Transitioning from being a high school student to a college student is very exciting, but it is not as easy as it seems. Many tend to get lost in all of the stress and confusion that come along with it. Here are some valuable tips to ensure that you will have a successful transition.
1. Find a good place to study on campus.
-- Once you find a favorite place to study, your brain and body will most likely program to go right into work/study mode when you arrive.
2. Set time frames for subjects depending on the workload.
-- For the classes you are struggling with, set a side more time. Always make sure to take 10-15 minute study breaks between each subject or every hour to clear your head.
3. Get involved.
-- Join clubs and participate in volunteer work. You don't have to stick with every club you join, but it gives you the opportunity to experience new things.
4. Go to every class.
-- Making sure to attend every class meeting ensures you're getting all and the correct information.
5. Try to stay off your phone during class.
-- It's a big distraction and before you know it, you've missed out on 30 minutes of important information.
6. Apply for every scholarship that you qualify for.
-- Even if you don't get them, you'll know you took advantage of the possibility to get extra financial help.
7. Don't leave your clothes in the washer and dryer.
-- Chances are someone else will get angry and they may take your clothes out themselves.
8. Make sure your professors know who you are.
-- This is very helpful when you're in need of recommendation letters.
9. Make use of office hours.
-- This gives you one on one time with the professors. If you had a hard time on an assignment, chances are if you talk to them they will let you hand it in later on if you go to office hours to work on it with them.
10. Buy a parking permit.
-- Nothing is worse than walking out to your car and seeing a ticket plastered on the windshield.
11. Respect your roommates/neighbors when it comes to noise.
-- Noise can be a big distraction as well as a huge frustration. You'll be shocked to see how fast someone can get mad at you when you won't quite down.
12. Keep a planner.
-- This will ensure that you don't forget events and important exam dates. Also, keeping post-it notes on your desk can help if you prefer not to use a planner.
13. Make flashcards.
-- This will help tremendously when trying to understand concepts as well as memorization. Also, making your own quizzes is very helpful and a lot easier than looking over slides constantly.
14. Don't let the 'Freshman 15' become a reality.
-- There are plenty of healthy options in campus dining locations, so don't choose chicken tenders every day because the line is shorter than the salad line.
15. Don't be scared to ask for help.
-- Chances are, 50 percent of the class has the same question as you and they are all too nervous to ask.
16. Register for classes right away.
-- Also, keep checking back before the start of the semester. Try to be smart with scheduling so you still have time in your day/week for work and extracurriculars.
17. Don't keep your alarm in arm's reach.
-- If your alarm is directly next to your bed, you're more likely to hit snooze and fall right back to sleep. Keep your alarm across the room so you have to get up and turn it off. Once you're up, it will be easier to stay up.
18. Don't feel bad for not going to parties.
-- Not everyone has to go out and drink to have a good college experience. Find something that's enjoyable for you.
19. Keep journals.
-- Writing down your feelings can be extremely helpful if you don't have anyone to turn to. Also write down something everyday that you wish to improve.
20. Take a walk around campus.
-- If you don't know your campus inside and out, you should. You'll be glad you do when you realize quicker routes when you're in a rush.
21. Get involved in things that don't just involve your major.
-- It's good to have a variety of interests and knowledge. Jump outside of your comfort zone.
22. Don't be discouraged because of your grades.
-- Everyone has had times when they don't perform to their best ability. Always remember you can retake a class to try and get the grade you wanted.
23. You do not have to be best friends with your roommate.
24. Stay organized.
-- Nothing is worse than being late for class and not being able to find your calculator in all of the clutter.
25. Make time for yourself.
-- Always make sure you have time to lay down and relax, while watching Netflix and drinking a cup of tea.
26. If you miss a class:
-- Make sure you ask other students what you have missed. Chances are, the professor will tell you to do just that.
College is supposed to be the best time of your life, so make the best of it. Jump out of your comfort zone, get involved, and most importantly always stay true to yourself.
Any incoming freshmen reading this, I wish you the smoothest transition possible and I hope you enjoy this next chapter of your life.