College Life: A Beginner’s Guide to Starting College
If you choose to attend a four-year college/university, there is a lot to navigate. This page is here to help orient you to some of the options that you have in college, as well as some of the resources that are available to you.
Accommodations
If you have a disability, through the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are able to get appropriate accommodations to help you succeed in college.
Depending on the disability, you may be able to get testing accommodations. For example, you may get extra time on exams, or you could be permitted to take your exam in a testing center that has less distractions than the classroom.
However, you may need to connect with your school’s accommodations office to guide you through the process of getting the appropriate accommodations you need. If you need an accomodation, it is important to reach out for one because if you don’t reach out, they may not know that an accomadation could help you do better in your classes.
Get organized
Develop good organizational habits from the start. Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of your class schedules, assignment due dates, and extracurricular commitments. Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help you stay on top of your responsibilities.
Pay attention in your freshman seminar class/first year experience class
This class is not meant to be academically difficult, and it connects you to a lot of the resources that you can find on-campus. Many of them also help you with time management skills and degree planning. Finally, this class is often split by major, so you might be able to connect with people who are studying the same thing as you are.
Don’t be afraid to reach out
Especially on a college campus, there are so many resources there for you. Even if you don’t know where to go, you can start in one office and they can direct you to a different office depending on what you need. Many offices exist to help students with navigating various aspects of college life, and have resources such as writing centers and academic support centers to assist students in their studies.
If you live on-campus, your RA is there for you. RAs are there to help you if you need someone to mediate a roommate conflict. They can also help you submit a work order to get someting in your room repaired. Many RAs will have a phone that you can reach them at when they are “on-duty.”
Go to class
Sometimes life happens and you have to skip, but don’t make a habit of it. You have worked hard to pay for college by earning scholorships, working, and receiving help from others. Honor that by doing your best to attend your classes and get the most out of them. Take thorough notes, ask questions, and contribute to discussions. Engaging in class will help you better understand the material and build rapport with professors, which can be beneficial for future academic and career opportunities.
Choose your friends wisely
Now more than ever you will be influenced by the people that you are spending time with and doing life with. Find people who build you up and encourage you.
Manage your time effectively
College often comes with increased freedom and responsibilities. Learn to prioritize your time and strike a balance between academics, socializing, and self-care. Create a schedule that allows for study time, attending classes, participating in extracurricular activities, and personal downtime.
Establish good study habits
College coursework can be demanding, so develop effective study habits early on. Find a study environment that works for you, whether it's the library, a coffee shop, or your dorm room. Avoid cramming and instead, create a study schedule that allows for regular review and preparation.
Get involved on campus
Joining clubs, organizations, or sports teams can enhance your college experience. It allows you to meet like-minded individuals, develop new skills, and create a sense of belonging. Explore the various extracurricular activities and find those that align with your interests and goals.
Take care of yourself
College can be overwhelming, so prioritize self-care. Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly, and manage stress effectively. Don't forget to make time for activities you enjoy and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Mental health/counseling services
Mental health in college is especially important. While you are attending classes and working on your degree, you are also entering a new phase of life and trying to balance schoolwork with socializing, taking personal time, sleeping, and taking on more responsibilities for yourself as you learn how to reach out so that you can live life sucessfully as an adult.
Reaching out for counseling is not a weakness. Reaching out for counseling is like going to the doctor when you need to. For example, when you break your arm, you don’t try to fix it yourself. You go to a doctor and let them x-ray the bone and set it so that it heals properly. Going to a counselor when you are feeling anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed can help you get tools to manage your emotions so you can be well.
Many universities offer free/reduced-price counseling services. This is a wonderful resource that can connect you with people who can help you navigate the stresses of college and life. Counselors are also objective people who can help you see a new perspective on a situation that you may have overlooked. Many universities offer a certain number of free counseling sessions each year for their students.
Build relationships and network
College provides a unique opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds. Take the initiative to connect with classmates, professors, and professionals in your field of interest. Attend networking events, career fairs, and alumni gatherings to build a valuable network that can benefit you in the future.
Explore your interests
College is a time of self-discovery, so be open to exploring new subjects and interests. Take advantage of the wide range of courses available and consider taking classes outside of your major. This can help you discover new passions and broaden your perspectives.
Plan for the future
While it's important to live in the present, it's also beneficial to plan ahead. Explore potential career paths, internships, and research opportunities related to your field of interest. Take advantage of career services offered by your college to help you with resume building, interview skills, and job search strategies.
Remember, college is a transformative time where you'll grow academically, personally, and professionally. Embrace the experience, be open to new opportunities, and make the most of your time in college.