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What are good skills I should learn during the summer to prepare myself for when I head to college?
From basic life skills to insights on ways to prepare, I am looking to get as much tips and tricks as possible to help prepare myself for the college lifestyle.
10 answers
Updated
Zachary’s Answer
ASK QUESTIONS! WHY? SO WHAT? when a professor or a boss or whomever says are there any questions and you have one ask them? or ask one even if its simple and short or a yes or no answer, sometimes a filler reiterate what you think you understood is a good start.
Self Care! sleep hygiene, house keeping ... laundry eating, being active ( muscle and calories are burned on a treadmill/ lifting a barbell but also carrying books/ walking to class)
Ask the so What? Ask Why?
Time management, . my stepdad said to me years after college but I wish I heard it sooner that nothing is more disrespectful than showing up late" EVERYONES TIME IS VALUABLE INCLUDING YOURS! don't WASTE EITHER! if something isnt working after you've given it a try to the best of your ability, try something else.
Say Yes and try new things live at the limits of your comfort zone or as close to as you can. TRY!
Saying No is always an option/ a choice anywhere along the lines.
I think finally the biggest and most impactful 2 things that have changed my life which began in college were:
1.Telling the truth and being honest is always the right choice to others and most importantly to yourself.
2. Learning is a life long pursuit, that should not ever be abandoned nor limited to the class room, house walls, or early, middle or latter years of our lives. knowledge is truly power, having the right answer is great for that question. but collaborating and watching the lightbulb go off in someone else and seeing/ hitting those milestones in oneself that I have found is Invaluable.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelleyzalis/2019/10/17/everything-i-wish-i-knew-in-college-that-i-know-now/?sh=245c48af8c30
https://www.collegeraptor.com/find-colleges/articles/tips-tools-advice/43-life-skills-know-college/
Practice Gratitude,
Drive by Daniel Pink .. great book about the internal motivators that are process centered, and answering the why.
Start with Why.
Gratitude, please and Thank you.
Self Care! sleep hygiene, house keeping ... laundry eating, being active ( muscle and calories are burned on a treadmill/ lifting a barbell but also carrying books/ walking to class)
Ask the so What? Ask Why?
Time management, . my stepdad said to me years after college but I wish I heard it sooner that nothing is more disrespectful than showing up late" EVERYONES TIME IS VALUABLE INCLUDING YOURS! don't WASTE EITHER! if something isnt working after you've given it a try to the best of your ability, try something else.
Say Yes and try new things live at the limits of your comfort zone or as close to as you can. TRY!
Saying No is always an option/ a choice anywhere along the lines.
I think finally the biggest and most impactful 2 things that have changed my life which began in college were:
1.Telling the truth and being honest is always the right choice to others and most importantly to yourself.
2. Learning is a life long pursuit, that should not ever be abandoned nor limited to the class room, house walls, or early, middle or latter years of our lives. knowledge is truly power, having the right answer is great for that question. but collaborating and watching the lightbulb go off in someone else and seeing/ hitting those milestones in oneself that I have found is Invaluable.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/shelleyzalis/2019/10/17/everything-i-wish-i-knew-in-college-that-i-know-now/?sh=245c48af8c30
https://www.collegeraptor.com/find-colleges/articles/tips-tools-advice/43-life-skills-know-college/
Practice Gratitude,
Zachary recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Hava’s Answer
Hi Jayden,
I agree with everything that's already been said. Definitely ask questions, especially about things like financial aid and loans. Sometimes the first person you talk to doesn't have the right answer, so if things don't seem clear, ask again! This is your financial future happening right here!
The other thing to remember is that nobody will be telling you what to do any more so you have to be your own boss and set aside time for study. There are a lot of distractions at college... new friends, parties, activities, and it can be easy to get distracted, especially with nobody telling you what to do. I saw a lot of people flunk out of school their first year and I was saved myself by good study habits that I got in high school. Set aside time to study!
Along the same lines, go to lectures. I thought I was so smart I could skip lectures and learn everything myself. It turns out during the lectures, teachers focus on the things that will be on the exam, so it is definitely worth your time to go. And if you are having any trouble with a subject, find a study group, talk to your professor during office hours, etc. You don't have to do it alone!
I agree with everything that's already been said. Definitely ask questions, especially about things like financial aid and loans. Sometimes the first person you talk to doesn't have the right answer, so if things don't seem clear, ask again! This is your financial future happening right here!
The other thing to remember is that nobody will be telling you what to do any more so you have to be your own boss and set aside time for study. There are a lot of distractions at college... new friends, parties, activities, and it can be easy to get distracted, especially with nobody telling you what to do. I saw a lot of people flunk out of school their first year and I was saved myself by good study habits that I got in high school. Set aside time to study!
Along the same lines, go to lectures. I thought I was so smart I could skip lectures and learn everything myself. It turns out during the lectures, teachers focus on the things that will be on the exam, so it is definitely worth your time to go. And if you are having any trouble with a subject, find a study group, talk to your professor during office hours, etc. You don't have to do it alone!
Updated
Terri’s Answer
College involves a great deal of time management. Unlike high school, where you have the same schedule every day (even if your class schedule is different every day, you probably start and end at the same time every day), you will have classes scattered throughout the day with unstructured time between classes. And you’ll fit in extra-curricular activities like you probably already do for high school. Start thinking about what works best for you in managing time. For example, how will you make sure you are up and ready on time? It’s really easy to sleep in and miss classes in college—no one is there to make sure you get up and out the door. When will you study? Can you take advantage of a few hours between classes to finish assignments for an upcoming class, or will you need large time blocks to do homework and study for exams? How will you keep track of your time so that you complete assignments on time, save yourself the needed time blocks for studying, and fit in your extracurricular meetings? Do you like an online app to track, or prefer a written calendar? If you think about what you need to manage time now, you won’t have to learn it on the fly when you get to school.
Updated
Jordin’s Answer
I’m trying to think of things that I wish I knew going into my freshman year (every year, actually haha) and while I don’t know that I necessarily have a lot of tips on how to prepare this summer, I do have some general tips.
- Look up organizations and clubs at the school you’re going to and identify at least one or two things you want to join when you get there. I joined Alpha Phi Omega, a coed service fraternity, and it was the best decision I made in college. I grew so much professionally and personally, I built lifelong friendships, and I was able to help my community in a meaningful way. I highly recommend joining if your school has a chapter. No matter what you choose, I think it would be helpful to go into your first year knowing a few things that you’re interested in and then engage with them early and often. Also, if you’re interested in any type of leadership role within an organization, do it. Go after it, even if you’re scared. Even if you fail, you’ll have learned something valuable along the way.
- In general, try to be open and say yes to new people and new experiences as much as possible. You likely won’t be friends with everyone you meet forever, but you’ll learn something about yourself, people, life, etc. from everyone you meet, and you’ll make fun memories in the process.
- Know that it is okay to change your mind, about majors, interests, beliefs, etc. It is a time for holistic learning so take advantage of it and allow yourself to evolve.
- No matter your major, try to take any supplemental classes or participate in any other activities or groups where you can learn and develop professional skills. I don’t regret majoring in Political Science and Global Studies: War and Peace, but I do regret not doing a minor or a certificate that would help me gain marketable skills for when I graduated and needed a job. There are so many options and you never know what you’ll end up enjoying, so stay flexible but remember that a big part of what you need to take away from the experience is a skillset that enables you to support yourself after you graduate.
- If you have to live in a dorm, use the summer to look up all the life hacks, organization tips, products/furniture for small spaces, etc. Generally the rooms are small, especially if you share space, so get creative and take advantage of all the nifty things out there that are designed for optimizing your space.
- Figure out what type of learner you are so you can go into classes prepared to digest info and study in a way that suits your unique needs.
- Be realistic about your course load—it’s easy to feel pressure to jam as much in as possible so you can get to everything within the timeframe you want, but honestly college can be hard. It’s a much different life than you’re used to (at least it was for me and most people I knew) and things are changing in all areas of your life, not just school. Your mental health and general wellness need to come first, and things will work out even if it might not feel like it in that moment. It’s all about balance.
- Build strong relationships with professors and advisors. Not only will it provide you support during college, but you’ll also need the references later.
- Study abroad at least once, if at all possible. There are so many scholarships and grants available to help fund it, and it is SO worth it.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This applies to mental health as well as academics. There is strength in admitting you don’t know everything and that you need help. You don’t get what you don’t ask for.
I’m sure I have lots more, but that’s what is top of my mind at the moment. Have fun, be open, be adaptable, be honest with yourself and others.
- Look up organizations and clubs at the school you’re going to and identify at least one or two things you want to join when you get there. I joined Alpha Phi Omega, a coed service fraternity, and it was the best decision I made in college. I grew so much professionally and personally, I built lifelong friendships, and I was able to help my community in a meaningful way. I highly recommend joining if your school has a chapter. No matter what you choose, I think it would be helpful to go into your first year knowing a few things that you’re interested in and then engage with them early and often. Also, if you’re interested in any type of leadership role within an organization, do it. Go after it, even if you’re scared. Even if you fail, you’ll have learned something valuable along the way.
- In general, try to be open and say yes to new people and new experiences as much as possible. You likely won’t be friends with everyone you meet forever, but you’ll learn something about yourself, people, life, etc. from everyone you meet, and you’ll make fun memories in the process.
- Know that it is okay to change your mind, about majors, interests, beliefs, etc. It is a time for holistic learning so take advantage of it and allow yourself to evolve.
- No matter your major, try to take any supplemental classes or participate in any other activities or groups where you can learn and develop professional skills. I don’t regret majoring in Political Science and Global Studies: War and Peace, but I do regret not doing a minor or a certificate that would help me gain marketable skills for when I graduated and needed a job. There are so many options and you never know what you’ll end up enjoying, so stay flexible but remember that a big part of what you need to take away from the experience is a skillset that enables you to support yourself after you graduate.
- If you have to live in a dorm, use the summer to look up all the life hacks, organization tips, products/furniture for small spaces, etc. Generally the rooms are small, especially if you share space, so get creative and take advantage of all the nifty things out there that are designed for optimizing your space.
- Figure out what type of learner you are so you can go into classes prepared to digest info and study in a way that suits your unique needs.
- Be realistic about your course load—it’s easy to feel pressure to jam as much in as possible so you can get to everything within the timeframe you want, but honestly college can be hard. It’s a much different life than you’re used to (at least it was for me and most people I knew) and things are changing in all areas of your life, not just school. Your mental health and general wellness need to come first, and things will work out even if it might not feel like it in that moment. It’s all about balance.
- Build strong relationships with professors and advisors. Not only will it provide you support during college, but you’ll also need the references later.
- Study abroad at least once, if at all possible. There are so many scholarships and grants available to help fund it, and it is SO worth it.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This applies to mental health as well as academics. There is strength in admitting you don’t know everything and that you need help. You don’t get what you don’t ask for.
I’m sure I have lots more, but that’s what is top of my mind at the moment. Have fun, be open, be adaptable, be honest with yourself and others.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad that you would to use your summer time to prepare for the college.
In fact, you do not really need a lot of preparation to enter the college. You can enjoy your learning in the college years.
However, if you would really want to have some preparation, you can consider to review the syllabus of the course you will take. You can than find out some information on the subject to have an overview.
On the other hand, there are usually some orientation activities in the college to welcome the freshman. I suggest you can join these events to have yourself familiarize the campus and establish some connections with other senior years students and classmates. You can also explore the extra curriculum activities you can join.
Enjoy your college life! Hope this helps! Good Luck!
In fact, you do not really need a lot of preparation to enter the college. You can enjoy your learning in the college years.
However, if you would really want to have some preparation, you can consider to review the syllabus of the course you will take. You can than find out some information on the subject to have an overview.
On the other hand, there are usually some orientation activities in the college to welcome the freshman. I suggest you can join these events to have yourself familiarize the campus and establish some connections with other senior years students and classmates. You can also explore the extra curriculum activities you can join.
Enjoy your college life! Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Updated
Andrijana’s Answer
You should definitely work during the summer to get a working habit, and to feel how it is to make your own money. Any experience is valuable experience. You will also notice how harder it is to spend your owned hard worked money.
Updated
DW’s Answer
1) Try out what you are good at! Hone your skills, gain your expertise edge.
2) Find and talk to people in your field/area of interest - get to know and validate your knowledge about what you think you like.
3) Take it easy just having fun! Everything will be perfect!
Identify areas of expertise
Talk to people
Mental prep!
2) Find and talk to people in your field/area of interest - get to know and validate your knowledge about what you think you like.
3) Take it easy just having fun! Everything will be perfect!
DW recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Miroslav’s Answer
You should create everyday schedule, follow the daily routine and complete all the daily tasks. Your brain needs an exercise the same as your body so don’t get lazy and keep your mental hygiene.
Updated
Ian’s Answer
Hi Jayden!
You have received some fantastic advice here!
I will keep it simple, as some of this has already been said.
-Don't overwork yourself! Some people can take 6 classes and work 40 hours, others can only handle 4 classes and work 0 hours. Everyone is different. Start small, then add on courses/work as you go.
-Ask questions! It may sound cliché, but it is true. If you have a question, likely someone else in the room is wondering the same thing.
-Study before bed! Psych 101 taught me that we retain more information directly before going to sleep. This helped out greatly over the course of my studies.
-Try new things! Diversity and collaboration breeds creativity. Don't be afraid to join a club, go to an outing, meet new people. The world after college is networking, so this is a great place to flex those interpersonal communication muscles.
-Lastly, be present. Both physically and mentally. Subjects and lessons learned in college can greatly help and differentiate you from others in the years to come.
I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Ian
Reflect on your purpose/why. Why do you want to go to college?
You have received some fantastic advice here!
I will keep it simple, as some of this has already been said.
-Don't overwork yourself! Some people can take 6 classes and work 40 hours, others can only handle 4 classes and work 0 hours. Everyone is different. Start small, then add on courses/work as you go.
-Ask questions! It may sound cliché, but it is true. If you have a question, likely someone else in the room is wondering the same thing.
-Study before bed! Psych 101 taught me that we retain more information directly before going to sleep. This helped out greatly over the course of my studies.
-Try new things! Diversity and collaboration breeds creativity. Don't be afraid to join a club, go to an outing, meet new people. The world after college is networking, so this is a great place to flex those interpersonal communication muscles.
-Lastly, be present. Both physically and mentally. Subjects and lessons learned in college can greatly help and differentiate you from others in the years to come.
I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Ian
Ian recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Lesly’s Answer
Hey there, amazing future adult! You've got this! First, let's empower you by getting your finances in order and pinpointing your banking needs. You're smart and capable - don't forget to review your student loan(s). Keep your family in the loop by creating a strong communication plan together.
Remember, self-care is important too! Find out what helps you de-stress, and make sure to recharge regularly. You're getting stronger each day as you practice essential adulting skills like day-to-day tasks such as laundry and car maintenance. Keep being proactive and search for scholarships to support your journey. We believe in you and can't wait to see all the great things you'll accomplish!
Remember, self-care is important too! Find out what helps you de-stress, and make sure to recharge regularly. You're getting stronger each day as you practice essential adulting skills like day-to-day tasks such as laundry and car maintenance. Keep being proactive and search for scholarships to support your journey. We believe in you and can't wait to see all the great things you'll accomplish!
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