I recently survived my first year of college, so I want to provide some advice for the soon to be graduated high school seniors. You will hear time and time again that you shouldn't stress out about it too much because everything will work out. However, you won't actually listen to this advice until you experience it. It won't be until at least the end of the first semester that you'll be able to look back and realize that you made it. You'll move to a new school in possibly a new city, make new friends, and everything will be okay. Here are a few tips for making it through the first year.
1. Go to class.
Skipping class is only going to make you more stressed out. Even if you get notes from other people in your class you aren't going to retain the information as well as if you were there. Plus some teachers could include
2. Pay attention to when your laundry's done.
It's annoying when you go to do your laundry and half of the washers are full with stuff just sitting in it. Don't be that person. People will take your clothes out of the washer/dryer if you don't get your clothes on time.
3. Get involved.
There's no better way to meet new people than getting involved on campus. You don't have to get involved with everything because that would be way too overwhelming, but definitely at least one thing.
4. Get sleep.
Sleep is so important. Get sleep when you can. If you're exhausted there's nothing a twenty minute power nap can't fix.
5. Look up from your phone when you're walking.
Be considerate and pay attention to where you're going when you're walking. This applies to any time, but I've noticed people doing it more in college
6. Find your perfect study space.
It doesn't have to be somewhere conventional. I wouldn't suggest picking your room. I've found that it's better to separate the two so once you come back to your room you can relax and not have to think about whatever you have to do. One of my favorite places to study is right outside the bookstore. It's not deathly silent, but still quiet enough that I'm able to focus.
7. Talk to your professors.
They are here to help you. A vast majority of the time they are going to do everything they can to help you. It's always better to talk to your professor. The worst thing they can say is no.
8. Don't wait until the last minute to get help.
There's nothing wrong with asking for help. This is advice I need to learn to take. Don't let your grades, mental health, etc. suffer because you don't want to ask for help.
I already can't wait to be back on campus next year and I haven't even gone home for summer yet.
The best is yet to come.
