Starting college can be an exciting process. Many people are looking forward to moving away from home and being able to live (mostly) independently for the first time. This can also be anxiety-inducing for some people, which is completely all right. For this article, I want to give some advice to incoming freshmen (whether at Samford or elsewhere) who want to make the most out of their college experience.
1. Go to class.
This should be an obvious point to anybody. While Samford may be more strict about attendance than other colleges, there is still a number of unexcused absences given per class. Even though these unexcused absences are there, it doesn't mean a student should use them to skip class just because they don't feel like going. It may not seem like you'll be missing much the day you decide to skip, but often, important information, whether it be through lectures, classroom exercises, or logistical information, can be given at any time, and it wouldn't be wise to risk missing this information for a bit of extra free time.
2. Join a club/organization.
Every college, big or small, has many groups a student can join. Whether it be Greek Life or Student Government, students should be able to find something to do outside of class that helps them make new friends and grow as individuals. Try to find a group that interests you the most and give it a try for a few weeks to see if it's the right fit for you. The good thing is that, if it isn't, there are going to be lots of other groups around campus you can try out.
3. Stay healthy.
Living independently can be an exciting experience for many, and this new found freedom can lead to some poor nutritional choices by students. Many students will tend to keep unhealthy foods in their room, and while having the occasional treat is not bad, having one every day can be. It is important for students of any age to remember to watch what they are consuming while at college. Colleges also have workout centers that are great for students to go to a couple times per week regardless of whether they are eating healthy or not.
4. Read books.
It can be easy in an age when most people spend the majority of their free time looking at a screen to forget to read a book now and then. Many students may feel burned out after reading the required texts for their class, but it is also important to try to find books you can read for fun and not just as a requirement. It can be bad for your body to spend the majority of the day looking at a screen, and reading a book for about an hour every day can help improve yourself.
5. Respect your room/hall mates.
One of the biggest challenges a person can face upon entering college is having to live with a stranger. While many roommates end up getting along well and become friends, this isn't the case for everyone, and that is all right. While you are not required to become best friends with your roommates and hall mates, you should at least respect them. Keeping your stuff clean and organized, not blasting music in the middle of the night, and being open to their views on the world are great ways to keep up a good relationship with the people you are living with.
This is just some advice I can share with incoming college students. By applying these tips and others once you arrive at college, it should be easy for you to succeed during your next four years. It is important to remember that you need to structure your daily schedule to make sure you have the time to do everything you need to do. By following this structure, college will be a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.
