I would like to start by saying congratulations to all the high school seniors for getting accepted into their dream colleges. Every single one of you have worked your butts off to get to where you are today and will soon be embarking on the next big challenge in your life.
As a freshman in her spring term (last term of the year!) at Lawrence, here are some of the things that I learned along the way that will help you successfully navigate your first year of college:
1. Make as many friends as possible during Welcome Week!
Step out of your comfort zone, introduce yourself to everyone you come across. Don't wear your lanyard around your neck. Attend the information sessions and tours offered. Introduce yourself to your RLAs and RHD. They are there to watch over you so it is imperative they know your name and face.
2. Schedule your classes consecutively
Trust me, you do not want that two hour break in between classes. Ask what your professors preferred to be called.
3. Carry around water in a reusable water bottle and snacks.
You can carry something simple like granola or M&M's to rein in that grumbly stomach in class.
4. Carry around an umbrella and a phone charger.
They are necessities, after all.
5. Start studying as soon as possible.
Minimize cramming for exams as much as possible. Look through your notes at least once after class. Remember to take breaks in between studying!
6. Connect with your professors.
Go to your professors' office hours with questions about assignments, or really for anything, Office hours are designed for you to interact with your professors in a more casual setting. Go and talk to them about their area of expertise, or their three dogs. Use the academic resources available to you; there is no shame in needing a tutor. Tutors are available to improve your grade, not to shame you for needing help.
7. Sleep!
Nap! Nap! Nap! If you stay up studying up to the point where you feel like you cannot retain anymore information, go to sleep! Remember to put your mental health before other people's expectations of you and to take a breather once in a while and re-calibrate yourself. Learn to balance between social and academic responsibilities. Do not stay up late into the night or even all night unless absolutely necessary.
8. Restrict your access to Hulu and Netflix.
They tempt you with the forbidden fruit and you must not succumb! Use site blocking apps such as Stayfocusd on Chrome to maximize productivity.
9. Find a favorite place to study.
It'll make you more productive. Whether it might be a favorite corner in the library or a certain room in the student center
10. Explore the city your school is located in.
It might hold some gems.
11. Carry pepper spray to protect yourself.
Stay safe!
12. Start adulting.
Learn to do your own laundry. Become less dependent on your parents. Find a job to earn some spending cash. Learn how to budget your money.
13. Get active.
Sign up and attend the clubs that interest you. Exercise whenever you can to stay in shape and restrict the amount of junk food and take out you consume.
14. Do not come to college with the same mindset you held in high school.
Challenge yourself to expand yourself, become friends with people you never thought you'd get along with in high school. Do not come to college to prove yourself worthy, but to improve yourself.
15. Call your parents once in a while.
Trust me, they'll miss you tons... and you'll miss them too.
