6 answers
Filon
Student
Iowa City, Iowa
1
Question
Updated
497 views
What is something you wish more people knew about starting college?
I am a senior in high school, and I'm going to be the first in my family to go to college. I still feel like I haven't gotten to know all I need to about college. I'm also thinking of going into pre-dentistry or dental hygiene.
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6 answers
Jessica Biell
Program Manager
1
Answer
San Mateo, California
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
The transition from high school to college can be challenging. Expectations and the pace at which you are learning is usually a lot faster than or at a higher level that you might be used to. Professors will not remind you and keep tabs on you the same way teachers in high school might have.
Some key advice:
- If you aren't doing well don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for help!
- Don't skip classes; know yourself and don't select early morning or evening classes if you know you won't be able to focus during those times.
- Read your syllabus and refer back to it constantly. Your professor will expect you to know what is on there and for you to know when reading and other assignments are due.
- Find resources: study groups, peer advisors, career center, office hours with your professor.
- Keep in close touch with your academic advisor if you are worried about graduating within a certain amount of time.
- Once you feel like you have a good grasp of your schedule join a club, fraternity/sorority, student government, etc.
- Try new things and put yourself out there. This is a major cornerstone in life where you get to learn about who you are, make new friends, and where you are exposed to lots of new people from different backgrounds.
Some key advice:
- If you aren't doing well don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for help!
- Don't skip classes; know yourself and don't select early morning or evening classes if you know you won't be able to focus during those times.
- Read your syllabus and refer back to it constantly. Your professor will expect you to know what is on there and for you to know when reading and other assignments are due.
- Find resources: study groups, peer advisors, career center, office hours with your professor.
- Keep in close touch with your academic advisor if you are worried about graduating within a certain amount of time.
- Once you feel like you have a good grasp of your schedule join a club, fraternity/sorority, student government, etc.
- Try new things and put yourself out there. This is a major cornerstone in life where you get to learn about who you are, make new friends, and where you are exposed to lots of new people from different backgrounds.
Nancy Uthke
Programmer
24
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Nancy’s Answer
Congratulations on being the first in your family to attend college! Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Join clubs and attend events that interest you. Balancing your social life with studies is important for your well-being. College is a great time to explore new things.
2. Take advantage of your professors' office hours. Even if you're doing well in class, one-on-one time with your professors can be very helpful. Remember, this is part of what your tuition covers, so make the most of it!
3. Plan to get internships or a job during college. Work experience during your college years is valuable for your resume, whether you choose to work after college or continue your education. Look for entry-level roles that connect to your future career. For example, if you want to be a dentist, working in a dental office can help you understand and relate to your future colleagues.
Good luck with your college journey and future career!
1. Join clubs and attend events that interest you. Balancing your social life with studies is important for your well-being. College is a great time to explore new things.
2. Take advantage of your professors' office hours. Even if you're doing well in class, one-on-one time with your professors can be very helpful. Remember, this is part of what your tuition covers, so make the most of it!
3. Plan to get internships or a job during college. Work experience during your college years is valuable for your resume, whether you choose to work after college or continue your education. Look for entry-level roles that connect to your future career. For example, if you want to be a dentist, working in a dental office can help you understand and relate to your future colleagues.
Good luck with your college journey and future career!
Adrienne Isham, RDH
Content Writer
10
Answers
Vernon, Connecticut
Updated
Adrienne’s Answer
Hey there!
Congrats on taking the big step into college! Starting this new chapter can be a big change, but you've got this. It's important to set up a daily routine. Plan your study time in blocks and try to stick to your schedule. Don't forget to set aside time for yourself and fun activities too; you'll need it.
Try to avoid procrastinating and pulling all-nighters, as these habits won't help you succeed. If you're entering the dental field, know that the courses can be demanding, especially in programs like the two-year one in Connecticut. Your schedule will be a great tool to manage the workload.
Don't hesitate to ask your instructors for help if you're confused or have questions. If a subject feels overwhelming, it's okay to take a break and come back to it later. Most importantly, trust yourself and follow your intuition. You've got what it takes!
Congrats on taking the big step into college! Starting this new chapter can be a big change, but you've got this. It's important to set up a daily routine. Plan your study time in blocks and try to stick to your schedule. Don't forget to set aside time for yourself and fun activities too; you'll need it.
Try to avoid procrastinating and pulling all-nighters, as these habits won't help you succeed. If you're entering the dental field, know that the courses can be demanding, especially in programs like the two-year one in Connecticut. Your schedule will be a great tool to manage the workload.
Don't hesitate to ask your instructors for help if you're confused or have questions. If a subject feels overwhelming, it's okay to take a break and come back to it later. Most importantly, trust yourself and follow your intuition. You've got what it takes!
Jessica Gegner, CCMP™
Change Partner Senior
93
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi, Filon. Huge congratulations on being the first in your family to attend college! I was in the same boat, and I love helping others like you on CareerVillage because of that. It can be tough without family guidance, but you're not alone.
Here are some tips I wish I knew when starting college:
- Submit your FAFSA as early as possible. The earlier you do it, the more financial aid you might get. I learned this the hard way in my first year when I submitted late and had to take out a loan. In later years, applying early got me enough grants to completely cover my tuition.
- Buy used textbooks from Amazon and sell them back to the school after your course. This can save you a lot of money and might even let you earn some back. School bookstores are often overpriced.
- Always check with your academic advisor before finalizing your class schedule each semester. I didn't do this until my last year and found out I took unnecessary electives, which delayed my graduation and cost me more money.
- Choose classes that fit your schedule and energy levels. If you're not a morning person, avoid early classes. Balance your schedule to have breaks and avoid exhausting days with back-to-back classes.
- Attend orientation and campus events to make friends. Early on, it might be harder to keep friendships with classmates who you meet in your general courses or at orientation, but as you dive deeper into your major, you'll find like-minded people who can become close friends as you have the same courses and are working toward the same goals.
- Make a habit of studying regularly. College coursework might seem lighter than high school, but tests and projects carry more weight. Regular study helps you retain information better than cramming.
- Enjoy yourself and try new things. College is a great time to explore, discover what you love, and make memories that will benefit you in the future.
Here are some tips I wish I knew when starting college:
- Submit your FAFSA as early as possible. The earlier you do it, the more financial aid you might get. I learned this the hard way in my first year when I submitted late and had to take out a loan. In later years, applying early got me enough grants to completely cover my tuition.
- Buy used textbooks from Amazon and sell them back to the school after your course. This can save you a lot of money and might even let you earn some back. School bookstores are often overpriced.
- Always check with your academic advisor before finalizing your class schedule each semester. I didn't do this until my last year and found out I took unnecessary electives, which delayed my graduation and cost me more money.
- Choose classes that fit your schedule and energy levels. If you're not a morning person, avoid early classes. Balance your schedule to have breaks and avoid exhausting days with back-to-back classes.
- Attend orientation and campus events to make friends. Early on, it might be harder to keep friendships with classmates who you meet in your general courses or at orientation, but as you dive deeper into your major, you'll find like-minded people who can become close friends as you have the same courses and are working toward the same goals.
- Make a habit of studying regularly. College coursework might seem lighter than high school, but tests and projects carry more weight. Regular study helps you retain information better than cramming.
- Enjoy yourself and try new things. College is a great time to explore, discover what you love, and make memories that will benefit you in the future.
Eva Young-Hayden (US)
Ethics and Compliance Specialist
2
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Eva’s Answer
Hi Filon,
Congratulations on being the 1st one in your family to go to college. I know how daunting it can seem as my brother and I were the 1st to attend college in our family as well. One piece of advice that I would give you is to sign up for the Q&A groups even when your friends don't. Taking those opportunities can be very beneficial even though they may not be popular. Connect with your advisor to see if there are any programs that are offered for first time enrollees, and make connections in those spaces. Wishing you all the success as you step into this next step in your journey!
Congratulations on being the 1st one in your family to go to college. I know how daunting it can seem as my brother and I were the 1st to attend college in our family as well. One piece of advice that I would give you is to sign up for the Q&A groups even when your friends don't. Taking those opportunities can be very beneficial even though they may not be popular. Connect with your advisor to see if there are any programs that are offered for first time enrollees, and make connections in those spaces. Wishing you all the success as you step into this next step in your journey!
Jenny Sullivan
Editorial Standards and Content Design standards for our digital teams
2
Answers
Louisville, Kentucky
Updated
Jenny’s Answer
Hi!
First, way to go on living out the dream of your family before you. I too am the first from my family to get a 4-year degree and it was (and still is) a big deal. I felt a lot of pressure, but it got better once I realized I could do it.
- I don't know many people who finished college with the same career goals they had when they began. College is a great time to learn about yourself and what really interests you. I would never have been exposed to the career path I took without taking electives and eventually switching majors as the result.
- The job you want truly may not even exist yet. Mine didn't when I finished college and yours may not either.
- Don't limit yourself to one social circle or group of friends and be wary of friendships based around evening social activities. Find groups of people who challenge you mentally and who support your authentic self. These can develop into lifelong friendships with other professionals who will end up in similar fields—which is always good to have in the future.
- Be easy on yourself. You're learning how to balance a new workload in college, and that often comes with balancing work and family life at the same time. Make time to meet with on-campus counselors and really see what services are available to you.
- Apply for EVERY scholarship and grant you can. Someone has to get it and if not you, who?
First, way to go on living out the dream of your family before you. I too am the first from my family to get a 4-year degree and it was (and still is) a big deal. I felt a lot of pressure, but it got better once I realized I could do it.
- I don't know many people who finished college with the same career goals they had when they began. College is a great time to learn about yourself and what really interests you. I would never have been exposed to the career path I took without taking electives and eventually switching majors as the result.
- The job you want truly may not even exist yet. Mine didn't when I finished college and yours may not either.
- Don't limit yourself to one social circle or group of friends and be wary of friendships based around evening social activities. Find groups of people who challenge you mentally and who support your authentic self. These can develop into lifelong friendships with other professionals who will end up in similar fields—which is always good to have in the future.
- Be easy on yourself. You're learning how to balance a new workload in college, and that often comes with balancing work and family life at the same time. Make time to meet with on-campus counselors and really see what services are available to you.
- Apply for EVERY scholarship and grant you can. Someone has to get it and if not you, who?