Move-in day is just about here! For those of you heading off to college in the next few weeks, you’re probably feeling a mixture of emotions — from excitement to nervousness. And for good reason! Whether you’re living on campus, in an apartment, or staying at home, starting college is a major milestone in life. To make your first few weeks as enjoyable as possible, here are a few tips to help you prepare for college.
1. Remember: You’re not the only one who is nervous.
Every year, thousands of students prepare for their first day of college. And just like you, they won’t know anyone, are nervous about their classes, and are eager to make friends.
2. Set a schedule with your roommate.
First-year students are almost always randomly assigned a roommate (or two, or three). The best way to ensure that you’ll get along is to set up some ground rules on day one. Learning if your roommate is a night owl or an early bird will help you both coordinate your schedules and be as productive as possible.
3. But learn that there will sometimes be distractions.
Between events happening on campus and your roommate’s schedule, there’s a good chance you’ll have to study or do homework with a few distractions. This may be a good time to invest in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones!
4. Always go to class.
Unlike high school, where your teacher probably took attendance at the start of every class, college is much less structured. Though every professor has their own policies, many will not require you to come to every class in order to get an A. But before you celebrate, understand that going to class will help keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in class, and will make your time at school MUCH easier.
5. Get involved on campus.
If there’s one thing you won’t have trouble with in college, it’s finding a club you like. From sports teams to art clubs, there’s something for everyone. Plus, this is a great, stress-free way to meet people with similar interests as you.
6. Get a part-time job while in college.
Believe it or not, you’ll have a decent amount of down time while at school. Use your time productively and get a part-time job on campus. Not only will it give you a little extra money, but it will help boost your resume and (once again) meet people!
7. Get to know your professors.
College isn’t just about turning in your required work, it’s also a four-year opportunity to network. Once you graduate, there’s a good chance you’ll be contacting old professors and asking them if they have any leads on potential jobs.
If you’re still nervous about your first year of school and want professional coaching services, turn to Debra Solomon of Spectrum Strategies! Debra believes that through determination and commitment, every client has the ability to live life to their fullest potential. Call (516) 822-3150 for your first one-on-one!
