Anxious and excited about college? These tips will help you get the most out of your new experience!
College is one of the most life-changing and exciting parts of one’s life. It is when you get to study the course that will help shape your future. However, college is not only about studying, as many seniors and graduates will tell you. College is where you’d meet different types of people from all walks of life and learn about things that are larger than you while getting to know who you are as well.
To prepare and inspire you for your coming freshmen days, here’s some advice that you might find handy.
Pick your schedule wisely.
One of the things that are most exciting about college is that you get to determine your own schedule, at least for the most part. Remember, nobody knows you the best but you. So, if you know that you’re not a morning person and that you absorb information better in the afternoons, schedule your classes around that time.
Make sure that you also know where your classes are to allow you enough time to transfer from building to building. You’d get to know your university’s map this way too!
Check the class description (and the professor)!
Many freshmen make the mistake of signing up for classes, only to find out that it was completely different from what they expected. That’s why course descriptions exist! Avoid the unnecessary hassle of changing classes by reading these thoroughly. However, if you’re up for the challenge, why not just continue it? Maybe you’d learn to love ballroom dancing after all!
Additionally, ask around about the professors. Most older students already know how they grade, how many absences they allow and the like. But! Don’t just take a professor just because their class is “easy” to ace! Challenge yourself and make the most out of your classes!
Join organizations.
Remember how in high school you could only join one or two clubs? Say goodbye to that in college! With tons of student organizations, you’re sure to find your people.
From anime enthusiasts to tennis players, you have a long list of organizations to join. It will foster your hobbies and allow you to meet and spend time with people with similar interests. Academic organizations can also help you out with your classes and readings.
It’s time to get out of your comfort zone, joining organizations and clubs is one step!
Keep an eye on your fitness.
Have you heard of “freshman 15”? It’s the term used for the weight gain freshmen have when they start college. While there’s nothing wrong about gaining weight, it’s best to keep a lookout for your health.
Freshman year is a time of great adjustment and this can cause a lot of stress that may lead to either weight gain or weight loss. Add the fact that your metabolism starts slowing down during your early twenties, then it can be a cause of concern.
Take advantage of your power over your schedule and schedule in some workouts, even if it’s just jogging around the campus or biking in between your classes.
Take advantage of your sources.
Your professors are wells of knowledge, not just about class but life as well. In college, you won’t be spoon-fed by your professors but it doesn’t mean you can’t ask them questions. They are professionals in their respective fields and they have insights born of years of practice. Take advantage of their wisdom, they’ll come really handy someday.
Speaking of wisdom, it can also be found in the library. It might be a little old school but google can’t compare to voice, opinions, and point of views that authors have when you read their books. Learn to take notes and process opinions different than yours.
Check out the administration office.
Or your college bulletin board. This may not be common advice but it’s still a useful one. College announcements are usually posted in boards outside their offices, and they contain scholarship announcements or even opportunities to take a semester abroad.
Keep up to date and maybe it could lead you to more learning experiences and adventures for your college life (and resume!)
Remember: Balance is key.
All work and no play makes you a ball of stress. All play and no work makes you mush.
Strike a balance between having fun and getting your requirements done. It’s an arduous process, considering this might be the first time you experience such amount of freedom. You might even fail from time to time, but that’s okay, just keep trying.
Find friends that will help you balance your life. This is a time of great change and opportunities, but don’t forget that it is also a time of finding yourself. Just remember your priorities and take the first step out of the box.
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