Well it's that time of year when another group of seniors hits the finish line in their caps and loose fitting gowns. While the majority are nothing but excited and ready to embark on their journey to adulthood there are apprehensive thoughts going through each mind. Yes, college is exciting and new, and will definitely serve you more memories than the last 18 or so years of your life. Remember, it is OK to be scared. I am hoping this article will allow your transition from high school to college to be a little bit easier being that I will provide you with advice and expectations as well as what to avoid.
1. It's OK to not make friends right away! Give it time and you will find where you belong. I know it sounds cliche but it is so true! Focus on you first and become acquainted with your roommate and people in your dorm.
2. Get to know your roommate BEFORE move in! I cannot stress how important this is. You are most likely going to be living with this person the entire year. Text each other and plan what you are each contributing to the room, setup plans, and discuss preferences. Find some things that you have in common, your roommate will most likely be your go to for the first couple weeks. This is the most important relationship to maintain as no matter how close (or not close) the two of you are, respect has to be shared as you do share a SMALL living space with this person. Also, do you see the size of this room? Please take this as a warning to not over pack, you will regret it.
3. Syllabus Week is also known as Sylly Week. Being new freshman, this is probably going to be your most memorable week you will experience in a while. This is the time to go out and have fun and meet new people even if it is in a dark basement. Drink all the jungle juice your heart desires but just make sure you can function enough to walk past security, quiet as a mouse. The guards are not out to get you but if you are making a scene, actions may have to be taken. Also, try to have a buddy that you can walk home with!
4. DO NOT have a "party" in your dorm room. Pregame quietly and keep the body count low, I would know. The last thing you want is a security guard at your door ready to issue out citations. If you do get busted do not freak out, it is pretty common. First offenses usually go pretty smoothly but just make sure to take precautions for the future, do not let this ruin your experience. *Cooperation is key in this instance*
5. Bring a laptop with you, and if you can, a printer. I would have loved to have my own printer in my room during West Chester's winter. You will never regret this when you are warm in your bed printing out that assignment due in your professors hand at 8 a.m.
6. The dining hall. The food gets progressively worse. There are other options like Einsteins, which is the best option for breakfast or lunch. But with lines wrapped around for what seems like miles at both Einsteins and Starbucks, you can go to Sykes (the home of chick fil a), the food trucks (with ram bucks or cash/cards), and the POD markets throughout campus. Don't overlook Einstein's specialty drinks, they are AMAZING if you want to wait for them.
7. You can never have enough Starbucks. Whether it is a frappe, iced coffee, macchiato or hot chocolate, you will continuously want it all.
8. Try not to skip class, while I am guilty of this more than I would like to admit, it is in your best interest to attend as many as you can. I mean you are paying for every class you attend, but nobody will blame you if you are having a bad day and don't go ... its up to you. Just make sure to follow the syllabus and make sure you are not missing something important. In this category I also want to stress studying, this is not like high school when you can get away with barely cracking open a book. You get out whatever you put into college so better put your money where your mind is.
9. Try to avoid the bookstore at all costs if you can, while some classes have books designed specifically for a course, a lot are not. Try and find the cheapest option whether it be on amazon (take advantage of your six month prime free trial), Chegg books, etc. Used does not mean useless and not everything needs to be brand new! Try and buy the online version if possible and always, always, always sell back your books at the tents on campus. It feels great when you walk away with $20 plus in cash on any given day as a college student.
10. Don't expect financial aid when you apply for scholarships to try and deduct the cost, but for those of you who are not lucky enough to get your family to cover expenses it is best to apply for your loans sooner rather than later.
11. Communicate with your professors. Not doing well in a class? Reach out! Your professors do not want you to fail, they are willing to work with you, but if you keep silent the entire semester do not expect to be given the time of day. Utilize email, office hours, and class time. Do not be afraid, they want to see you, they make this time for you!
13. Make time for yourself, no matter what happens remember it is in your best interest to stay true to yourself and your values. Do not let college change the person you want to be, however, let it be the breaking ground for you to make mistakes and learn from them.
