Whether you are a “freshman,” “first-year,” or “transfer,” your first year at a new college or university can be an intimidating transition. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind when braving that first college math class, meeting your roommate or just going for a meal in the dining hall.
Get Involved
Most of the time, colleges and universities have a large student population that can make many incoming students can feel lost and overwhelmed in a new environment where they do not have a group of friends or repertoire of activities to define themselves. So what is our solution to this? Get involved! Student involvement can be anything ranging from holding an on-campus job to playing an intramural sport or joining a club or interest group. Whatever your venue, being involved in an on-campus activity will facilitate introductions with fellow classmates of all ages and help familiarize you with your surroundings.
Build Relationships with Faculty and Staff
Many first year students often feel intimidated by their professors, but having an open relationship with your professor can not only increase your desire to go to class but help your performance as well. Remember that professors are people, too! More importantly, they are intelligent individuals who excel in their field and want you to understand it, as well. Professors can also be great academic and life mentors; their expertise often exceeds their designated field and office hours, and your relationship with them can often turn into a lifelong friendship. Bottom line: take advantage of your professors’ knowledge!
Take Advantage of Opportunities
College is a perfect time to experience new things. Many schools offer a plethora of activities, such as study groups, bible studies, or even scuba diving classes! The list is nearly endless. The main point is that school is a great opportunity to sample new activities you may not have the chance to try again. This will not only help balance work and play, but will ease introductions with people of similar interests and, who knows, could even introduce you to your future profession!
Treat School like a Job
Although the number of hours spent in the classroom decreases from high school to college, the amount of homework done outside of class increases greatly. However, this homework is usually not assignments turned in on a weekly basis, but long-term projects, essays, and exam preparation. Because of this discrepancy between high school and college, it is easy to procrastinate during the lulls between exams then scramble at the last minute to prepare for them or finish work on an assignment. To relieve the stress of the late-night panic the night before an exam, treat schoolwork like a job and a top priority. Though the number of hours you will be in class a week will probably be less than 20, try to spend about 40 hours a week on school-related activities, whether that is reading, note-taking, completing assignments, or participating in a study group. Dedicating more time to schoolwork on a regular basis will not only ease the panic of poor preparation, but probably help your GPA, too!
Explore the Area
Homework, extra-curricular activities and maintaining a social life can lead to the “bubble mentality” common on many college campuses. Spending some time off campus will help you keep in mind that the world extends past your college library or dorm room. Coffee shops and public libraries are often productive locations to do work and provide a nice change of scene while helping integrate the college and surrounding town.