Excited? You should be! College is a time in your life that will be like absolutely no other. I am not promising you that you will love every minute, God knows I haven't. Where there's fun to be had, there is also an enormous responsibility with attending college. From me to you? There's a LOT you'll be learning in your first year, to list a few: your limitations, time management, how to truly study, high school is not the same, establishing your identity away from home, and so much more. There is so many new experiences to be had and paths to walk. So, from me to you, here's a few things that I wish I had learned and done my first year.
It's NORMAL to feel lonely at first.
I promise, it's not just you. Many of your peers feel the same way. It's normal to miss your family and chosen family that you are used to spending time with at home when they are not at university with you. My first piece of advice is talk to your RA. As someone who devoted a year to the job, I can assure you, they are there to help with the transition. Another option you have is to open up to some of your fellow peers, as they are most likely feeling similarly to you! It does not make you weak to feel alone- everyone has periods in which they feel isolated! Another less direct option is to abide by the 'open door policy', meaning that when you are present in your dorm, you leave your door open to let your peers know you are home and open to hanging! Of course, talk to your roommate(s) and set boundaries with this, first!
You only get one orientation: don't waste it partying.
I PROMISE you that you will have plenty of time to party throughout your college career, PROMISE. However, you only go through first year orientation once. Orientation is a great way to learn about your school, as well as time to bond with your first year hall mates. There are a lot of fun activities that your tuition pays for, so why not go and have some fun!? Partying is something that takes place almost every weekend off campus, I promise you that you will have time! Don't make the decision of ditching out on all the activities, I know a lot of my peers regret that decision they made themselves. Once you make that choice, there is no turning back the clock to become a first year again and experiencing what you missed!
Think you know how to study? Think again.
This was one of the more difficult realizations I had to come to. I was in the top 25 of my class in high school, I graduated with sum cum laude recognition, I took advanced coursework in the International Baccalaureate program, excelled on my exams, and I still was shocked when I came to college. It truly is a different ballpark. Professors create their own examinations, therefore, there is limited standardization in their testing of the curriculum they teach you. Pay attention to lectures, it may seem like a bore in some cases, however, I guarantee you that your exam scores will thank you. Also, know that all-nighters are NOT in your best interest. Study the content you learn in intervals, even though it may be a hassle, you'll thank yourself the night before your exams.
Same rules apply with your GPA in high school: your first year does matter with your grades.
I cannot tell you how many of my friends I have seen struggle with academic probation. Unfortunately, colleges can kick you out for poor grades as listed in their policies on academic excellence. They do not have the obligation of continuing your education like grade school does. So, remember while you're having fun and getting involved in all your extra curricular activities what you're at college for- to get a degree! It is important to establish a good base gpa your first year to give yourself some room later for the challenging major courses you will be partaking in later in your college career. Gen Eds may be annoying, but they do matter! Especially if you have to apply to your major, such as I had to. That GPA is your key to success, be kind to yourself and put your work in early so you aren't fighting to correct mistakes you could have avoided in your first year. Trust me, there will be plenty more mistakes to come your way, give yourself some wiggle room to make them.
Packing for college: you don't need as much as you think.
Remember, dormitories are not all that large, and chances are you are going to be sharing that space with another person or more. You don't have to bring every piece of clothing you own. I used college as the opportunity to begin downsizing what I own, as there's no point in fully occupying two spaces year round between home and school. It's a work in process, and I truly wish I had put more thought into downsizing my first year. Ensure that you bring clothing that allows you to prepare for all extreme weathers, because it will not be summer all year long. As for appliances, check to see what your school allows to have in your dormitory before you buy a microwave. Chances are you will not need them.
Overall, preparing for college can be stressful, but you will learn how you work best with personal experience.
No matter how many friends you talk to, advice articles you read, and YouTube videos you watch, everyone's experience is different, so expect surprises. You will encounter many new things, and your experiences in college will help shape you as a young adult. Remember to have fun and enjoy yourself, but also remember the importance of your education while you are at college. Best of luck, and your upperclassmen peers are awaiting for your arrival eagerly.
Welcome to the family, Class of 2023.
