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What does anybody have to say about the first step into college I know it might be different for everyone but how was your experience and how should I go about my own experience to maybe make it easier on my self.

Is there any strategies that you have used or maybe just what did you do in general to help out with your experience?

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Joseph’s Answer

Hi Gabriel!

Firstly, congratulations on beginning your college journey. If I could do things differently my first year of college, I would have created two specific habits:

1) During the first week of classes, review each course syllabus and mark the important dates (project and paper due dates, dates of quizzes, tests, midterms finals, etc) in a personal calendar. I often found myself unprepared for upcoming papers and tests because I did not track them in a calendar. Knowing when these dates are coming up can help you plan and better prepare yourself.

2) Review course material and notes before and after class time. Taking 5-10 minutes to review notes before and after lectures will help you process course material and retain it much better. In my experience, this was the most efficient and effective way to study! Taking 10 minutes right after class to review notes helped me remember better than studying for an entire hour the next day.

So much of my college experience was learning good study habits and time management. It took me several years to develop habits for organization that I wish I had known my first year.

Good luck and Have Fun!
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Alisa’s Answer

Many students will immediately feel an enormous sense of freedom when first starting college. Back in high school, you may have been used to being in classes 6-8 hours per day, and then you go home where your parents have certain expectations of you (curfew, chores, bedtime, etc.). In college, you may realize that you're in classes only 1-3 hours per day, and there may not be a lot of busywork. You might wonder what you're going to do with all this time, if, for example, you have only a few major assignments that aren't due for awhile. In college, you'll also be surrounded by many social interactions and opportunities outside of class. While making friends and having a social life is important in college, some students find it difficult to maintain a schedule that's conducive to getting enough sleep and doing coursework in a timely manner. A good way to ensure you have time for fun as well as get things done is to use all that "free" time during the day to start assignments/research early, even if that involves just reviewing your notes or doing a little research on what was discussed in class. I know that sounds simple enough, but it can take a lot of self-discipline to pace yourself. For example, some professors will mention an upcoming test, assignment, or paper once and never discuss it again. They expect you, an adult, to manage your own time to make sure you complete the assignment by the deadline. So, in short, self-discipline, time management, and maintaining a schedule I found to be very important, especially when first starting college.
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Paul E.’s Answer

Everyone has a different experience, for sure. Firstly, let's touch upon logistics. Find your key buildings on campus. Student Union, Library, Printer Access, Business Center, Professor's Office (for office hours), classrooms in specific buildings, and food court.

The important thing early on, is to create a schedule and try to stick to it. Depending on your living situation (living on campus or still living at home), you may have a different level of distractions. Either way, it is important to develop a system of order so that study time is a regular occurrence.

Additionally, you will want to create a network of friends, especially those that are in your classes. This way you can create study groups, and bounce ideas off of each other. At times, people find it difficult to network early on, but think of it as ripping off a band-aid. Then you can venture into joining student groups and clubs to find like-minded individuals.

Hope this helps.
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Rachel’s Answer

A fantastic beginning would be to focus on your schedule. Make sure you allocate ample time outside of classes for studying, personal life, work, and unwinding. It's highly beneficial to set aside specific time for studying and establish a steady routine for yourself to avoid stress and maintain confidence in your ability to manage time effectively. Initially, exercising self-discipline might be challenging, but it pays off in the long run. For instance, I used to complete my math homework every day during my bus rides.
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Ka'Pri’s Answer

College is indeed a different experience for everyone who enters it. However, there are some of what I deem basic commonalities that may be shared amongst college peers. Student engagement may have an impact on your college experience. There are usually many organizations on campus that cater to differ types of people in various aspects. Joining one, whether it may be socially aligned or academically, can assist you in finding likeminded people or even advisors to help you along your college journey. Take the time to find your identity. This will help you with your transition. Make an effort to talk to your professors. Developing a professional relationship with your professor can better your understanding of your curriculum and come in handy quite often. Always ask questions. It doesn't matter if it is in regard to an organization, classwork, or the history of the school. If you are curious, ask someone. It is better to know than assume. This way you can make educated decisions.
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A. Michelle’s Answer

First, prepare yourself to succeed by making a schedule that includes your classes, study time, sleep, and fun activities (like hanging out with friends, joining clubs, or just chilling). Next, meet new people, from your teachers and classmates to those in administrative roles (like the financial aid office). This way, you'll have someone to turn to if you have questions or need help. Lastly, explore new opportunities, but don't overload yourself with too many classes or extracurricular activities during your first term in college.
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Shilpa’s Answer

Hello Gabriel,

Great question! When I first started college, my initial experience wasn't very pleasant. I believe I was somewhat nervous about the new environment, making new friends, the curriculum, and my studies. It was especially challenging since it was the first time I was living far from my hometown, family, and my comfort zone.

I made up my mind to excel in my studies and put in a lot of effort to achieve that. I chose to connect with people who shared similar goals. Together, we created a study group that met every week. This not only helped me become a skilled professional but also introduced me to the value of teamwork.

Always stay focused on your goal, and it will guide you towards an outstanding professional career. Wishing you all the best!
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