What Should I Do When I Get To College?

Your senior year of high school is scary. During this year, you're going through a major change. You're not a kid anymore. Also, you're getting ready to go out into the real world. Maybe you're thinking about college, which is a scary, exciting thought all on its own. Here is some advice on entering your freshman year of post-secondary education, which is so different from high school.

Your freshman year of college is going to be chaotic. You'll be taking classes that might be easy or difficult for you, with professors who might grade you fairly or unfairly. It all just depends. It is nothing like high school. You have to stay on top of all of your assignments while still taking care of yourself. You have a lot more freedom and time than you did in high school, but you have to figure out how you're going to manage that time and your freedom. Are you going to do that Biology assignment, or binge watch Netflix instead? You'll have to make a lot of decisions on your own.

But, there are ways to manage the crazy world of college. Set goals! Even if they're just daily goals. When you do this, you create a sense of rewardment when you meet that goal. Write down at least two things you will get done that day, whether they are academic or financial or personal. For example: 1. Clean my room. 2. Finish that Biology assignment due by midnight. Or: 1. Go to the Financial Aid Office. 2. Meet with my English professor. You will feel as though you actually got something done that day, and that can feel so good.

Build relationships with your professors! These are the people who will effectively decide whether you will get a good grade in their class, or not. Every single professor is willing to meet with you at least once during the semester. They care about your success in their class. They are also the people who will be writing your Letters of Recommendation for when you're getting ready to graduate and go on to graduate school (if that's what your plan is). Email them when you have questions if your schedule absolutely does not allow you to meet with them during their Office Hours. They are also willing to schedule appointments with you outside of their Office Hours. If there is a professor you like, take them as much as you can. This will help you build a relationship with them. Also, contribute to the discussion in their classes. This will show them that you are actively paying attention and that you care about your own success in their class.

Form good study habits! Figure out what works best for you, whether that means cramming for a test hours before you have to take it, or writing an essay they day before in one sitting because otherwise you lose your concentration and your focus. Whatever works. This goes for note-taking, as well. Not everyone takes notes the same way. Write your notes in a way that you will understand them. For some people, that is bullet pointing, or writing in full sentences, or typing them on their laptops. For others, their notes may look like a mess of arrows pointing to words or small paragraphs jotted down quickly. Experiment a little and find what works best for you, because you cannot get through college without taking notes of some sort.

This is just some advice for those new college students who may be totally freaking out about college. It is certainly scary, but there are always ways to get around it. There are places to go if you need help. Don't be afraid! And make friends! This may be the most important advice I can give you. It's really easy to feel alone amidts thousands.