College Be Like....

The information contained in this article is strictly for entertainment purposes. It in no way reflects the opinions of the University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences. Let's be real about college. Stress and academic challenges are inevitable, and as a junior at the University of Kentucky I want to offer my advice to ensure a smoother transition into college. Don't worry, this will not be a recreation of the "College Starter Pack" provided by your guidance counselor, instead a personal reflection from someone who was in your shoes three years ago.

1. College=Job

To be honest, college is hard and the courses are frankly outright scary, however they are not impossible and are the only barriers standing between us and our dream career. Your undergraduate courses will be the determination of your future career, so treat your education as a job. It is your main priority over EVERYTHING

2. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Make use of the resources available to you on campus. Go to the Study, it ACTUALLY works! The Study allows you to learn by peers in a peer environment, and I credit my high performance in some the toughest courses to the information retained while at the Study. Your teammates can be thought as the peer tutors at the Study, and to make the dream work well we gotta use teamwork. Also the writing center, study groups, and becoming involved in student organizations on campus are all examples of teamwork will making the dream work.

3. Go To Your Professor's Office Hours

Going to your Professor's office hours is crucial. I cannot expressed the importance enough of visiting with your professor. Becoming acquaintances with your professor will offer you an array of benefits for now and possibly down the road in your career path. Remember, professor's are always noticeable about your involvement.

4. Confidence is Key

It is imperative to have confidence in yourself. Regardless of how challenging any course or obstacle may seemed, have the mentality that you can and will overcome it. There has to be a desire that motivates you to your fullest potential.

5. Be prepared fail

Failure should be expected, however your success will be defined by how you overcome these failures. Failure is normal aspect in life, therefore you should be prepared to experience it in college whether it be a bad exam grade or you missed an assignment. Do not let your failures define you, instead use them as incentives to do better.

6. Leave room for fun and relaxation

College can be overwhelming at times, and taking a hour or even a few minutes away from school can be beneficial. Breaks are encouraged and serve as "refreshers" for your brain.

7. Hope for the best, expect the worst.

Expecting the worst in college positively correlates to your preparation for a course. Assuming the worst will serve as a motivational tool to keep you on your "A game". It is imperative to treat all your courses with the same mentality, even some of my easiest courses turned out to be hardest.

8. Stress is NORMAL. Voice your concerns.

When at the verge of mental breakdown, talking about your stressors to your family, friends, and even professors will prove beneficial. The advice and support system I gained from voicing my stressors was the exact confidence booster I needed in undergraduate. Never be afraid to voice your concerns.

9. Never give up.

College is sorta like a mind game in my opinion. It will be the best moment in your life at one point, then at the next your drowning in overdue assignments. When faced with these obstacles always keep the end goal in mind and never give up on yourself. Why would anyone support you if you do not have confidence within yourself?

10. Keep a personal planner.

The key to success in college is to stay organized and aware of your schedule by regularly checking your daily planner. Yes, USE a daily planner whether its the Lilly Pulitzer brand or even on your Iphone. Prioritizing and managing a daily planner will ensure consistency on your part.

11. Set reasonable goals.

Yes, some would say that college students have supernatural powers, however keep in mind to always set reasonable goals. In addition, it is okay to change career paths in college. While at college, we are still trying to figure ourselves out, and if something turns sour then it is acceptable to change paths.

12. Be adjustable to change.

Change is the epitome of college. From your living situation to your friend group, when you enroll as an undergraduate every aspect in your life is susceptible to change. You must be able conformed to change and learn how to properly adjust to your new lifestyle.

13. Reward yourself and appreciate the little things.

Incentives work miracles and help remained focused on the end goal. College is such a memorable experience that keep you busy 24/7, and it is imperative to enjoy your college experience because it will be over in the blink of an eye. Be appreciative of the little things in life.

14. Take my advice, or leave it.

As I reach my conclusion, I hope you can take away some of my tips and advice when conquering your undergraduate. Do not sweat the little things, be prepared, and enjoy what will be one of your greatest experiences in life. XOXO