Starting college can be terrifying, no matter what stage of your life you're in. You have to worry about a superfluous amount of things ranging from school
1. Networking is key.
Classmates, professors, faculty; get to know everyone and make sure everyone gets to know you. This is so important not only for while you're in school, but also when you enter the "real world." Everyone has had different experiences with different people. So when selecting your next professor or trying to get a job, talk to the people you know, and it might work out in your favor!
2. Always go to class: be mentally and physically present.
Everyone has those days or those classes where paying attention just isn't an option. I get it. If you have your laptop or phone out or sit in the back of a classroom, you may be tempted to text your friends or check the weather for the next month, whatever makes you, you. But don't do it! If you go to class, be in class. Take good notes, interact with your peers regarding the subjects you're learning and answer questions! You'll thank me later.
3. Making friends isn't instant, but it isn't as hard as you think it will be.
Talk to the people around you. Your roommates, suitemates, classmates, the people that live in your hall. Go out of your comfort zone and say "hi." All friendships start with something like that.
4. Don’t study in your room.
There is too much room for error when trying to study in your bedroom. Food, Netflix, a warm bed, your roommate. They are all distractions and your focus won't be 100-percent invested in the material you're trying to cram in before the next exam. Plus, it's a great way to find cute, little, hidden spots on campus that are perfect for studying.
5. Join as many clubs as you can.
Schools offer so many clubs, so there has to be something that interests you. If there isn't, get involved in creating a club! It looks great on a resume and you get to meet a bunch of fun people who have the same interests that you do. (Friends!)
6. Don’t give yourself too much free time.
When I have too much free time on my hands, I feel very lazy and I don't do things I should. You may think that having free time means you can write that research paper that's due at the end of the semester or start studying for exams way in advance. It never happens; don't fool yourself!
7. Go to every event offering free food.
This tip mainly applies to those of us living on campus. While it may not occur to you now, you and your friends will get tired of ordering Dominoes every night, and we all know the dining hall isn't the greatest, but a chance to make new friends and be fed for free in college is going to be something you appreciate, trust me.
8. Never leave your clothes in the washer after the end of the cycle is over — they will end up on the floor.
This is another one for residential students. When it comes to doing laundry, college students aren't as sweet and kind as they appear. Many schools have an app or website where you can track open machines and see when yours is done!
9. Getting a tutor does not make you look dumb. Not getting one when you need help does.
If you feel yourself falling behind or you're having any kind of anxiety in class, getting a tutor as soon as possible will help you much more than you know. Don't fall behind and try to catch up, stay on top of everything!
10. Do whatever scares you the most.
This is a personal favorite. College is all about trying new things and, as cliché as it may sound, finding yourself.
11. Call home often.
If your family is anything like mine, they have been there from your first day of preschool. They've packed your lunches, driven you and your friends wherever you needed to be, painted sets for your drama club, helped with homework, and so much more. So give them a call every now and then, because no matter how much they say that they can't wait for you to leave, they'll really miss you.
