OMG it is almost August. It seems like just yesterday you were in your cap and grown completing one milestone of your life-high school graduation. It is hard to have certain expectations about college, it is different for everyone. However. I have compiled a list of the 11 most important tips that I have for incoming college freshmen. No matter which campus you will soon be attending or who you are these tips are designed to help everyone.
1. To get involved or not to get involved?
In college everyone has the option to get involved on campus through clubs, organizations and opportunities. Many students fear getting involved would make their grades and classes suffer, but it is all a balancing act. I am not saying getting good grades is not important, of course it is that is why you are in college. However, connecting with other students, building you network, and stepping outside of your comfort zone is just as important. Find a club, join it and be passionate about it. If you cannot find a club your campus offers, create one—it is almost effortless, simply find students who would be just as willing to join your club. I could not imagine my college career without all of the doors that were opened for me through getting involved.
2. P Sherman 42 Wallaby Way Sydney
If you live on campus, remember your address and give it out. Nothing makes me feel better on a bad day than receiving mail. Yes, email and text messages do exist but I still believe in the power of good ol’ snail mail on occasion. Also, receiving daily care packages with necessities, food, and pictures is a must for every college student and will change your mood instantly.
3. Go to class!
Mommy and daddy are no longer there to wake you up and make sure you go to school, so it is fine to skip class right? Wrong.That is absolutely the wrong mindset to take, c’mon people you are paying to be there so get your money’s worth! Take advantage of the education you have the opportunity to receive. Accidents happen; we all oversleep, get sick and just have horrible days, but do not make it a habit. Even if you are just taking notes or reviewing, it is still important to show up perhaps that one day in class would help you understand something that the other days did not.
4. Get a tutor
I have heard many freshmen that fear getting a tutor because they think it makes them look stupid. First tip, who cares what people think, it is your education and grades that could potentially suffer, not theirs. In fact I would say you would stupid to not get a tutor when you need help. My college offers more than just tutors to help students with all tips to be successful in college, including written specialists and supplemental instructors—all resources have helped me when I needed it. I have even became a tutor for classes that I have done well in, it makes me happy to be able to help students who need it.
5. Roommate Issues 101
In college, cohabitation exists and sometimes becomes
problematic. Do not try to make something work that will not. However, be
mature if you have an issue with your roommate/suite mates do not be afraid to
stand your ground and voice the problems that exist. I know the first thing we
all want to do is avoid confrontation and perhaps let an RA/CA/campus staff
know what is going on, but at times that makes things worse. Try to talk, if
that does not work out then by all means seek a higher power but I am willing
to bet that almost 90% of roommate conflicts exist because the “trouble”
roommate is unaware or has not been notified of an issues. Work it out.
6. Volunteers needed
If you are given the chance to participate in an alternative spring break trip or any service/mission trip in general-- do it without question. This includes any/all volunteering opportunities. I have learned more about people than I ever would have expected from service trips. I had every intention of teaching on a service trip when it was I who was taught valuable lessons. Regardless of how far or local a service trip/volunteering experience is, if you have time I promise it is worth it and will be one of the most memorable experiences in your entire college career.
7. Who's coming to campus?
If your campus is hosting an event such as a magician, comedian, or performer— go! It is not cheap to bring people to campus and most likely you are paying for it with some fee in your tuition bill anyway so go! It is all a part of the college experience to enjoy yourself, take a friend, have a good laugh!
8. You stressed bro?
Find healthy ways to relieve stress. Before college I can honestly say I never felt “stressed." You will get stressed— you could have three tests in one day or multiple quizzes and homework assignments. Staying organized and on top of school work definitely helps but inevitably the stress will come. Finding healthy ways to relieve stress or create positive energy definitely keeps your mind positive and healthy. Some things I do to clear my mind and relieve stress is taking a nap, listening to music, talking about my day, and sometimes just taking a walk around campus and having ”me” time. I strongly recommend finding other ways to relieve stress, you will thank yourself in the long run.
9. Work hard, play hard
I mean work hard toward your grades. Freshman year is not a year to slack, in fact no year is. Recovering from freshman year slack is almost impossible It should be your goal to start strong aim for a high GPA right away, it does not make you “lame” or a “nerd." Keep in mind though that although this may be the first time you are hearing this, in college GPA is not everything. Having a high GPA is honorable, but you also want to experience life and enjoy college as much as possible, sometimes your best might not be good enough and the A you were aiming for ends up being a B +, you will get through it!
10. Change your major!
11. Above all else, to thine own self be true
College is a huge moment of self-development. I say
this because it is so easy to lose yourself in the hype. Nothing is more
important than knowing who you are and who you are not. Make decisions and do
things because you want to, using your own values, do not make a decision based
off of what your friends want. Stay true to yourself, if people cannot accept
you for who you are then those people are not for you anyway.
Bottom line? Use these tips to make the most of your time in college. I say this because it will be over before you know it. I blinked my eyes and just like that I was entering into my last year of undergrad. Welcome to college freshmen, I hope you have a heck of a time!
