6 answers
Ezequiel
Student
1
Question
Asked
1871 views
What to do when you first go to college?
What to do when you first go to college?
Login to comment
6 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1795
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Ezequiel your first day of college or university can be both intimidating and exciting—so many new, unknown experiences that are awaiting you to navigate. Below are 5 tips I hope will get you through that pivotal first day of your freshman year at college and ensure a smooth transition into the first transformative time of your academic career.
ATTEND YOUR FRESHMAN ORIENTATION
Many colleges and universities host a summer orientation for incoming students. It’s a time to connect with your roommate, make friends, navigate the campus, and begin feeling comfortable with the transition to college. You can learn more about student clubs, organizations, and other extracurricular activities. Orientation is also typically when first-year students register for classes. At orientation, counselors walk you through academic requirements and help you choose your classes. It is incredibly important as a first-year student you participate in orientation so you'll get proper academic advising and support with course registration making sure your academic journey is off to a good start.
STUDY YOUR COURSE SYLLABUS
Once you begin college classes, professors hand out or post a course syllabus that outlines the requirements to pass the class successfully. It contains the readings or texts needed for the course, assignments and due dates, and an exam schedule. If there are questions about the syllabus, don’t hesitate to ask them—chances are other students need the same explanation as you. With each course syllabus, sit down and write in the due dates for assignments, projects, and exams. Set alerts or create timelines to start assignments and study times for exams.
ATTEND CLASSES (Seriously, Don’t Skip)
Going to class is never a wasted effort, whether in-person or virtually. Professors typically include attendance as part of their course requirements. Plus, information not addressed in the textbook or readings deepens your understanding of course topics, activities participation, study notes, or exam help are all things you can get from attending class. Class discussion among peers also improves comprehension and understanding. Most importantly, class attendance lets the professor know that you are an engaged and active participant.
BUILD A SUPPORT NETWORK
Unlike high school, where teachers were easily available for help, you may need to seek help from multiple sources. Meeting with the professor should still be your first choice if you are struggling in a class. While a professor may offer solutions, typically, they do not provide direct tutoring. Instead, they may suggest study sessions led by a teaching assistant, offer resources, or assist in finding a study group. Colleges may also offer peer tutors, writing centers, or study centers. Academic advisors, dorm advisors, and classmates are also potential resources. It is always easier to reach out to classmates for help or to explain assignments if you having any problems in class.
START CRAFTING YOUR COLLEGE RESUME
Work experience is just as crucial as good grades when it comes to job hunting after college. So, don’t wait until you’re finishing your degree to create your cover letter and resume. Being able to effectively describe your skills and sell your strengths now is vital when applying for jobs and internships while you’re in school. Start looking for internships as soon as you can. Internships provide you with knowledge-building experiences in your field, along with networking opportunities. Surrounding yourself with peers who share similar interests and goals—and meeting people further along in their careers who can mentor you—can help you feel supported while you make important connections for the future. Once school starts, explore extracurricular activities and attend career fairs to introduce yourself to employers. Make sure you have a professional, appropriate email address to share with people you meet. Start with your name and keep it simple—you want them to remember you.
I hope this will be helpful Ezequiel
ATTEND YOUR FRESHMAN ORIENTATION
Many colleges and universities host a summer orientation for incoming students. It’s a time to connect with your roommate, make friends, navigate the campus, and begin feeling comfortable with the transition to college. You can learn more about student clubs, organizations, and other extracurricular activities. Orientation is also typically when first-year students register for classes. At orientation, counselors walk you through academic requirements and help you choose your classes. It is incredibly important as a first-year student you participate in orientation so you'll get proper academic advising and support with course registration making sure your academic journey is off to a good start.
STUDY YOUR COURSE SYLLABUS
Once you begin college classes, professors hand out or post a course syllabus that outlines the requirements to pass the class successfully. It contains the readings or texts needed for the course, assignments and due dates, and an exam schedule. If there are questions about the syllabus, don’t hesitate to ask them—chances are other students need the same explanation as you. With each course syllabus, sit down and write in the due dates for assignments, projects, and exams. Set alerts or create timelines to start assignments and study times for exams.
ATTEND CLASSES (Seriously, Don’t Skip)
Going to class is never a wasted effort, whether in-person or virtually. Professors typically include attendance as part of their course requirements. Plus, information not addressed in the textbook or readings deepens your understanding of course topics, activities participation, study notes, or exam help are all things you can get from attending class. Class discussion among peers also improves comprehension and understanding. Most importantly, class attendance lets the professor know that you are an engaged and active participant.
BUILD A SUPPORT NETWORK
Unlike high school, where teachers were easily available for help, you may need to seek help from multiple sources. Meeting with the professor should still be your first choice if you are struggling in a class. While a professor may offer solutions, typically, they do not provide direct tutoring. Instead, they may suggest study sessions led by a teaching assistant, offer resources, or assist in finding a study group. Colleges may also offer peer tutors, writing centers, or study centers. Academic advisors, dorm advisors, and classmates are also potential resources. It is always easier to reach out to classmates for help or to explain assignments if you having any problems in class.
START CRAFTING YOUR COLLEGE RESUME
Work experience is just as crucial as good grades when it comes to job hunting after college. So, don’t wait until you’re finishing your degree to create your cover letter and resume. Being able to effectively describe your skills and sell your strengths now is vital when applying for jobs and internships while you’re in school. Start looking for internships as soon as you can. Internships provide you with knowledge-building experiences in your field, along with networking opportunities. Surrounding yourself with peers who share similar interests and goals—and meeting people further along in their careers who can mentor you—can help you feel supported while you make important connections for the future. Once school starts, explore extracurricular activities and attend career fairs to introduce yourself to employers. Make sure you have a professional, appropriate email address to share with people you meet. Start with your name and keep it simple—you want them to remember you.
I hope this will be helpful Ezequiel
Thank You Michelle. Volunteering is not just about giving, it’s about making a difference.
Doc Frick
Jessica Gegner, CCMP™
Change Partner Senior
87
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Everyone has great advice for starting college, and I agree with these helpful tips:
1. Go to your student orientation. It's a great way to learn about your school and meet new people.
2. Check your class list and explore the campus. This will help you know where to go and plan the best routes between classes. You'll also figure out when to take breaks or grab a snack.
3. Meet with your academic advisor to create a solid plan for your degree. Do this every semester to stay on track. I made the mistake of not doing this and ended up taking extra classes, which cost me time and money.
4. If you're living in a dorm, talk to your roommate. Get to know each other and agree on things like quiet times and cleanliness.
Another great tip is to buy textbooks from Amazon or a used bookstore to save money. At the end of the semester, you can sell them back to the school and maybe earn some cash.
Make sure to review your class syllabi to gather all necessary supplies. Don't forget about organizational tools like folders, notebooks, planners, and highlighters to help you stay on top of your studies.
Approach college with curiosity and a desire to learn. By doing so, you'll make friends and be ready for your future career. Good luck!
1. Go to your student orientation. It's a great way to learn about your school and meet new people.
2. Check your class list and explore the campus. This will help you know where to go and plan the best routes between classes. You'll also figure out when to take breaks or grab a snack.
3. Meet with your academic advisor to create a solid plan for your degree. Do this every semester to stay on track. I made the mistake of not doing this and ended up taking extra classes, which cost me time and money.
4. If you're living in a dorm, talk to your roommate. Get to know each other and agree on things like quiet times and cleanliness.
Another great tip is to buy textbooks from Amazon or a used bookstore to save money. At the end of the semester, you can sell them back to the school and maybe earn some cash.
Make sure to review your class syllabi to gather all necessary supplies. Don't forget about organizational tools like folders, notebooks, planners, and highlighters to help you stay on top of your studies.
Approach college with curiosity and a desire to learn. By doing so, you'll make friends and be ready for your future career. Good luck!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1996
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. You may feel anxiety when promoting from high school to college
Below are my suggestions:
1. Join the orientation program organised by college or faculty
2. Walk around the campus to make yourself familiar with the facilities and premises
3. Review the syllabus before the semester commence
4. If you will stay in dom, move in early to start collaborating with your hallmates
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Join the orientation program organised by college or faculty
2. Walk around the campus to make yourself familiar with the facilities and premises
3. Review the syllabus before the semester commence
4. If you will stay in dom, move in early to start collaborating with your hallmates
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Rodolfo Sante
Financial Crimes Investigation
1
Answer
Plantation, Florida
Updated
Rodolfo’s Answer
That’s a great question, Ezequiel. When you first go to college, one of the best things you can do is take time to get settled and get connected. Orientation is a great place to start—it helps you meet other students, learn your way around, and understand all the support available to you. Be sure to connect with your academic advisor early too—they’ll help guide you through your classes and long-term goals. And here’s something I always encourage: build good relationships with your classmates. College is not just about what you learn, but who you learn with. Your classmates can become study partners, support systems, and even lifelong friends. Don’t be afraid to reach out, introduce yourself, and help each other out. You’re not alone in this—everyone’s figuring it out together. Most importantly, remember that you belong there and you’ve got what it takes
Patricia Trostel
Retired
1
Answer
Warrior, Alabama
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
When you first get to college, you must find out where your classes are so you won't be late. Relax and enjoy being treated like an adult. It’s ok to be nervous. You will make new friends and will learn lessons based on the career path you've chosen. Don't party because that will distract you from the real reason you're there - to learn a trade! College is a satisfactory experience.
ll
Patricia recommends the following next steps:
Disraeli Partridge
Accounting
19
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Disraeli’s Answer
Hello Ezequiel,
There are a few things to do when you start college. First, I would walk around and get familiar with the campus. Do a practice run of how long it takes you to get from classroom to classroom. I recommend timing it so you know how much time to leave in your schedule. Second, go to your orientation and convocation ceremony. This are interesting events that are designed to kickstart your college career. Third, talk to other new students. This is a good opportunity to make new friends.
Good luck in college!
There are a few things to do when you start college. First, I would walk around and get familiar with the campus. Do a practice run of how long it takes you to get from classroom to classroom. I recommend timing it so you know how much time to leave in your schedule. Second, go to your orientation and convocation ceremony. This are interesting events that are designed to kickstart your college career. Third, talk to other new students. This is a good opportunity to make new friends.
Good luck in college!