10 Things You Should Know for College
My time here as social media intern is done, and I am about to head back to college. I love going back to school because I get to see all of my friends that I have not seen in a while. I also love going to football games and seeing people all of the time. Some of my classes are pretty interesting, too.
As much as I love college now, I was extremely nervous when I started my freshman year, which seems ages ago now. I created a list of the top 10 things everybody should know before college for all of you incoming Freshman, whether you are nervous or just plain excited to move out and start a new chapter, or maybe even a little of both.
10. Start packing..NOW!
Packing for school, especially when you are packing up for the first time, can be a long process. I took way too much stuff my Freshman year. Everyone told me that you take less and less stuff each year, and they were actually right. The time to start packing is now. Designate a spot in your house for your “college pile” and start putting things their as you think of them. Believe me, this will make it a lot easier than trying to do it all at once. If you have all of your things in one spot, it is a lot easier and a lot less stressful when you need to figure out what you still need to buy. Here’s another tip: cut the amount of clothes you plan on taking in half. You won’t wear them. Take stuff in seasons. You won’t need that heavy winter coat or all of your sweatshirts until Thanksgiving, when you can come home and switch out your summer clothes for winter clothes. Do take a few things though, just in case it gets cold early.
9. Save on textbooks
Textbooks are one of those fees Freshman seem to forget about until the time comes, but they are a must. Compare textbook prices in your college bookstore to prices on textbooks sites such as half.com or amazon.com. Start looking if you haven’t already so you will get the books shipped in time. Also, see if your school’s bookstore has the option to “rent” books, which will save you a ton of money in the long run by cutting prices by more than half in some cases. If your prof has asked for you to get a “custom” book or a book with any CDs or extras, shoot them an email and ask them if you are going to be using them before you fork out the cash.
8. Get to know your professors and adviser
I am horrible at this because I am shy, but try to get face time with all of your professors. Introduce yourself and ask questions, draw attention to yourself in a good way so that they remember you. It may not seem important now, but you never know when you will need a letter of recommendation from a professor in the future. It is a lot easier for them to write about you if they actually know you. Advisers, or counselors, are there to help you with your schedule and making sure you get your classes done when they need to be done. Make an appointment with them well before your course requests for the next semester are due, because appointment slots fill up quick when everyone realizes the deadline is drawing near. Again, they are there to help you, so don’t be afraid to ask a question. Mine is always a quick email away.
7. No major, no problem
If you don’t know what you want to do with your life yet, don’t worry, you don’t need to choose a major right when you start school. Not many people know exactly what they want to be when they are 18 or 19 years old. Take your general education classes (Gen Eds) and get them out of the way, and also throw in a class or two from a major you think sounds interesting. You can also attend lectures and speakers to hear about real life jobs from real people to help with your decision. Most college students change their major at least once anyway. Just make sure to ask your adviser when you need to have a major chosen by so you don’t get stuck going for a few extra years.
6. Exercise, eat well, and sleep. Treat your body right!
I know it’s hard, but exercising a few times a week is great for your body and your mind. Hit the gym, join an intramural team, or even just ride your bike around campus for a while, whatever you like to do to stay fit. Exercise is a great stress reliever because it lets you have an hour all to yourself. Plus, it keeps away the dreaded Freshman 15. Another way to stay healthy and happy is to eat well. It does get hard because many Freshman are on dining plans and only eating from the dining halls. Try eating well for most of the week, and then treating yourself a few times. That giant plate of nachos or onion rings will taste that much better when you don’t have to feel guilty for eating them. As hard as it is to do, getting enough sleep is crucial to your health and stress level. Being tired all the time sky rockets your stress level because you aren’t giving your body or your brain the amount of rest you need to function well on a daily basis.
5. Get organized and don’t procrastinate
I am probably the world’s worst procrastinator, so I am speaking from experience. That 20 page paper is a lot easier to finish when you spread it out over a few days instead of sitting down to work on it 12 hours before it is due. Organization is key. You don’t have your mom there to nag you about finishing your homework or cleaning your room, and your professors will not want to hear excuses about why you couldn’t finish an assignment you had known about for 2 weeks. Buy a planner or calendar and write down everything from assignments to important meetings and dates. And actually check it and keep up! Try to sit down and study at least a little every day. It is a lot better than having one all-night cram session.
4. Make friends!
Leave your dorm room door open while you are in, you will be amazed at how many people will poke their heads in just to say “hi.” Get involved in clubs where you can meet people who have the same interests as you. Or, join a club you never expected to join and meet a whole new range of people. Remember, other Freshman are going through the same thing that you are, so don’t be afraid to start a conversation. Believe me, it is a lot easier to deal with stress and homesickness when you have someone to share it with. If you are rooming with a stranger, be nice and get to know them, no matter how different from you they might seem to be. You are stuck with them so you might as well make the most of it. Who knows, you might end up being best friends. College allows you to branch out and meet new people who may become life-long friends. But watch out for fake people, you don’t want to spend your awesome college experience on pointless drama.
3. Get a job!
The second you get unpacked, start looking for a job. If at all possible, start looking before you even move in. Not only does it give you extra cash, but jobs also provide experience and help you learn how to organize and balance your life. Future employers like to see that you were able to hold a job while keeping up with your schoolwork. Try to get a job close to your major if you can. If not, any job helps build many basic skills that you will need later on. Also, get an internship, preferably 2 or 3. Internships in your field give you a ton of experience, and some schools require that you complete at least one. Internships are also a great way to see if your chosen career path is really right for you. Better to find out now than when you graduate! The more internships you have from different places help you both gain more experience and skills, and help you decide what it is exactly you want to be doing for the rest of your life. Not to mention, internships look FANTASTIC on resumes.
2. Get involved!
Do something on your campus. Join a club or organization, write for the school newspaper, anything you can think of. Not only does it make you feel more connected to your school and give you an outlet for stress, it is also a great way to meet new people who are interested in the same things that you are. Just like jobs, future employers love to see that you were involved on campus as well. Join multiple clubs if you want. But, remember, it is better to do one or two things and excel than it is to do ten things. If you are interested, studying abroad is a great experience. Many schools offer programs for their students, so you don’t have to go alone! I just got back from Spain, and it is one of the best experiences I’ve had by far.
1. Work hard, play hard.
Yes, it is important to study and do well in your classes and get a job and get involved and all that, but college isn’t all about work. It is an experience. So go ahead and go to a crazy party on the weekends. And don’t worry, if you aren’t into the party scene, there are plenty of other things to do. Hit up one of the late night restaurants, see a play put on by the theater group, cheer on your school at the football or basketball game, or go bowling. Many campuses have special activities for those students who choose to not partake in the party atmosphere, just head in to your student center and ask about the activities your school has to offer. Also, take breaks. Go home to see friends and family. Take a road trip to visit a friend at another school. Escape for a while. Your mind needs breaks as much as it needs to learn and sleep. This is the most important thing to remember while you are at college: Have fun!
-Kara