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So you've just graduated high school, congratulations! Now you're on your way this summer or in the fall to college/university and you're maybe really excited or really nervous (or both) and you don't know what to do or what to expect. I've got a few tips for you.
EVERYBODY IS NERVOUS
You are going to be a freshman all over again, and that means starting new. Although people around you in your freshman class may seem like they know what they are doing, trust me, they are just as nervous as you, trying to make that transition into adulthood, and are trying to figure out the same things you are.
TAKE A TOUR
If you've never been to your new campus or haven't been in a while, once you get your official class schedule, find all your classes, find out where the food court is, where the library is, where the football stadium, church, nearest hospital, nearest grocery store....all the things are. Just knowing this, puts you a foot forward because you won't be stressed out if you need something or have an emergency---you'll already know where to go.
PACK LIGHT
If you live on campus, there is a tendency for freshman to want to bring their entire bedrooms. Most likely you will have zero room for all of that, and you'll never use 50% of your stuff. Look online for typical packing lists. Anything else, you can always come home during the breaks and pick up whatever you missed or have family/friends bring it when they visit.
GET TO KNOW YOUR ROOMMATE
If you will be living with a roommate, spend some time just hanging out and getting to know them and agreeing to whatever house or dorm rules you want to agree to. This may help mitigate issues that may arise in the future. Do not let things get out of hand or retaliate or do petty actions because it will make your semester miserable. You are an adult now. Do adult things. Talk to them, work things out if you have issues. If the worst comes to worst, be prepared to move out.
LEARN TO ADULT
THIS IS HUGE! Mommy and Daddy are not going to be kissing your boo-boos and doing your laundry anymore. Once you land on that campus, you are expected to figure it out. I strongly advise you, if you have never actually taken care of yourself or done adult things, to learn NOW before the semester starts. Pump some gas, make a doctors appointment, learn how to manage your credit cards/savings, do laundry, cook, clean, how to file taxes if you'll be working, how to do basic maintenance on your car if you'll have one, etc. I cannot stress this enough, how learning and practicing these things now, will free up your mind to focus more on what you need and want to do on campus rather than having to stress trying to figure out basic skills for living as an adult.
DON'T STAY IN YOUR ROOM
Unlike high school whereby at the end, everyone knew everyone, university is a whole new ball game. With so many people, all this clique stuff, petty stuff, people knowing all your business, is a thing of the past. This is why it can be great in so many ways. You can be friends with whomever and join whatever or not join whatever you want to, but having said that, don't stay in your room. You are there for the experience, so experience it. Half the people I made friends with, it was just a matter of saying, hey we have the same class and this test coming up, do you want to study together or, hey you want to go to the underground (food court) for lunch or are you guys going to the game this weekend? I am an introvert through and through, but I still just asked those few things and made a bunch of friends but you can't do that locked in your room in a book all the time. Freshman year is your best chance to make what could be some life long friends with just a little effort.
JOIN A GYM/WORKOUT
Yeah, its true, weight is a beast in college. You're free for the first time, you're not eating your parents cooking, you don't have a lot of time, the junk food is cheaper, and that leads to bad habits and bad eating. Start early by joining your campus gym or hitting the trails and trying to get a session in at least 3x a week even if you have to go before class. This is great for stress relief and to keep the pounds off.
DON'T BE STUPID
Just because you are surrounded by a bunch of people your age in school doesn't mean danger doesn't exist. Go to parties with friends you trust to bring you home safely, don't take drinks from strangers or do drugs, don't do illegal things even if you think, it's just like high school and its a prank (universities are known to have NO sense of humor about damage to school property or theft), make sure and lock your doors, don't walk alone at night, and if your spider sense is tingling, don't ignore it, it may save your life. This also pertains to your academic life, now with all sorts of tech to verify and check these things, don't cheat on exams or papers. You can and will get expelled and that's it.
GO TO CLASS
Seems simple enough, but there are always those students that think, oh, no one is watching me or caring whether I show up or not, I'm just going to chill in my dorm with a few friends and not go to class. Okay cool. It's fun at the time, but end of the semester when you've shelled out thousands only to flunk a class and have to repeat it (more money) and which will affect your overall gPA in the end, don't F around and not do the work you came to do. Fun is fun, but you've got to learn early, how to manage a party lifestyle with going to class and getting the grades you need to succeed otherwise you're wasting all your money and time.
GET HELP
Whether you begin to struggle academically, mentally, or financially, don't think, oh, I'm alone, and no one can help. Whatever it is, help is a resource office, bank, parent, friend, advisor, or counselor away. If you let your problems fester, they will ruin you if you let them. There is no shame, even if you thought you got it, and understood this new adulting thing, in asking and getting help if you need it.
DO HAVE FUN
Academics are what you are there for, but this is also the prime of your life. Do not forget to have some fun. Go to the clubs, go to campus parties, go to games, support your school, date, buy the t-shirt, do the dumb dance, ENJOY IT, because when its all over, it's all over and you don't want "just" good grades to show for your time on campus. Again, you just need to make sure you find balance between school and work and fun.
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