You have or are preparing to graduate! As you make plans for college in the fall, there are a few things you should know. To make life easy for you, I have complied a list of advice from the young and old!
Note: Quotes have been edited and changed for clarity and length.
1. Dorm Life
"Bring cleaning supplies! (Raid spray, mini vacuum, wet wipes, duster, etc) you'll need it more than you think you will" - Shannon F.
"You don't have to be your roommate’s best friend. You just have to learn to live with them." - Joleen N.
"A major key to having a good relationship with your roommate is transparency and communication." - Adam B.
“It’s easy to over pack. Don’t do. Just remember, you can always run to the store or order something later.” – Trinity T.
"Do not get behind on your laundry." - Katherine M.
2. Friendship
"The first friends you make freshman year may not stick. Some may stay, some may leave, and that's OK." - Christa S.
"When you're caught up in a new environment meeting so many diverse and incredible people, it's going to be tough keeping in touch with loved ones from your high school and home town. You may even lose some friends that you've been with for years. But college is the time when you realize which friends from home will stick with you while you venture out and form new relationships" - Roselyn B.
"Don't feel pressured to do anything you do not feel comfortable doing. Less people do {whatever it is} than you think" - Adam S.
“Use perspective and be open-minded when meeting new people.”- Nicole G.
“Don’t worry about the friend thing! Your pack will find you, and will love you for you!” – Chesney Reid
"Everyone is in the same position at college. Don't feel like you're alone in experiencing things. No one {of your fellow freshman} has done this before" - Will B.
3. Stress and Mental Health
" Depression is a battle you don't have to fight alone, talk to people and never bottle it up" - William B.
"Endorphins provide the best stress relief. If you're stressed literally work it out" - Zach A.
"You will fail. You will cry. You'll feel like you can't do it. That's okay because you can do it and you'll realize that and be better for the struggle." -Vanessa A.
4. Money
"Always rent books if you can. Avoid buying at all costs." - Hannah M.
'Bring money to eat out because college food isn't as great as you think." - Jesse P.
"Find what stores offer student discounts and use the heck out of them!" - Phebe M.
5. Classes
"Take easy classes for your first semester of college. Don't take all science classes or all classes that fulfill your intended major. It's okay to take some "easy" classes when you begin college and worry about fulfilling your major requirements later....focus on having a good start to a high GPA and being able to adjust to college without stress and being able to join organizations." - Niya G.
"Read the syllabus! Then re-read the syllabus. Then re-re-read the syllabus." - Spencer C.
“It’s OK not to be perfect, but understanding that doing your best for you is all that matters….Also remember that no matter how hard it may be, ask for help!”
"Understand that you're not likely going to make straight A's and that's fine. Push yourself in a healthy way and learn to treat yourself for the times you do well." - Nakia S.
"Just cause you woke up early in high school for class, does not mean you will in college. Morning 8 a.m. college classes are a no." - Nick R.
6. College in General
"There's a lot of time on your hands...too much. Use it wisely.....Also, it's okay to go places alone. Establish your independence and love your own company." - Richard H.
"Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Continually try out new things and go to events you normally wouldn't. You will be surprised how much fun you had or how cool the people are." - Thomas D.
"Embrace new experiences because that's what college is for: new experiences, new people, new ways of life that change who you are." - Olivia B.
"Transitioning can be tough and take time. Don't internalize the pressure to make this the 'best four years of your life' that first semester. Give yourself room to be homesick and know that if you aren't jiving right away it doesn't mean you're doing college wrong. Everyone else is starting over too." - Emma J.
Hope this helps all you young, excited freshman! Can't wait to see some of you on our campus this fall!
