It is the month of June. If you haven’t already struggled through the arduous freshman orientation at the college of your choice, you are about to. I can imagine that many thoughts are running through your head: Who will I room with? Will I like my roommate? How do I “get involved?” Will I miss my home? Will I make friends?
It is likely that these are only a few of the many thoughts that have crossed your mind as your impending move-in day approaches. As a senior that had just graduated, I really lacked a coherent expectation of what college will be like. One year later, I am here to set your mind at ease and lend you the three most important tips for adapting to college.
1. Always say YES.
I am not encouraging you to involve yourself in something dangerous, but learn to say yes to everything else; at least in the beginning.
In high school it was easy to be lazy, say no to a social activity, and defer to sit inside to watch Netflix. Please break this habit. Some of the best nights of my life occurred during my freshman year by taking spontaneous trips, going to parties that I had not previously planned on attending, or simply hanging out with friends when I had originally planned to relax for the night. This is the first time in your life in which you have been granted 100 percent freedom. Avoid laziness and absorb every moment of this newfound freedom.
2. College is 50 percent social and 50 percent academic.
Did you spend your entire high school career in your room studying? Stop. Did you spend your entire high school career barely skidding through your academics and never developing any adult studying habits? Stop. College is a balance. The 50/50 layout worked great for me, but it may not be the same for everyone. Regardless, college is not supposed to be an academic marathon. Take time for your social life! The paper you have been stressing about all week will be finished.
3. Get involved.
Now, before you roll your eyes, hear me out. I know that you have heard this before, and if you have attended orientation, you have already heard this advice over 1,000 times. I rolled my eyes at this advice, especially when every single R.A. and campus organization leader said this phrase. Contrary to my eye rolling, there is not a more accurate piece of advise than this. You have to get involved! Otherwise, you will waste your days away in your incredibly small dorm room, studying and watching TV with a limited number of friends. If that sounds harsh, I do not apologize! Introverting yourself from passions and interests, will not help you grow and develop into the human you hope to be in the business world one day. College is a social experiment and a networking haven. Channel your interests and passions, and evolve yourself with organizations that inspire you to become involved. This could be a vocal group, intramural sports, a political group, activists, or Greek life. Regardless of what you are interested in, find something! For me, I decided to join a Greek organization. While I realize that going Greek is not for everyone, it was a perfect fit for me. My involvement kept me occupied daily, and introduced me to nearly 80 other brothers who would become my close friends. My involvement socially allowed me to meet more people than I would have if I had not chose to become involved. The connections and relationships I made are priceless.
Just remember, this is the only time you will ever be a freshman in college. This can be the best year of your life. It was for me. Would you like to feel the same? Go to college and seize the moment. Your time in college is exactly what you make of it.
