3 answers
Christian
Student
Kingsland, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
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What is the number one thing I need to plan for when attending college?
College is very confusing to me. There's a lot of things that I don't understand and I feel overwhelmed sometimes. I try to focus on things based off of priority, so I am really curious to know what to pay attention to the most.
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1060
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would go on a campus tour, to determine which college is a right fit (something that I wish that I had done). Spend some time on the college campus getting to know the geography and where everything is located.
One thing, that I have observed in my college academic career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, the academic opportunities and advantages that each one offers, or the college campus region. Successful "Campus Navigation" is the one most important things, in my opinion, that starts each student on the road towards achieving their goals.
There are many reasons to attend a specific college, but you should (in my opinion), look at information on campus resources and academic assistance (like tutoring), academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus, which can assist you in achieving your college goals.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, staff, academic advisors, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you and your future goals. As you become more comfortable, with the campus environment, the more your apprehension starts to decline.
Not only does the college campus have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on the campus, that you eventually choose to attend.
One thing, that I have observed in my college academic career, is students coming to a college without really knowing anything about the campus, its environment, the academic opportunities and advantages that each one offers, or the college campus region. Successful "Campus Navigation" is the one most important things, in my opinion, that starts each student on the road towards achieving their goals.
There are many reasons to attend a specific college, but you should (in my opinion), look at information on campus resources and academic assistance (like tutoring), academic majors, student life and housing, admissions, security and parking, library resources, and other elements of the campus, which can assist you in achieving your college goals.
It is best to spend time at the campus, talking with the students, staff, academic advisors, and getting a cognitive map of the region, to determine if it is the right fit for you and your future goals. As you become more comfortable, with the campus environment, the more your apprehension starts to decline.
Not only does the college campus have to fit you, but it also needs to fit your family, because they are going to go through the experience of having you away from home, and potentially providing you with resources, that you will require in order to achieve your goals on the campus, that you eventually choose to attend.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1092
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Christian,
You need to be a bit more specific what you are confused about for us to be able to help.
But the number one thing that I would recommend for you is to find your academic advisor and get help in clearing up the confusion.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
You need to be a bit more specific what you are confused about for us to be able to help.
But the number one thing that I would recommend for you is to find your academic advisor and get help in clearing up the confusion.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Christian. The number one thing you need to plan for when attending college is how you will manage your time. College can be confusing because there is so much to keep track of, including classes, assignments, deadlines, activities, and your personal life.
Since you already like to focus based on priority, you're on the right track. In college, planning your time helps you stay organized, avoid missing deadlines, and keep your stress levels low. Simple tools like a planner, a calendar app, or setting reminders can help you stay on top of your work. When you know what's coming up, everything feels less confusing and more manageable.
Planning your time also helps with the overwhelming feeling you mentioned. When you don't have a clear plan, everything can feel like "too much" at once. But when you break tasks into smaller steps and schedule them, it becomes easier to understand what you need to do. You can focus on one thing at a time instead of worrying about everything at once.
Another reason time management is important is because college offers many opportunities like clubs, internships, friendships, events, and more. You can take advantage of these opportunities only if you're organized enough to fit them into your schedule. When your work is planned out, you have more time to relax, socialize, and take care of yourself.
Since you already like to focus based on priority, you're on the right track. In college, planning your time helps you stay organized, avoid missing deadlines, and keep your stress levels low. Simple tools like a planner, a calendar app, or setting reminders can help you stay on top of your work. When you know what's coming up, everything feels less confusing and more manageable.
Planning your time also helps with the overwhelming feeling you mentioned. When you don't have a clear plan, everything can feel like "too much" at once. But when you break tasks into smaller steps and schedule them, it becomes easier to understand what you need to do. You can focus on one thing at a time instead of worrying about everything at once.
Another reason time management is important is because college offers many opportunities like clubs, internships, friendships, events, and more. You can take advantage of these opportunities only if you're organized enough to fit them into your schedule. When your work is planned out, you have more time to relax, socialize, and take care of yourself.