4 answers
Avan
Student
Saint Charles, Missouri
2
Questions
Asked
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What advice do you have for incoming first years?
Anything would be helpful, thanks!
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4 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
One thing that I have always told students is become engaged in what is commonly called "Campus Navigation."
Many colleges have campus tour programs, which provides an initial introduction to the college campus, but I recommend that all students go well beyond the campus tour.
I recommend getting a map of the campus and going for several visit. Visiting various location on campus can help, if you need assistance or feel lost when you arrive.
Many college professors have office hours, which enables current and future students to visit, so they can discuss their future college major or the possible path they should take towards attaining a degree.
Many campuses have college employment offices, which provide information and possible opportunities for employment and future internships.
I also recommend visiting the library, to check out where the best study locations are on the campus.
Checking out the locations of your future classes and becoming well acquainted with campus building can help avoid any issues when you arrive.
Find the buildings which house the various departments, like financial aid, admissions, college security and parking, student life, and campus housing, can also help.
The more knowledge you have of the college campus, and where resources can be found, the less apprehensive and confused you will be when you arrive on the campus to start your college experience.
Many colleges have campus tour programs, which provides an initial introduction to the college campus, but I recommend that all students go well beyond the campus tour.
I recommend getting a map of the campus and going for several visit. Visiting various location on campus can help, if you need assistance or feel lost when you arrive.
Many college professors have office hours, which enables current and future students to visit, so they can discuss their future college major or the possible path they should take towards attaining a degree.
Many campuses have college employment offices, which provide information and possible opportunities for employment and future internships.
I also recommend visiting the library, to check out where the best study locations are on the campus.
Checking out the locations of your future classes and becoming well acquainted with campus building can help avoid any issues when you arrive.
Find the buildings which house the various departments, like financial aid, admissions, college security and parking, student life, and campus housing, can also help.
The more knowledge you have of the college campus, and where resources can be found, the less apprehensive and confused you will be when you arrive on the campus to start your college experience.
Ilan Marouani, Esq., LL.M.
Tax Attorney
14
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ilan’s Answer
Explore, speak to people, and just enjoy it!
I know college is your first time kind of feeling the impact of your decisions, since your internship, future job, even yours college friends might depend on which classes, what track, what campus you are going to end up in.
College is huge, but once you learn to navigate it, everything seems to fall into very manageable boxes.
First, I would advise you to explore. By exploring I don't just mean your campus, or cafeteria, but explore what you like, what you might be interested. It is totally fine to walk into college being 10000% sure you want to do one thing; but sometimes, once we are exposed to the topics you will encounter everyday in that field, you realized it might not be for you. So, instead of pigeon holing yourself into one major since day one, take classes in the major you are thinking you like, but also try out some additional classes, as you never know if one class, or a professor, or a topic, might change your entire vision of the world, and what you actually want to do.
Second, speak to people.I do not mean just freshmans, but speak to seniors at the school. They know the ins and outs of the school, the professors to take and to avoid, the classes that are a must for a certain major, or the classes to never take to avoid tanking your GPA. Advisors are nice, but they have you and another 1000 students to take care of. A senior has friends, but might talk to one or two freshmans; so take advantage of that. If you ask how you could meet some of them and make friends, the easiest way would be to either integrate a team, or just join a club. Be active in it, be open, and always available.
Finally, enjoy it!
This is might be your first time doing things on your own, not having your parents on your back, or a teacher pressuring you to do extra HW, or a surprise test. This is your time to explore your limits, what are your boundaries, what you feel comfortable doing. It can be from the most random things such as what time to go to sleep or wake up for you to have a good day and not be half asleep throughout it, to more important things, such as your career and lifestyle. You might hear it a lot, but your 20s are for you to test out the person you want to be, and to put it all in. The older you get the more commitments you have: gf/ wife, kids, work, vacations.... there will be more and more responsibilities the older you get. So just enjoy this moment, where it is you and your entire future ahead of you!
Good luck!!
I know college is your first time kind of feeling the impact of your decisions, since your internship, future job, even yours college friends might depend on which classes, what track, what campus you are going to end up in.
College is huge, but once you learn to navigate it, everything seems to fall into very manageable boxes.
First, I would advise you to explore. By exploring I don't just mean your campus, or cafeteria, but explore what you like, what you might be interested. It is totally fine to walk into college being 10000% sure you want to do one thing; but sometimes, once we are exposed to the topics you will encounter everyday in that field, you realized it might not be for you. So, instead of pigeon holing yourself into one major since day one, take classes in the major you are thinking you like, but also try out some additional classes, as you never know if one class, or a professor, or a topic, might change your entire vision of the world, and what you actually want to do.
Second, speak to people.I do not mean just freshmans, but speak to seniors at the school. They know the ins and outs of the school, the professors to take and to avoid, the classes that are a must for a certain major, or the classes to never take to avoid tanking your GPA. Advisors are nice, but they have you and another 1000 students to take care of. A senior has friends, but might talk to one or two freshmans; so take advantage of that. If you ask how you could meet some of them and make friends, the easiest way would be to either integrate a team, or just join a club. Be active in it, be open, and always available.
Finally, enjoy it!
This is might be your first time doing things on your own, not having your parents on your back, or a teacher pressuring you to do extra HW, or a surprise test. This is your time to explore your limits, what are your boundaries, what you feel comfortable doing. It can be from the most random things such as what time to go to sleep or wake up for you to have a good day and not be half asleep throughout it, to more important things, such as your career and lifestyle. You might hear it a lot, but your 20s are for you to test out the person you want to be, and to put it all in. The older you get the more commitments you have: gf/ wife, kids, work, vacations.... there will be more and more responsibilities the older you get. So just enjoy this moment, where it is you and your entire future ahead of you!
Good luck!!
Margarita Mendy
orthoptist
26
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Margarita’s Answer
Build your career.
Use your available resources wisely.
Don't waste time taking courses "for fun" unless you take them for free.
Build connections and networks. Stand out in a positive way.
Do not start getting involved politically, that will limit your opportunities in the future.
Use your available resources wisely.
Don't waste time taking courses "for fun" unless you take them for free.
Build connections and networks. Stand out in a positive way.
Do not start getting involved politically, that will limit your opportunities in the future.
Keith Topinka
Compliance
6
Answers
Morris Plains, New Jersey
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Know what you like to do. Be your own person, not who people want you to be. Form your own opinions, don't always rely on others. Appreciate what you have, not what you don't have. Get involved.
Make lots of connections. Networking is a big part of life. You never know who you will meet and what you can do to help each other out and different points.
College will be a transition and you need to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. If you are away from home, you will need to solve problems on your own, so be resourceful. With this said, don't be afraid to ask for help. Your family and friends are only a call away. They can always provide a different perspective.
When you look at your studies, don't be afraid to try different things. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Classes are important, so take them seriously, they are there to help with your future. Be mindful of your GPA. Employers will look at this in addition to the activities you are involved with. Don't waste the opportunity of college.
Last point, have fun. Classes and social life need to be balanced. Life is about balance and you need to find yours. I hope this helps and good luck!
Make lots of connections. Networking is a big part of life. You never know who you will meet and what you can do to help each other out and different points.
College will be a transition and you need to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. If you are away from home, you will need to solve problems on your own, so be resourceful. With this said, don't be afraid to ask for help. Your family and friends are only a call away. They can always provide a different perspective.
When you look at your studies, don't be afraid to try different things. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Classes are important, so take them seriously, they are there to help with your future. Be mindful of your GPA. Employers will look at this in addition to the activities you are involved with. Don't waste the opportunity of college.
Last point, have fun. Classes and social life need to be balanced. Life is about balance and you need to find yours. I hope this helps and good luck!