College is quite possibly the most exciting yet scariest thought during every senior's last year and all through the summer. Not only does it require an intense, time-consuming search and lengthy applications, but it also requires a lot of preparation. Once the big day- move-in day- comes, however, it is clear that every bit of exhaustion and stress you endured for the last year was worth it. The dream you've had in mind for so long is finally becoming reality. and the first few moments after you hug your family goodbye give you your first real glimpse at the big picture. Surely there are going to be some parts of the picture you wish had turned out differently, but believe me when I tell you that it isn't too late to fix them. In fact, college is the perfect opportunity to do so, and as the start of your first year quickly approaches, I'd like to offer some quick tips.
1. It's okay (and normal) to be terrified.
Just like freshman year of high school, college is scary. It's a new place, new people, new rules, and a completely new level of academic standards. Still, people survive college every year, and you too, will do the same.
2. Start packing as early as possible.
I cannot stress this enough. You won't realize how much there is to pack into a car until you start doing it, and believe me, it takes time, sweat, tears, and a lot of thinking. Obviously you can't take everything, and choosing what stays and what goes is a lot harder than you think. I made a giant list of things and then went over it and crossed things off I realized I wouldn't need. If you're attending an in-state school, this may not be as concerning, but it can't hurt to be prepared.
3. Don't be scared if you end up in a single dorm room, or, in contrast, with more than one or two roommates.
So, roommates are a tricky situation to begin with. My freshman year, I had three roommates. I got along with all of them, some better and some worse, but the adjustment to sharing one room with three other people for months at a time was extreme. I never thought I'd have so many roommates, especially freshman year. One of my close friends, however, ended up in the room right next to ours- by herself. She didn't request to be in a single, but just so happened to be placed in one. She wasn't too fond of the idea of spending freshman year alone, but ended up absolutely loving it. Simply put, keep an open mind.
4. Take every opportunity during the summer to spend time with family, not just friends.
Once I had to start thinking about college, I always told my parents how badly I wanted to leave and move out. I thought it was going to be so cool to finally feel the freedom I was missing out on. Truth is, I still can't wait to move out. But I no longer take for granted the time I spend just sitting in a room with my brother, cousins, or grandparents. I try to remember the comfort they provide simply by being there with me so that when I'm at school I have something to look forward to when I go home. Spend a night in with your parents just watching TV instead of going out with your friends again. I promise you'll be happy you did.
5. What you did in high school doesn't have to be what you do in college.
In other words, try something new. Don't limit yourself to the same sports or clubs you're comfortable being part of because of your participation in high school. Dare to branch out and step outside of your comfort zone. In high school, I was dedicated to crew. As a senior, I was captain, and I refused to miss a single practice except for emergencies or important events. It took over my life (not that I'm complaining). I expected that I had to row in college too, but found that that was not the case. Instead, I helped out with our school play- something I always imagined would be fun but never had the chance to do. Unsurprisingly, I loved it. I also joined a club related to one of my majors and am going to be an officer this coming year. Although I miss rowing and the dynamic of being a teammate, I am satisfied with what I'm involved in.
6. Be social, even if you're not a party-goer.
I personally am not a party person. You may find that lame, and I respect that. But some of you may also prefer casually hanging with friends at the movies, dinner, or just at home. Thing is, that's not too common in college. So even if you don't seek out late nights on the weekends, make sure you put in effort to make friends in classes, clubs, sports, groups, at dinner, or simply in your dorm building.
7. Befriend your roommates ASAP.
The people you live with are going to be the ones who have your back no matter what the situation, even if you don't get along so well. They're likely going to be the first ones you go to dinner with when you first arrive, so be friendly. If they send weird vibes or rub you the wrong way, still be friendly. You'll thank yourself later.
8. If you're stuck sleeping in a top bunk, embrace it!
This is sometimes a fear for first-year students; getting stuck with the top bunk. Honestly, it's actually awesome. I was the last one to arrive on move in day, and, unsurprisingly, was left with the top bunk. I loved it. It forced me to use my desk to work, which helped me stay organized, timely, and efficient. Plus, if people come in to visit, they typically don't ask to sit on your bed. It becomes a space that only you use, and that's not something most college students are fortunate enough to have.
9. If you're feeling down or alone, there are resources on campus that can help get you out of your funk.
If you start feeling homesick or just need someone different to talk to, use the resources on campus. It's so easy to go home or call your best friend from home to erase the feeling, but sometimes that only makes it worse. Join a club and make new friends or contact your adviser, a professor, or counseling center for a breath of fresh air. You'll be happy you did.
10. If you're moving away from home, try not to go back to visit until after your first month.
This is important because if you go back home too soon, you'll be homesick for the rest of the semester. Unfortunately, I had to go back home for a wedding two weeks after move in day, and that only triggered a feeling of loneliness that I didn't have before I went home.
11. Taking time to adjust is perfectly okay.
Your RA's (resident assistants) will probably tell you that it takes about a month to adjust to the college lifestyle. For some, that is spot on, but for others, not so much. Some students adjust in the first couple of weeks, while others (like myself), need an entire semester to figure things out. No matter how long it takes you, it's okay to feel a little out of place.
12. Get to know your RA's sooner rather than later.
Your RA's are important, resourceful people who will likely become your friends. They maintain their own lives while also helping you with yours. They are simply amazing people who deserve much more credit than they're given here.
13. Familiarize yourself with campus before the first day of classes, and don't be afraid to ask for help.
If your campus is small, this shouldn't be too big of an issue for you, but it still helps knowing you're somewhat comfortable on the first day of classes. For those of you attending large universities, figuring out how much time you need to get a class before the first day is critical. Not to mention finding out where the heck the class is located!
14. Your professors are there to help you, so let them!
Yes, professors are the people who assign homework, essays, and projects. And yes, they get paid to do so. But they are also there to teach you, advise you, support you, and guide you throughout their course. Being friendly with them gives them the impression that you care about your work and grades, and can make a large impact on the way he or she grades your assignments.
15. Changing majors, or schools altogether, is not something to be ashamed of.
Many students realize their freshman year that what they thought they wanted to study is simply not for them. Others learn that their school is not the correct fit. No matter the situation, your happiness for these four years of your life is crucial. If you aren't happy where you are or with what you're studying, help yourself. Talk to someone about it, think about your options, and maybe, just maybe, you'll find what's best for you.�
16. Textbooks are extremely pricey, so shop around online.
Paying for textbooks is downright awful. So much money is spent on books that you may or may not use, only to find that once you buy them, their value decreases. If you buy your books, buy used ones. Amazon usually has tons of used copies that are significantly cheaper than new ones. Barnes and Noble typically is more expensive, but it can't hurt to look on their website. I haven't used it, but Chegg is another site that sells textbooks. If you're really looking for a bargain, checking social media groups created by your class may be an option. Students often try selling their books to other students taking the same classes they did for minimal cash.
17. Staying in your room for a night (or, if you're me, a whole weekend), is often times more fun than going out.
Partying is probably the most interesting aspect of college life for first-year students. As mentioned, I am not your typical weekly party-goer. I prefer staying in pajamas for the night with friends and watching a movie. Still, if you are engaged in the party scene, you should take a night to stay in every once in a while.
18. Take a moment and breathe, because let's face it: you can do this!
This is most important. Believing that you are capable of conquering your first year of college goes a long way. It can be hard to stay positive and cheery when you have hours and hours of work to do on top of a zillion other things, but if you trust that you can do it, you will. When you're ready to pull your hair out, take a breath and remember how much you have already accomplished to get to this point, and never ever forget the numerous people at home cheering you on. Don't lose sight of your goals, and I can guarantee that your first year of college will go just fine.
Best of luck to all of the incoming college freshman this year, especially my fellow Gulls at Endicott!
