't worry. There are plenty of people who share your interests and hobbies, but you'll only meet them if you put yourself out there! No one makes new friends sitting in their dorm all day watching Netflix. Remember to get involved! Join clubs that interest you, go to events, if you do this you're bound to meet amazing people that you connect with. College is a place to make lifelong friends, but you've got to take advantage of the opportunity
3. Meal plans are a blessing and a curse.
Always keep in mind how much you're eating with your meal plan. Sure, the food might be amazing, but all good things are best consumed in moderation. I know it's tempting to eat nothing but burgers and pizza all school year but it's far from worth it. The freshmen fifteen is definitely a real thing, and can easily become the freshmen twenty if you don't watch what you eat.
4. Mom isn't a 24/7 advice hotline.
You're in college! This is your opportunity to explore your independence and find out where you fit into the adult world. It's not easy to do that when you're calling your parents every twenty minutes to ask them what you need to do next. I know it can be hard leaving home for the first time, and there's nothing wrong with reaching out to your parents every once in a while. But it's important that you aren't too dependent on them. Learning how to make decisions on your own will make things much less stressful for you, and give your parents much more confidence that you can handle being on your own!
5. You're not going to like all of your professors.
On tours you've probably been told that all of the professors are college are these amazingly understanding people. But the sad truth is that not all professors are going to be the best. Just like in highschool there are going to be some that will really care about you and do their best to make sure that you pass their class. But there will also be those professors who never email back, don't have office hours, or couldn't care less about any individual student's grade. It's important that before you select your classes, you ask about the professors. This way you can make sure you find someone who's right for you.
6. It's completely fine to be undecided!
There can be a stigma around undecided students. People might say that you should decide on a major by your second year or you're wasting your time. However, these people clearly don't understand what college is all about! College is more than just paying thousands of dollars so you can get a job in four years. It's about discovering who you are, and who you want to be. If you're undecided it's completely fine, you're in the right place to figure out what it is you want to do. No need to worry!
7. Just relax, it's going to be fine.
The most important thing, and probably the hardest thing to remember, is to just relax. College is going to be stressful, there's no avoiding that. But in all honesty it's all about what you make it Remember to take study breaks, hang out with friends, and go to events. College will be a drag if you don't do anything! If you get involved it will fly by in a day. Remember, staring a a clock doesn't make it move any faster. So you might as well have fun while you wait.
