By: Julie Ruocco
Entering your first year of college can be an overwhelming mix of
emotions. Everything as you knew has changed which can be very exciting but
also extremely frightening. You are forced to make new friends all over again
and find your niche among a crowd of thousands. On top of that, you have new,
more challenging courses that will test you. All of these situations shape your
college experience and make it that more memorable. In order to make the
transition a bit simpler, here are some tips to surviving your freshman year of
college:
1. Do NOT
room with your friend.
Although your probably asking, “Why not?!” just
trust me on this one. Even though you may think your relationship with your
friend is unbreakable, living with someone changes your perspective entirely.
Soon enough you may be bickering about cleaning up their clothes off the floor
rather than deciding which party to go to. Besides the threat of ruining your friendship,
rooming with someone you don’t know could present the opportunity of gaining
more friends and finding you’re niche rather than being dependent on one
person.
2. Introduce yourself!
In high school, teachers make it a point to
remember their students and help them succeed as much as they can. In college,
this can be quite the opposite. Make it a point to introduce yourself to your
professors by attending their open office hours. It doesn’t have to be
long—just pop by for a minute or two and let them put a name to a face. They
have a lot of students that never take advantage of this but by them knowing
you, they will be more open to helping you out with an extension, absence, or
helping with a term paper.
3. Get involved!
This doesn’t mean you have to be part of ASB
like in high school but rather that you can get involved in what YOU like to
do. There are tons of organizations, clubs and Greek houses to check out that
will not only get you connected but also may present professional experience
employers will value come graduation. The great thing about college is that no
one is as judgmental as high school, so be yourself and do things that interest
you.
4. Search for a job!
While living off your parents may seem like the
ultimate freebie, getting your own job will be more freeing than ever. Having
that extra cash or for some, helping your own way through college, is vital in
gaining a sense of independence. Being able to pay for your individual
needs/wants makes you feel accomplished and lets you dictate what you spend
your own money on. The biggest perk—it prepares
you to budget and handle money independently from your parents, something
needed after you walk that stage at graduation in a few short years.
So, now you are equipped with some tips to make
that transition go a bit more smoothly. Take these into consideration and more
than anything, enjoy your college experience—it goes fast!