As the first person in my family to go to college, at times I felt lost in not only the application process, but also when I arrived at my university. Therefore, to hopefully help those that may be in similar situations, I have written a miniature “Freshmen’s Guide to College.” Of course my ideas may be different from others, and I would love any comments from other college students, graduates and high school students as well!
These are also in no particular order, as it may vary for each person, but simply my stream of consciousness. Here goes :
1. When trying to pick a college, choose the school that fits YOU.
This means visiting the campus and walking around as if you were one of the students. Would you prefer to walk to class with thousands of other students (some strangers, others familiar), or only a few who you know or at least recognize? Do you want to take classes with 300 other students and with professors who probably don’t even recognize you? Or would you prefer a smaller, more close-knit environment in which you could learn?
Also, this means not going only where your parents think you should go or where the rankings say is at the top. In the end you will be the one living, studying, eating and making friends there, and it is your life.
Of course, there is the financial aspect, but you are already ahead of the game if you are trying to win this scholarship! Keep applying for scholarships and don’t ignore a school just because of costs. Most people graduate with loans, and that is okay and normal.
2. Join groups that relate to your interests and become involved EARLY and stay dedicated to those you enjoy.
This way, you will find people similar to you, who can become not only friends but also help you grow. This will help you socially as well as academically as you can build a support network in which to study! Take leadership positions where you will learn valuable skills and meet other fabulous youth who want to make a change. Plus, graduate schools and employers want to see dedication to your interests as well as a well-rounded student!
3. Study. Obviously :)
However, do not study to the point where it is all that you do. Just remember that law, medical and graduate schools as well as employers will want to accept and hire well-rounded, strong leaders, not simply someone who had there head in a book for four years and can't relate to those around them.
4. Use at least one weekend day to Explore.
Go somewhere new in the city of your college or nearby. Go to a museum, national park, etc. You will not only have fun, but it is possible that you may even learn something (outside of the classroom!)
5. Study and volunteer abroad! (I went twice: Granada, Spain to study and Arusha, Tanzania to volunteer- so if you have any questions, feel free to ask me!)
This is definitely the best thing that I did in college and probably played a huge role in leading me to my career path in global public health. You will learn independence,and gain confidence and cultural understanding.
6.Monitor your stress levels.
A little stress is good: it will make you study hard and get your work done. However, remember that a test is just a test and it does not measure your self worth. 30 years from now you will most likely not remember a poor grade on an essay or a C on that genetics test. Or maybe you will but by then you will hopefully already be successful in your career so it won’t matter.
7. Go to professor’s office hours and find a mentor. Who knows who you may meet or what may fall in your lap.
8. Volunteer –Pretty self-explanatory and hopefully you have already done this in high school. It is good for others and yourself.
9. Meet older students!
Especially in your major/field of study, who can give you the skinny on professors, courses, etc. You can do this through student groups, honors societies, your dormitory, etc.
10. Exercise!
I know, you may be so involved in sports in high school. I used to swim three hours a day, five days a week in high school, but things change once you get to college. You choose how to schedule your time around scattered classes and sometimes it is easy to forget about exercise when you have a midterm or a group meeting. Try to fit in thirty minutes a day, this will help you not only stay fit but also less stressed and have higher energy and focus.
If you can't remember this long list of things you should do...just remember to learn TIME MANAGEMENT. That is probably the most important skill you will learn in college, a time of independence and self-discovery.
Any other ideas? There are many others, this is just my top ten :)
Feel free to discuss and rate this blog! :)
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