It seems like just yesterday that you were dancing at your prom, and now, the college countdown is ticking fast. Once this summer is over, you’ll officially be a college-goer. Feels crazy, huh? Starting college is one of the most thrilling times of your life. You’re likely to feel a rollercoaster of emotions. Excitement and nervousness in equal parts!
There’s so much to think about:
And plenty more! This is precisely why we’ve created this list for you. We share the top things that you (or your child) should know before starting college.
We’ve put this one as the “Number One” on our list for a reason. College is a fantastic experience, but it can be distracting at times. There are numerous frat parties to attend, exciting clubs and weekend outings with your new friends. Amidst all these distractions, it becomes challenging to participate in classes regularly.
Don’t give in to the temptation of missing classes. Remember: your ultimate goal is to graduate with a degree, and how can you do that if don’t attend class regularly? If you’re really hard-pressed for time, you can consider hiring online class takers. Connect with online tutors and ask, “can you take my class for me?” While this is possible for online classes, you have to haul yourself to the lecture hall to meet the minimum attendance requirements for physical classes.
Let’s be honest: not all events for freshmen are the most exciting. Tours of the campus and dorm mixers may not be your thing, but they’re a great way to connect with other first-years. It can help you meet people, prepare you for your academic journey, and who knows, you might even meet your college BFF!
It might be tempting to go home every weekend, especially if you have a sweetheart at home or live fairly close by. However, being away from college over the weekend prevents you from connecting with other students and building new relationships. Make your dorm your home for the next few years.
This might be one of the most challenging skills you have to learn in your first year at college, but it’s mighty helpful. Saying “Yes” to everything, be it academics or fun activities, could land you in trouble. Your time management will be horrible, and you are likely to be stretched thin, leading to probable burnout. So, learn to say a firm no to things that don’t interest you or disrupt your study schedule. This skill is sure to be helpful later in your workplace too.
College is the time to break free of your inhibitions, try new experiences, and take risks. Get out of your comfort zone to push yourself both academically and personally. Try new foods, explore new destinations and pick up new hobbies. Expand your horizons and take new courses that challenge you.
Your college life gives you a ton of amazing memories and is sure to be fun. But, if you’re struggling in class, ask your professors for help or connect with a tutoring center. If you’re having a hard time fitting in, talk to someone, be it a peer or a counsellor. Remember, it’s always easier to fix problems in the beginning than waiting to fix them later when the issue has snowballed into a huge one.
