It's college week here in Chattanooga, Tennessee- and though I love summer vacation, I'm ready to get back to school. I actually enjoy school, it forces me to get out of the house and interact with people who are striving for the same thing I am. Going back to school means that fall days lie ahead, and though I'm a sucker for fall sweaters, hot cocoa, and endless cozy days watching Netflix- the fall semester calls for new begins. Walking on to campus Monday morning, I realized, I'm an owl in a forest filled with hummingbirds. The campus is crawling with excited and nervous freshman who don't know what to expect on this new journey. To all you freshies, here's some encouragement and advice that will hopefully make everything a little easier.
1. Don't Freak Out
I know your adviser will pack on the classes and you'll be sitting at home wondering how in the world are you going to work this out. Don't freak out- instead seek advice from parents, older siblings, etc. Chances are, they'll have a little insight on creating an evenly balanced schedule that will benefit you. My advice is, start with your basic pre-requisites. It might seem really boring at first, but it gives you time to decide what you really want to do. There's nothing wrong with being undecided, and figuring everything out along the way. Do what's best for (insert your name here)- and forget about everyone else.
2. Should I Get Involved?
Heck yes!! If you see something that interest you, if it's a club or an on campus event that needs some extra staff, go for it. As a freshman, you probably have more time on your hands, but as you get older, your time becomes precious. So while you got the time, try new things and have fun!
3. Make New Friends!
If it were up to me- I'd have my sister in every class with me. However, she's a completely different major and a whole year younger than me. My point? It's been really good for me to not have my best friend by my side on this journey because it's made me spread my wings a little and make new friends. I've realized that most people are just as nervous as you are on the first day, and a lot of times are just waiting for someone to offer to study together. So try to schedule a couple classes without your bff, it'll help you make new friends and concentrate a little more in class.
4. Professors Are Friends Too!
I'm now a junior in college and I have yet to meet a grumpy teacher (knocks on wood). Don't let people scare you into thinking the teachers are mean, on the contrary they are all pretty amazing. I've come in contact with my share of teachers, and the first thing I do is introduce myself in person or in email. It just makes them aware that I'm in their class and I'm willing to communicate with them. I believe this is so crucial- do not be afraid to create a relationship with your teachers. This is beneficial for many reasons: one, if you have a problem, they don't mind helping. Two, they see your willingness and appreciate that (especially in society today). Three, if you need a recommendation, you got it.
5. Helping and Asking for Help- do it!
I'm an Ed major, so I'm going in to be a teacher which means I love helping and I tend to be a teachers pet. I love to help people when they don't understand something- especially if I'm understanding it well. I definitely encourage you to help your peers in class- if you understand something and see them having a hard time- suggest a study group. Go the extra mile and create a little study guide that might help them- whatever it is, trust me they'll appreciate it. Along the lines of help, don't be afraid to ask for it. A lot of times teachers have office hours, shoot them an email and ask if you could come by and ask them a couple questions. Suggest a study group in class- chances are you're not the only one struggling.
6. Don't Over Buy!
One of my favorite parts of going back to school was buying new supplies- literally my favorite thing ever! However, the older I've gotten the more I've realized that the less I have the better. I suggest a good backpack, a multiple subject notebook, some good writing tools, a good folder or binder to keep class information and assignments in (one for each class), and an agenda to write due dates. Textbooks, wait till you get to class. Some teachers will not require for you to have a book, others will. To those who will, I suggest going to your local used book store and see if they have an older edition available. Chances are- it will be exactly what you need. Another option is renting, most teachers ask for it but end up only using it a couple of times- thirty dollars is better than one hundred.
7. Don't Stay On Campus- go home!
I feel like a lot of people like being on campus, and there's nothing wrong with that. However, you don't need to do it everyday. There's nothing wrong with you coming in, going to class, and heading straight back home or to your dorm. Trust me, you'll begin to appreciate your home and room a lot in the years to come.
8. Naps! Naps! Naps!
I suggest taking a nap whenever your get the chance- yes, I probably sound super old but trust me, you'll need them. It's been scientifically proven that most people are happier, more productive, and even smarter because they takes naps. If it's in your car, on your couch, in a hammock, or in your bed- take the nap. Even a 10 minute cat nap will change your entire day.
9. Don't Procrastinate- work ahead!
Remember the little agenda I told you, you needed? This is why- it keeps you organized and encourages productivity. It's proven that when you see what you need to do, it get's done quicker. I for one, procrastinate- we all do it! However, there is so much satisfaction when I lay in bed at night not worried about a paper due over the weekend because it's already finished. There's nothing wrong with working ahead- I suggest it. It will make your life a whole lot easier. Just think- Netflix is the prize at the end of the finish line and it's holding a huge cheese pizza and a blanket.
10. Create a schedule- on and off campus!
Sometimes we tend to get super overwhelmed with what is going on, on campus that we tend to forget and neglect our off campus life. On campus, create a schedule that is constant. You're there everyday for a couple hours and your done, or every other day for half a day- whatever works best for you. Off campus- take time for homework, but take time for what matters to you. Make sure you spend time with your loved ones, sit down and actually eat a meal (not Kylie's fancy ramen), go workout, go hang outside in your hammock. Whatever it may be, take time for you. Don't drown yourself so much in school, that you never get to see daylight. Some weeks might be harder than other, but trust me- it's worth it.
11. Don't Give Up!
This chapter is a little longer than most of use would like, but we were all created with a purpose. It's going to get challenging, there are days you're gonna wanna give up, days you're not going to want to do anything, and days you're gonna feel like everything is going just right. Whether it's a good day or a bad day- you're gonna be just fine!
