It's almost that time of year again. Fall. If you're going into your freshman year of college, you might feel a bit overwhelmed. The fear of the unknown may be hovering over you as you try to figure out your schedule and all of the stuff you still have to do to get ready. When the first day of school arrives, your nerves might be at an all time high. In reality, there's not that much to be worried about. It will all be fine, whether or not it starts out a little awkwardly. To help you feel a bit better as you embark on this adventure, here are some quick tips to help take some of the stress out of your first day or two.
1. Don't buy all your books yet.
You might think you need all your books by the first day of class, but in actuality, you probably won't use any of them for a while. To be honest, you could wait and see whether it looks like you are going to need those very expensive books because in some classes you might never use them. A good plan is to ask your professors (ahead of time would be best) if each of their recommended books are essential to success in their class.
2. Bring the necessary items (but leave some things behind).
You may not need your textbooks, but you will need a few things, even on the first day of class. It's wise to bring your backpack with your phone, charger, wallet (don't forget your ID), notebooks for each class (this will be very helpful for any important information that is discussed), snacks, gum (believe me, this one is extremely helpful, if you need it), pens, pencils, and so on. There's probably more that you could bring, but that will be a very good start, and I think each one is important to ensure that the day goes smoothly. Remember that whatever you bring, you're going to have to carry around campus, so plan accordingly.
3. Get to class on time and sit near the front.
Start the semester off on the right foot by making sure to leave enough time to get to school. Speaking from experience, the first few weeks of school are the most crowded, and parking may be challenging. Soon, the people who aren't actually serious about their education or just can't manage it, start to drop out and parking should improve. Thus, the beginning of the semester is the hardest to get to school on time, but it's also the most critical time to get to school early, because this shows the professors you want to be there. Remember, first impressions are lasting impressions. Sitting towards the the front of the classroom isn't such a bad idea, either. It can be helpful in paying attention to what the professor says, because you aren't distracted by what other students are doing around you. By the way, if you can't find the classroom, ask someone for directions because that's not a good reason for being late.
4. Don't be afraid to make friends.
This step can be intimidating, but I can promise you that you're not the only one feeling that way. Introducing yourself to someone and asking them if they're nervous too can be a bridge into some great conversation. It's a huge relief to find someone you can relate to, and there most certainly will be people there like you. Who knows, you might make a future best friend. These first interactions could be a good time to exchange contact info. Whether or not you do it on the first day, this step can be helpful in the future if you can't remember when a certain assignment is due or if you want to meet up to study together.
5. Read through each course's syllabus and write down deadlines.
At the first class or so, almost every teacher hands out the syllabus for the semester and requires that you read through it. It's important to look through this on your own, and to take note of any important deadlines or information regarding contacting your teacher or grading measures. Believe me, it's very easy to forget different dates that assignments are due, so the best move is writing down everything so you aren't surprised when you are the only one not ready for a test a month or two later.
Remember why you're going to college in the first place. You want an education. As you face new experiences, you're going to learn so much...not just academically, but also about yourself and others. It's really what you make it, though, so go get 'em.
