It's official! I've completed my first week of junior year! I honestly didn't think I was going to make it through the week. I've been so overwhelmed with RA Training, buying books, preparing for the year with student orgs, catching up with friends, and STILL trying to find time to sleep. It's all been so hectic and I forgot how crazy the first few weeks of college actually are.
Adjusting to college may be hard, but after a while I promise you will master the campus. Trust me. I've learned a few things over the years and in the last few days that I think would be really helpful for the incoming freshmen the upperclassmen as well.
In no particular order, here are a few tips!
Tip #1: Come Prepared
No more daily help from mom and dad or anyone holding your hand the whole way through, it's all on you now. Granted, you'll be equipped with Resident, Academic, and Career Advisors, but they're not the ones that are going down the same path as you, nor will they do anything for you. Take advantage of the advice given, but be ready to but your big kid pants on and do for yourself.
Tip #2: Don't "Flex" with Your Refund Check
-Cues "No Flex Zone"- Yes, you got a check. Yes, you have "money to blow." But that doesn't mean you should go out to the closest mall and buy the latest gear. Be careful with your money! Spend it wisely on school supplies, textbooks, rent, and other expenses. Things will add up quicker than you think! I'd rather save a few thousands for the future than blow it all on a shopping spree.
Tip #3: Take a Tour of Your Classes
It frustrates me when students, especially the freshmen, refuse to ask for help on the first day. Nevertheless, it's quite entertaining watching them run around frantically looking for their classes. The easiest and most sure-fire way to be successful your first days is to actually take a tour of your classes the night before. I took a trip with a few of my residents showing them their classrooms, and giving them a little Niner history -pops collar-, the night before classes actually started. Needless to say, none of my little freshies were lost on their first day. Don't be afraid to ask for help either, and if your late your first week: "it's all good." So walk, don't run... unless you want to be a victim on someone's Snapchat. (Upperclassmen will record you)
Tip #4: Eat Wisely. Freshman 15 ... Is Real
I've been a picky eater all my life, but these buffet style cafes are the quickest way for a person to gain weight. It sneaks up on you too! My freshman year I gain 15 pounds and didn't even realize it. Those late nights "studying" or making quick runs to Cookout or a pizza/wing place go straight to the gut. Make smart decisions when eating and if you do purge out on junk food combat it with working out or eating healthier for the next few days.
Tip #5: Network Like Crazy
There is a thin line between networking and being annoying. Someone people use every opportunity they get when they meet someone for networking purposes; and that can get annoying. You can naturally network with someone by being their friend because you NEVER know who that person is connected to or the connections they will have in the future. Also, there is ample career fairs, seminars, and guest speakers that come to your school. Take advantage of those events as a chance to gain advice for the future as well as meet and network with prominent people in the community. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and know when to take the backseat and listen. You gain more knowledge when you open your ears and you show your intelligence, or lack there of, when you open your mouth.
Tip #6: Do Your Best, Not the Most
Freshman always want to do everything their first year. Remember you are at an institution with the best of the best! Before they came to college they were the Student Body Presidents, Homecoming Kings and Queens, Executive Council Members, and more. Many freshman feel the need to uphold those positions and do the absolute most their freshman year. And honestly, it's impossible. You are one person and you cannot do everything. Trying is the quickest way to burn yourself out and forget the whole reason why you're in college. Tackle a few tasks at a time. Start off with one or two solid organizations and feel them out first. Over the years you can pick up more. Not every organization is meant to be something you are involved in for life because you will find a plateau and become bored with the organization. That is normal, if that happens move on! There are plenty of organizations in the sea, don't feel trapped in one.
Tip #7: Time Management is Key
I'm a victim of this myself. One of two things always happens. I'm either 1.) over-extending myself in several organizations or 2.) procrastinating like the rest of the world. It's easy to get lazy or to be too involved your first year and the years thereafter. I begin every year by sitting down and mapping out all the organizations I want to join and making executive decisions on if those things are actually doable. I base it all on my schedule, level of importance and if it is actually beneficial. I also give myself time outside of studying for college fun! Thirsty Thursdays and College Nights at the club are fun and tempting, but every Thursday shouldn't be a party night nor should it always be about studying.
Tip #8: Study!
Like, actually sit down and study. You have to, there's no way around it. Setting up distinct study times in your schedule will be so helpful. You may have a few b.s., or elective classes, but that doesn't mean they don't require effort and some type of studying. Like I said in Tip #7, you have to make the most out of your time because you don't want college to be a waste.
Tip #9: Set Reasonable Goals
Set goals for the day, week, semester, or year in advance. It will help keep you on track while in school and you will get more things accomplished in the four year span you are in school. Make sure the goals are achievable. Setting yourself up for failure is very easy. Keep in mind there will be obstacles and detours, but be flexible and willing to adapt. Not every short term goal will be accomplished and some long time goals will be surpassed sooner than expected.
Tip #10: Have Fun!
College years are the best years of your life! You learn, mature, and grow into the ideal person you want to be! You are in control of your destiny and don't let a person (or persons) thoughts, actions, or words dictate how you live your life! Take everything with a grain of salt, explore, and be ready for the most memorable days and nights to come!
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