6 answers
Dixie
Student
Haynesville, LA
1
Question
Updated
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What can I do during the summer to prepare for the transition to college?
I'm a senior in high school. I'm going to Louisiana Tech and I would like to double major in psychology and child development. I've always been a homebody, and really preferred comfort over trying new things. I guess I'm just curious what the hardest part of this transition will be, and what I can do to prepare for it. #Spring25
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6 answers
Syeta Cierra Sutson
Lead Medical Technologist
7
Answers
Charlotte, North Carolina
Updated
Syeta Cierra’s Answer
Good afternoon!
First of, congratulations in your next steps of starting college! I know the exciting and scary feelings all around transitioning from high school to college.
Typically, your first semester or two will almost remind you of high school. For the most part, it is just a slightly higher level high school (say like a grade 13 if there was one) or even similar material you already learned. Once you jump into you major core classes, one thing I can say is make sure you make enough time to study. Read the materials you are assigned. TAKE NOTES!! A lot of professors I had would lecture from a vague PowerPoint or no material at all; so taking notes is very important. And ,make sure they make sense to you so you can understand exactly what was being said. If you can, I'd even maybe buy a recorder and record the lectures just to go back and make sure I noted correctly. Make sure to attend all classes if possible; you will only be going to the same class 2 or 3 times a week- depending on the class setup- so missing one day could hurt; each class is usually different or add on material from the last class. There is not a lot of repetitive discussions once you cover something. As in, we talked about the Krebs cycle and glycolosis today, but Wednesday, now we are discussions proteins and binding. So, make every effort to attend all classes, or make friends with some people in your classes so if you do have to miss they can help catch you up.
Also, be sure to take time to soak in the experience. Attend some of the events they may hold on campus and allow college to help you branch your perspectives. College is weird in that, at the same time we are learning how to essentially make our living, we are also trying to learn and find ourselves too. Just stay focused on your studies, dabble it with a little fun as to not overly distract you.... balance will come. This summer even, start going to places you like or want to try, just to get out. I was vetu shy in college, because there was no one I knew really.... and, of course, it was different. A small town girl in a pretty big college who never saw anything outside of my own house or when I went out with my family. We actually had a freshman class where they oriented you to college and made you do activities. I eventually started going to sporting events on my own and plays theyd host. They had a social every spring I would go to for a couple hours. Again, see what events they have a just go to them, even if you think it may be lame... which it may.... but at least you went and experienced it.
You will do great! I don't know you, but I have faith in you! I am unsure if this shows my name or not, but you can always reach out with questions/concerns/frustrations! Again, congratulations on this new journey!!
First of, congratulations in your next steps of starting college! I know the exciting and scary feelings all around transitioning from high school to college.
Typically, your first semester or two will almost remind you of high school. For the most part, it is just a slightly higher level high school (say like a grade 13 if there was one) or even similar material you already learned. Once you jump into you major core classes, one thing I can say is make sure you make enough time to study. Read the materials you are assigned. TAKE NOTES!! A lot of professors I had would lecture from a vague PowerPoint or no material at all; so taking notes is very important. And ,make sure they make sense to you so you can understand exactly what was being said. If you can, I'd even maybe buy a recorder and record the lectures just to go back and make sure I noted correctly. Make sure to attend all classes if possible; you will only be going to the same class 2 or 3 times a week- depending on the class setup- so missing one day could hurt; each class is usually different or add on material from the last class. There is not a lot of repetitive discussions once you cover something. As in, we talked about the Krebs cycle and glycolosis today, but Wednesday, now we are discussions proteins and binding. So, make every effort to attend all classes, or make friends with some people in your classes so if you do have to miss they can help catch you up.
Also, be sure to take time to soak in the experience. Attend some of the events they may hold on campus and allow college to help you branch your perspectives. College is weird in that, at the same time we are learning how to essentially make our living, we are also trying to learn and find ourselves too. Just stay focused on your studies, dabble it with a little fun as to not overly distract you.... balance will come. This summer even, start going to places you like or want to try, just to get out. I was vetu shy in college, because there was no one I knew really.... and, of course, it was different. A small town girl in a pretty big college who never saw anything outside of my own house or when I went out with my family. We actually had a freshman class where they oriented you to college and made you do activities. I eventually started going to sporting events on my own and plays theyd host. They had a social every spring I would go to for a couple hours. Again, see what events they have a just go to them, even if you think it may be lame... which it may.... but at least you went and experienced it.
You will do great! I don't know you, but I have faith in you! I am unsure if this shows my name or not, but you can always reach out with questions/concerns/frustrations! Again, congratulations on this new journey!!
Mark Frankel, CCMP
Engineering Analyst
4
Answers
Wayne, New Jersey
Updated
Mark’s Answer
College will force you get out of your comfort zone. Maybe get a job at a summer camp. That'll force it. You just have to convince yourself you can still be true to yourself no matter what happens during the day. Remember, when you go home you can shut out the world.
I started out after college moving furniture at a corporate training center, despite having a degree in Economics. It was my way into the corporation. I didn't like it very much, but I kept reminding myself it was a way in.
I started out after college moving furniture at a corporate training center, despite having a degree in Economics. It was my way into the corporation. I didn't like it very much, but I kept reminding myself it was a way in.
Meaghan Leong
Network Engineering
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Meaghan’s Answer
College can be whatever you make it. If you stay in your dorm and only attend class, you will have a successful college career, but you may miss out on opportunities that could change your life. Do some research on your school and the local area and see if there is anything that interests you. College is a great time to try new clubs and hobbies. The connections you make with other students and staff could be the difference between getting a job in the future or making lifelong connections.
Christina Fyock
Engineer
4
Answers
Burlington, Massachusetts
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Try to learn more about the location where your university will be. What resources are available near the university such as libraries, museums, movie theaters, shopping, etc. Research what types of clubs and activities the university offers so when you get there you will be able to look into them more and get involved in activities that interest you. If you can familiarize with the area through this research through maps, trip advisor recommendations for things to do and see in the area and what clubs/activities the university offers, it will be less new once there even if you haven't physically been there before. And when you meet new friends you can say, hey I hear they have a great xyz nearby, want to go check it out?
Good luck!
Good luck!
Nancy (Savelyev) Parenteau
Principal Engineer
3
Answers
West Newbury, Massachusetts
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
Hi there! How exciting Congrats on Louisiana Tech! I think you'll find a lot of people are feeling the same as you so don't worry there. And I suggest you look for clubs while at school that may revolve around what you like to do. If you like reading look for a book club or start one? When I've moved in the past I used book clubs as a good way to meet people. Bring comfort into you dorm life. Maybe you have a comfort meal you could make for friends. Just remember there are a lot of people at school just as nervous looking to connect and meet others.
Amanda Spino
Nurse Practitioner
5
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hi Dixie,
Transitioning from high school to college can feel overwhelming and exciting all at the same time. It will be a lot of change and adjustments happening so give yourself some grace as you learn to navigate college life and remember you aren’t alone, there will be so many other students going through the same thing too.
My biggest advice would be to get out of your comfort zone. This may feel hard at first but I promise the more you do it, the easier it will get. You can reach out to other students in your high school who are going to your same college or find previous students who have already been going to your college to connect. Reaching out to students who are already going to your college is a great way to get prepared on what to expect as the school year starts. Some colleges will even assist you in connecting with current students so it may be helpful to ask during orientation.
As for when college begins, start getting involved! There are endless amounts of groups, clubs, and organizations you can join. If you have a current hobby or are interested in trying something new, I’m sure there will be a group you could find. Also volunteering is a great way to help out and meet new people along the way.
Transitioning from high school to college can feel overwhelming and exciting all at the same time. It will be a lot of change and adjustments happening so give yourself some grace as you learn to navigate college life and remember you aren’t alone, there will be so many other students going through the same thing too.
My biggest advice would be to get out of your comfort zone. This may feel hard at first but I promise the more you do it, the easier it will get. You can reach out to other students in your high school who are going to your same college or find previous students who have already been going to your college to connect. Reaching out to students who are already going to your college is a great way to get prepared on what to expect as the school year starts. Some colleges will even assist you in connecting with current students so it may be helpful to ask during orientation.
As for when college begins, start getting involved! There are endless amounts of groups, clubs, and organizations you can join. If you have a current hobby or are interested in trying something new, I’m sure there will be a group you could find. Also volunteering is a great way to help out and meet new people along the way.