After experiencing my first year at Dean College, I really think that this was a successful year for me both academically and outside of the classroom. As I experience myself as an incoming sophomore, there were 10 things that I can take away from my first year at college. Here are 10 things that the incoming freshman should think about before move in day.
1. Take the first week of college a chance- I know the start of college can feel a little bit weird, nervous, and exciting all at the same time. I know when I started at my school I didn't know what to expect to be honest. But once school started, I felt like college is home to me after couple weeks. I was able to talk with a lot of people at orientation and it really helped me start making new friends in college. So don't just say " This is boring, I'm not having fun". The thing is you can't say I'm not enjoying college unless you give it a chance. It's very different from your own home but to take advantages at college that you can't get at home is a big thing. Don't worry after your first year, it gets better and better.
2. Get to know your roommates and your peers in your residence hall- Before I started college, I was linked with the schools Facebook page. That's where you talk to your roommate about what your bringing, ask your roommate what their interests and what their major is. I know this year at my school, I'm living in a triple with two other roommates that are my friends. I told my friend that I'm bringing a fridge for the room and he'll be a TV. That's a kind of example that you and a roommate should try to figure out before move in day comes. Last year a lot of my friends that I made came from orientation and from the residence hall that I lived in. Then as the school year goes on, you start to see more people from classes, sports and from clubs.
3. Stay organized with all of your belongings- In high school one of my big troubles regarding my academics was being able to stay organized. Once my year started in college, I knew for a fact that I needed to get an agenda or a notebook so I would be able to stay on top of my work. I was able to get a notebook to write down my assignments. What's really important in college is making sure you know certain due dates like what's the next upcoming test or project going to be.
4. Make sure to go to class- Yeah this one might seem obvious, but it's really your decision if you want to go to class. The great thing about college is you get to pick what time of day you want that class. The only way that you wouldn't be able to take it at a certain time is if the class is limited. If your not a morning person like me, I wouldn't advise you to take an 8 a.m. but it's up to you. I don't mind it but you gotta make sure you can get to bed at a reasonable hour the night before.
5. Get to know your professors- I know it might not be as easy to know your professors as well at a big school, but at a smaller school like myself, it's easier to get to know my professors. The one to one relationship with each of mine last year really helped with either asking for more help on an assignment I might've struggled on or if it's to just to ask a simple question after class.
There are many other ideas or tips to get through your first year but these five seemed to have the most importance to myself after experiencing my first year. I hope that all incoming freshman can take these ideas come move in day so it can be an enjoyable first year at college!.
