Freshman Year of College: Survival 101

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!

Benefits of going Greek

While in college it can be difficult acclimating to your new surroundings including your location. Although unfamiliar with your new town, it is important to venture out and gain a sense of connection.

After all, your next four years will be spent here. One step in the right direction is joining a fraternity or sorority. From personal experience, what I’ve received from being Greek is far more than a busy social calendar. My sense of confidence, communication skills and leadership can be directly attributed to the core values learned from being Greek.

Not only do organizations teach these skills but also they provide you with opportunities to become directly involved in your community including philanthropic work and attending town events. Greek life provides a sense of belonging not only to your brothers or sisters but to your community. The opportunity to get to know your college town outside of the college is invaluable.

Greek life has opened many doors beyond the community and has resulted in friendships, networking and a sense of belonging that will extend far beyond graduation. 

Start an event at your college- use Joynme!

As the semester takes off, new groups begin their recruitment to show you what they have to offer and ask you to come learn more from their events. I remember when I was interested in groups at my college campus at California State University Chico. If you were not on campus as they had their booths out you missed important information regarding their recruitment in turn meaning you will have to wait another semester to attend.

This year a new iPhone based application called Joynmehas launched. As they state “We live in an increasingly technological world. Everyone is connected through various forms of Social Networking but the sad thing is, we all end up staring at our computers all day. Our goal here at Joynmeis to change that. We have created an app that makes it easy to get out there and enjoy your favorite activities or find new activities to participate in…”

Don’t miss another opportunity! Download Joynme and start planning and finding events on your college campus today!

College Pack List – Did you miss anything?

It’s virtually that point of year, you have to be compelled to begin creating that list and checking it doubly. Nope, not Christmas— college searching season!
Breaking it down by the “sections” of your dorm. Once it involves packing for faculty, you merely wish the necessities initially, as you may accumulate plenty over the course of your year. Instead of over packing, we’ve narrowed it all the way down to the “Bare wants.”

Bathing Beauties
1. Shower caddy
2. Washcloths and towels
3. Flip-flops
4. Shampoo and conditioner
5. Body wash/soap
6. Facial cleaner
7. Toothbrush and dentifrice
8. Deodorant

Dirty Laundry
1. Detergent
2. Clothes hamper
3. Laundry hamper/bag

Storage
1. Storage bins
2. Hangers
3. Under bed storage

Sleeping
1. Pillows
2. Pillow cases
3. Twin-long comforter
4. Twin-long sheets
5. Blanket
6. Waterproof pad defender (if you’re a germaphobe and don’t just like the plan of who’s been in your bed before you)

1. TV
2. DVD player
3. iPod
4. iHome stereo
Fast Food
1. Microwave
2. Mini-fridge
3. Dishes
4. Glasses
5. Flatware
6. Dish detergent
7. Tupperware (for snacks or leftovers)

Tech
1. Laptop
2. Surge suppressor
3. External disk drive

Miscellaneous
1. Trash can
2. Dry erase board
3. Pad or egg crate
4. Coffeemaker (if eating hall Joe simply doesn’t roll in the hay for you)
5. Swiffer
6. Paper towels
7. Disinfecting wipes
8. Sponges
9. Broom and dustpan
10. Batteries
11. Duct tape
12. Backpack
13. Tool kit
14. Umbrella/rain gear
15. Ear plugs (if you've got a roommate)
16. Air deodorizer

This list conjointly depends on what's equipped by the school. As an example, if your dorm has furnishings, then you would not like a rug, however you will want like a mini-vac (unless you'll be able to borrow one from your residence hall).

Before you even twist the knob to your area, you would like to search out from the varsity what is going to already be there thus you'll be able to pack consequently. it'll create the move abundant easier so once you arrive to field, you won’t scrutinize your pile of stuff and suppose, “Where is all of THIS gonna go?”
What are you together with in your faculty packing list? What would you counsel Associate in Nursing incoming freshman bring? Tell us in comment below.

Location Location Location!

Location is one among the foremost vital concerns upon deciding where to register for a college. Though school rankings considerably matters in terms of getting quality education, it may not be a wise option to select a university that has a distant geographical location. Aside that getting to school is takes plenty of cash, your allowance can eat up your entire budget if you study in a far university.

If you're deciding to travel to school, one in all the foremost vital things to think about after you do a campus search is housing. Looking for campuses by location can enable viewing. The most effective universities nearest in your location, you simply might register. If you are do not have any alternative from the offered choices, you can choose to explore for campuses that provide on-campus living.

On-campus living may be a wise alternative if you're totally determined to study during a remote university. This will be a good for creating new friends, reaching to understand your immediate surrounding, and undergoing student life. Once doing a field search supported housing, you must place convenience at prime priority. Thus, for study convenience, make certain that your in-campus home is complete with classrooms, computer labs, internet, and campuses with recreational facilities.