Move in day is less than a month away and its one of the most exciting times of the year! You finally are living (kind of) on your own and its time to start being a responsible adult. But where to begin? Here are some things I learned and did my freshman to make life a little easier.
1. Move In
It helps you get organized early on so you can make sure that you are fully prepared. Bring things that you'll know you'll need right away so that it's easier to move in. You can always bring more stuff up later in the year but the less you have to move in, the easier it will go. Talk to your roommate and figure out who is bringing what. Plan for everything so you can be super ready to move in with ease.
2. Classes
You don’t need to be prepared the first week. Give yourself a little time to figure out what you want in terms of school supplies. DEFINITELY keep a planner. Make sure to write what classes you have, what’s due and when, what you need to do that day , and any extra things that happen that are worth writing down. You can drop/swap classes up until the first month or so, so if you end up hating a class or you know its not for you, switch. You have to learn to make yourself a priority and do things for your own benefit.
Sit in the front few rows at lectures! If you allow yourself to sit in the back, you will have issues with not paying attention. Plus, it's so much easier to be involved in class when you are sitting in the front. Get to class 20 minutes early, you’ll have free time, get a good seat, and it can help you organize or give you time to ask the professors or T.A. any questions you need before class.
GO TO CLASS. Even if your professors says you’re watching a movie and it’s not important, or it’s just a review day, GO. Don’t skip if you are just trying to convince yourself it’s for a good reason. But on the other hand, your health (mental and physical) are most important so if you need to take a day, do it. Although it's important to keep yourself in mind, skipping class can be a bad habit so don't let it become one.
3. People
It's very important to form relationships with teachers, your T.A., advisors, R.A, etc. It's important for you to have good resources and people who are willing to help. Also if you are ever in a bad school related situation, they know that you are a good person based on the relationship that you have formed. It is smart to get a list of all of your resources contact info and keep it in your planner for whenever you need.
It's also good to spend some alone time as often as you need. It's good to get along with your roommate but make sure to give yourself some alone time so you don't end up on bad terms. It can be very helpful to have a list of rules or guidelines for you and your roommate that establish things such as using each others stuff, wearing each others clothing, etc. Be civil, respect each other and each others things, and everything should be okay.
When and if you need help with something, personal or school related, GET HELP. You’re on your own in the sense that you are responsible for yourself but there are so many people who are there to help you.
4. Other
Don’t stress too much about making friends right away, let it happen naturally. People on your floor or people in your classes can be good to make friends with. Join clubs! In college, there is no judgement, so find your group
Don’t expect to have things go super well right away. If they do, awesome! If they don’t, that’s okay too! Don’t freak out if you're having a hard time making friends, give it time, everyone is trying and adjusting so you’re all in the same boat. Most importantly, enjoy it!
