You're done with your senior year! In fact, you're done with high school all together! Many of you are continuing your education by going to college. But if you're like I was after my senior year, then you are definitely feeling like a college kid, yet you have no idea what college really is. Heck, I've been in it for a year and I still am not stuck on a definition. It's really okay to be nervous and unsure at the prospect of college. You're leaving the comfort of your parents' house and going off to a different city or even state and living with another person, possibly even a stranger. It may seem super scary, but it is actually not at all as bad as it sounds. Here are five tips I can give you that may make your high school-college transition easier.
1. Join some clubs that advertise things you feel really passionate about.
In high school, it may have been okay to join everything. Hey, I was that kid too, I feel you. In college it is literally impossible to be involved with every single organization on college (especially at UGA, where there are almost 700 student organizations). This was a hard realization for me. So work really hard at a few clubs and enjoy them, rather than wishing you could help out and be involved in every campus organization. The number of organizations you are in does not increase or decrease your worth as a student.
You get to be in whatever club you want to be in.
2. Make new friends!
I know you probably hear this all the time, but it's because friends are amazing. From giving you support when you need it, to watching your favorite TV show together, friends are invaluable resources. And gaining more friends does not render all your old ones obsolete (huge shout-out to my SGWAD). Friends are one of the many reasons that college is so great! These people will help make this strange adjustment year between high school and college more bearable.
Even people you don't normally hang out with can be the best of friends.
3. College in the movies and college in real life are very different things.
If you think every day is going to be filled with parties and drama, you've got it all wrong. College is an academic institution which means you have to actually work for that degree you receive at the end of your 3+ years in college. So instead of making priorities based on false images of college, ask people (implying more than one) who have been through that stage and can give you some sage advice.
They don't want you to succeed, but you got this. Bless up. LION!!
4. You don't have to have everything figured out right away.
Going to college doesn't necessarily mean locking down on one future profession. You don't have to be positive that you want to be one thing. If you already know, that is amazing, but knowing is not imperative. Your first year is all about learning the ropes to college. Pretty soon, you'll be a pro and you'll know exactly what you want to do, but that doesn't have to be now. For now, just think about what interests you and start taking courses in the areas you are generally interested in. If you need some help, talk to older students, because a lot of them know how you feel.
College can bring a little bit of uncertainty, but you'll be alright again in no time.
5. Teacher ratings are not always indicative that that teacher is not good.
Even I use sites like Koofers and RateMyProfessors when choosing which teacher to pick for a class, but not all ratings are 100% accurate. I had a chemistry lecture hall teacher for the last two semesters with ratings that were not promising, but after a couple of classes with her, I felt that she was actually a really great professor. But it may not be like this in all cases. So take the advice given by these sites with a grain of salt; also, try and talk to some friends who have gone through the class and decide yourself if you are up to a class with a certain teacher.
Choosing might be hard, but you can do it!
As daunting as college may seem, don't worry about it too much and ruin your summer! Attend your orientations, talk to some older students, and think about what classes you might want to take your first semester. It's much easier said then done, and your schedule may end up differently than you want it, but don't fret too much, just enjoy the entire experience! I wish you all the best of luck and I know you'll all definitely enjoy your first years.
