College is a learning curve for everyone, literally and metaphorically. On social media, excited posts with hearts and emojis of school colors and mascots are beginning to appear as college early action and early decision letters are rolling out to high school seniors. I remember I was in the exact same place a year ago, anxiously awaiting letters (or, in this age of technology, emails) from the schools I had applied to. Now, I’m finishing my first semester of college and I could not be happier, not only with my choice of school (Go Tribe!) but with my entire first-semester experience.
I’ve definitely learned more than I ever expected to in my first semester of college, and most of my learning took place outside of the classroom. So for all of you high school seniors out there, here’s what I’ve learned about college from my first semester:
You cannot do everything. Seriously, don’t try. Your first few weeks of college will be overwhelming because there are so many activities to do, people to meet, and places to go. I think I was signed up for about eight clubs by the time orientation was over. Now, I only participate in two. It’s really important that you do not overcommit or overschedule yourself in your first semester. You need time to adjust and orient yourself, and you really don’t need to extra stress of different organizations and commitments pulling you in a dozen different directions.
Balance your first semester schedule carefully. Probably for the first time in your life, you’ll get to choose which classes you want to take. Make sure that you find out if your school has certain required classes and that you know what they are before signing up for three really cool classes that don’t fulfill any requirements or only signing up for classes in the department that you think you want to major in. Additionally, think about timing. Can you handle an 8am? Do you want to be in class until five in the evening? Are three lectures back-to-back really a good idea? Take some time and carefully plan out your schedule. Also, don’t take 18 credits your first semester. Please, just don’t.
You’ll find amazing friends everywhere. Not only will you probably become very close with the people who live in your hall and your dorm, but you’ll also meet so many new and amazing people through clubs, organizations, sports, and classes. Unlike in high school, you’ll see and interact with different people every day, so it isn’t hard to find those who you have a lot in common with. Also, because you switch classes every semester, not every year, you get a different set of classmates after the winter holidays. So now there are even more new people for you to meet halfway through the year! Just know that you will find the people that you fit in with most, but do not be afraid to expand beyond your comfort zone!
College is a life-changing experience. Whether you move far from home or stay local, whether the transition is easy or you get homesick, whether you love the change or are terrified by it, just know that you WILL survive your first semester of college. And by the time it’s over, you won’t be able to wait for the next one to start!
