I started college four years ago at Snead State Community College. Just two short years ago, however, I started my journey at Jacksonville State University, and I couldn't be happier with where I am. If you are a freshmen or transfer student, I want to give you some advice that I have learned over the past two years.
1. Get involved.
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First and foremost, get involved on campus. Whether it's through a fraternity or sorority, student council, or even a campus religious organization, getting involved on your college campus will make your experience that much better. Another way you can get involved on campus is going to the sporting events and supporting your school. Football games are always popular among college students, and one way of getting involved and supporting your university's team is to learn the history and traditions of the program. Getting involved on campus is one of the many ways your college experience is enhanced.
2. Participate in a college ministry.
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Probably the most important thing to do make your college experience great is to get involved in a college ministry. At Jacksonville State, for example, there are so many great ministries to get involved in, such as the Baptist Campus Ministry, Engage JSU (which is a ministry put on by First Baptist Jacksonville), and Reformed University Fellowship, just to name a few. Plugging into a ministry will help you not only make new friends, but also give you a group of individuals to do life with and share in triumphs and struggles. For me, the BCM has given me a way to help lead others to Christ by using my gifts and talents that God gave me, as well as have a D-Group of my own. Engage has also helped me grow and given me another great group of individuals who I share life with. Plugging into a ministry is by far the most important thing you will see on this list to me! If you are a JSU student, Engage meets on Mondays at 8 P.M., and BCM meets on Tuesdays at 8:03 P.M.
3. Study. Study. Study.
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Another important piece of advice is to study. Something I have learned in my time at Jacksonville State is that you have to study. If you're like me and didn't really have to study too much in high school or in community college, you will learn quite quickly that studying is essential at a university. Study a little bit each day. Practice by doing the homework when it is assigned, and use that as a way to study. Never be afraid to ask questions when you don't understand something, and definitely don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Studying will definitely help you be successful in all your classes, so come up with the study habits that work well for you!
4. Make friends.
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As I mentioned earlier, there are several ways to make friends. Getting involved on campus and in a ministry are definitely two of the ways to do that. Make friends in your classes as well. These people will more often than not be in most of your classes from here on out, so why not get to know them? Talk to those who seem to be off by themselves. Invite them to coffee or lunch. Making friends in your classes is also very beneficial in studying as well, as you can schedule study sessions with these individuals.
5. Always check in with your family.
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Lastly, always check in with your family. This is super important. I call my family at least twice a day. This is mostly to check in on my grandmother to make sure she is okay, and in the evening to talk about the day and how things are going. Making sure to check in with family is so important because you never know when something may happen. I'll give an example. Last semester, my mom passed out at her job in Center Point, and my grandmother called to let me know that mom was in the hospital, with numerous tests being run on her head and heart. That was literally the most sinking feeling I've had. Make sure to check in with your family as much as possible, because you never know when the last time you will hear from them will be.
These are just five of many tips I have learned in my time at Jacksonville State. I hope the college years of all who read this are enjoyable and bring much success.
