3 answers
Christopher
Student
Rincón, Rincón
2
Questions
Asked
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What are the first things I should do when starting college?
I’m a student from Puerto Rico that is soon going to graduate and I’ve heard a lot about what college is like, but not really how to deal with it or prepare for the transition. I want to know what I should do right away to make things easier and avoid getting overwhelmed once I start.
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1087
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Attending college away from home can sometimes be a very daunting experience, especially for people who are going to be away from home for an extended period of time. Attending college away definitely requires balancing your newfound independence with common sense values, to assist you in surviving the experience.
I always recommend prioritizing exploring your campus environment, creating a familiar living space, and campus activities like joining clubs to meet people, while also setting healthy communication boundaries with family to manage your homesickness. Transition do take time so attempt to be patient with the transition, manage your resources and money, and keep an open mindset to new experiences.
Here are some of the things that I recommend:
Explore Early: Not only go on a campus tour (which can be arranged online), but also walk around campus and your new college town to find study spots, coffee shops, and regional parks.
Get Involved: Join student life organizations like campus clubs and organizations to find friends with shared interests.
Don't Go Home Too Soon: Avoid returning home every weekend; it can hinder your ability to build lasting connections.
Be Open-Minded: Embrace new perspectives, other countries and cultures, and people, and consider taking classes outside your major (utilize your electives part of your college degree).
Create a safe and comfortable space: Decorate your dorm with pictures, posters, and familiar items to make it a comforting refuge.
Master Life Skills: Practice doing your own laundry, cleaning, cooking, and doing minor repairs.
Respect Your Roommates: Set clear expectations early regarding cleaning, visitors, and noise.
Manage Homesickness: It is normal to miss being at home, but avoid over-communicating with relatives and others at home. Schedule regular, but not daily, check-ins.
Be Patient: Transitioning into new environments takes time, so be patient with your adjustment.
Stay Healthy (take care of yourself): Find the campus health services, physical education, intramural and activity centers, and find a local doctor if necessary (in case of an emergency).
Budget Your Resources and Money Wisely: Create a budget and understand how to manage your own bank account and financial resources.
Get Organized: Keep important documents (identification, like drivers license, insurance cards, social security number) secure and accessible.
Use Resources: Don't hesitate to use campus support groups, tutoring centers, libraries, or counseling for academic anxiety or stress.
I always recommend prioritizing exploring your campus environment, creating a familiar living space, and campus activities like joining clubs to meet people, while also setting healthy communication boundaries with family to manage your homesickness. Transition do take time so attempt to be patient with the transition, manage your resources and money, and keep an open mindset to new experiences.
Here are some of the things that I recommend:
Explore Early: Not only go on a campus tour (which can be arranged online), but also walk around campus and your new college town to find study spots, coffee shops, and regional parks.
Get Involved: Join student life organizations like campus clubs and organizations to find friends with shared interests.
Don't Go Home Too Soon: Avoid returning home every weekend; it can hinder your ability to build lasting connections.
Be Open-Minded: Embrace new perspectives, other countries and cultures, and people, and consider taking classes outside your major (utilize your electives part of your college degree).
Create a safe and comfortable space: Decorate your dorm with pictures, posters, and familiar items to make it a comforting refuge.
Master Life Skills: Practice doing your own laundry, cleaning, cooking, and doing minor repairs.
Respect Your Roommates: Set clear expectations early regarding cleaning, visitors, and noise.
Manage Homesickness: It is normal to miss being at home, but avoid over-communicating with relatives and others at home. Schedule regular, but not daily, check-ins.
Be Patient: Transitioning into new environments takes time, so be patient with your adjustment.
Stay Healthy (take care of yourself): Find the campus health services, physical education, intramural and activity centers, and find a local doctor if necessary (in case of an emergency).
Budget Your Resources and Money Wisely: Create a budget and understand how to manage your own bank account and financial resources.
Get Organized: Keep important documents (identification, like drivers license, insurance cards, social security number) secure and accessible.
Use Resources: Don't hesitate to use campus support groups, tutoring centers, libraries, or counseling for academic anxiety or stress.
Rachel Salinas
Marketing & Sales
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Rachel’s Answer
That's great to hear that you are thinking strategically about your freshman year! You are already setting yourself up for success.
My advice is to make your number one priority organization around your classes (know where they are, how long it takes to get there, secure your mode of transportation, have the right clothes for the climate if you will be doing a lot of walking, etc.). Dedicate sufficient time to study, find some good study partners and don't be afraid to ask for help. Office hours are extremely helpful!
My second piece of advice is developing a good friend network that share similar interests. There are many groups and organizations that you can research and join to quickly meet to provide a fun social environment to go along with the studying.
I wish you the best of luck!
My advice is to make your number one priority organization around your classes (know where they are, how long it takes to get there, secure your mode of transportation, have the right clothes for the climate if you will be doing a lot of walking, etc.). Dedicate sufficient time to study, find some good study partners and don't be afraid to ask for help. Office hours are extremely helpful!
My second piece of advice is developing a good friend network that share similar interests. There are many groups and organizations that you can research and join to quickly meet to provide a fun social environment to go along with the studying.
I wish you the best of luck!
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
650
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Christopher. The first thing you should do is get organized. Before classes start, write down your course schedule with class times, locations, and professors. Also, keep track of deadlines for registration, tuition, and orientation events. You can use a planner or calendar app to track assignments and exams. This can help you stay on top of everything. Being organized from the start makes it much easier to manage your time and reduces stress.
Next, you need to learn about campus resources. Colleges offer many services to help students, like tutoring, counseling, health centers, and academic advisors. Find out where these offices are and what they offer. Using these resources early can prevent problems later. For example, if you need help in a class, tutoring can make a big difference.
Another important step is to make connections and build a support network. Making friends helps you feel part of the community and gives you people to turn to if you need help.
It's also important to start good study habits early. College is different from high school because professors expect you to manage your own time. You should set aside study time every day, keep up with readings, and take notes. Don't wait until exams to figure out your study routine. Practicing now will make schoolwork less stressful later. All the best to you.
Next, you need to learn about campus resources. Colleges offer many services to help students, like tutoring, counseling, health centers, and academic advisors. Find out where these offices are and what they offer. Using these resources early can prevent problems later. For example, if you need help in a class, tutoring can make a big difference.
Another important step is to make connections and build a support network. Making friends helps you feel part of the community and gives you people to turn to if you need help.
It's also important to start good study habits early. College is different from high school because professors expect you to manage your own time. You should set aside study time every day, keep up with readings, and take notes. Don't wait until exams to figure out your study routine. Practicing now will make schoolwork less stressful later. All the best to you.