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Any College Advice?
What is some college advice that every incoming freshman should know, in regards to classes, career choices, volunteering, internships, roommates, etc. #college #collegeadvice
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18 answers
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Shan as an incoming college student, you’ve got to be thinking about all kinds of opportunities that will emerge. From living in some cool new city to the possibilities of going to “crazy college parties,” you are probably thinking about all kinds of exciting things that college has to offer. This said, never forget that college is, first and foremost, about academics. Ace your academics, and other opportunities will follow. The most successful students, invariably, put their classes first.
ATTEND ORIENTATION – Many first-year students undervalue the importance of orientation. It's a great way to get to know your way around the campus. You might meet some of your classmates. And you could learn helpful information that you would have missed had you skipped out.
GET ORGANIZED – You no longer have teachers assigning you school supply lists, and your parents scheduling out time for your activities and homework. It is time to become independent and find what style or organization works best for you. Get a planner to keep track of important dates, deadlines and schedules. Whether you choose an old fashioned paper version or a mobile app, an agenda is the best way to make sure you don't miss something important.
CHECK OUT THE AVAILABLE CAMPUS RESOURCES – This is something that you can do during orientation. See what's happening with student life, discover the on-campus health services and meet your career advisor. This person will be the one to guide you when it comes to courses, majors/minors, etc. Having a good relationship with your academic adviser is critical. He or she will be the one who have to sign off on a form when you want to switch classes, so be sure to stay on their good side.
REGISTER FOR YOUR CLASSES IMMEDIATELY – Find out exactly when your classes are open for registration and enroll right away. Introduce yourself to your professors after the first class - this is your first opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Creating a rapport with your professors starting day one is a great idea, you will stick out in their mind because you had the confidence to go out of you way for a formal introduction. Building relationships now could even potentially lead you to job connections, internship offers and more down the road.
YOU HAVE TIME TO PICK YOUR MAJOR – You can use your first year as a time to test the waters. Try out a variety of different classes. Learn about anything from information technology to business administration to media arts. You might discover new interests and develop a passion for a career field that you never even considered. Generally at most four-year colleges you don’t have to decide on a major until the end of your sophomore year. This gives you time to try a couple of classes and see what you like before you decide, and earn general education credits that count toward your degree.
ATTEND ORIENTATION – Many first-year students undervalue the importance of orientation. It's a great way to get to know your way around the campus. You might meet some of your classmates. And you could learn helpful information that you would have missed had you skipped out.
GET ORGANIZED – You no longer have teachers assigning you school supply lists, and your parents scheduling out time for your activities and homework. It is time to become independent and find what style or organization works best for you. Get a planner to keep track of important dates, deadlines and schedules. Whether you choose an old fashioned paper version or a mobile app, an agenda is the best way to make sure you don't miss something important.
CHECK OUT THE AVAILABLE CAMPUS RESOURCES – This is something that you can do during orientation. See what's happening with student life, discover the on-campus health services and meet your career advisor. This person will be the one to guide you when it comes to courses, majors/minors, etc. Having a good relationship with your academic adviser is critical. He or she will be the one who have to sign off on a form when you want to switch classes, so be sure to stay on their good side.
REGISTER FOR YOUR CLASSES IMMEDIATELY – Find out exactly when your classes are open for registration and enroll right away. Introduce yourself to your professors after the first class - this is your first opportunity to stand out from the crowd. Creating a rapport with your professors starting day one is a great idea, you will stick out in their mind because you had the confidence to go out of you way for a formal introduction. Building relationships now could even potentially lead you to job connections, internship offers and more down the road.
YOU HAVE TIME TO PICK YOUR MAJOR – You can use your first year as a time to test the waters. Try out a variety of different classes. Learn about anything from information technology to business administration to media arts. You might discover new interests and develop a passion for a career field that you never even considered. Generally at most four-year colleges you don’t have to decide on a major until the end of your sophomore year. This gives you time to try a couple of classes and see what you like before you decide, and earn general education credits that count toward your degree.
Thank you Kim for your continued support. If you become a helper of hearts, springs of wisdom will flow from your heart.
Doc Frick
Good luck on your blossoming college journey Shan
Doc Frick
Thank you Abby. “The unselfish effort to bring cheer to others will be the beginning of a happier life for ourselves.” — Helen Keller
Doc Frick
Thank You Lindsey. “If our hopes of building a better and safer world are to become more than wishful thinking, we will need the engagement of volunteers more than ever.” — Kofi Annan
Doc Frick
Thank You Chloe. “Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.” – Erma Bombeck
Doc Frick
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Shan,
Get to know yourself! By this, I mean, if your brain doesn't engage until 10 a.m., don't schedule difficult classes for 9 a.m., if at all possible. Learn how you study. If it helps to make flash cards, draw pictures, make up a silly song (Reba My Amoeba!), or whatever, figure out what works for you!
Stay up to date! Do your readings prior to class, review readings/class notes very shortly after class. Don't rely on the professor's uploaded version of the class notes. The act of actually writing it yourself helps to reinforce the material.
Eat and Sleep: Very important for a healthy brain! Eat the right stuff, get some exercise, and get some sleep.
Learn to Handle Money! If you are living on your own, you will need to learn to handle money. Make a budget. Figure out what your expenses are. Plan for the unexpected (car repairs, a trip to the dentist/etc). Try hard not to run up credit cards!
Keep your priorities straight! You are there to get a degree. School comes first. Enjoy the other activities, have fun with friends, but, remember, school is first. If you party on Saturday you won't want to study on Sunday - so, plan accordingly. If you fall in love, don't let it steer you from your primary goal.
Resources: Learn up front what resources the school has, such as study labs, tutors, free printing in the computer lab, on campus healthcare, etc. That way, if you need it, you know where to find it. Don't wait until it is too late to ask for help!!!!
Best of luck!
Kim
Get to know yourself! By this, I mean, if your brain doesn't engage until 10 a.m., don't schedule difficult classes for 9 a.m., if at all possible. Learn how you study. If it helps to make flash cards, draw pictures, make up a silly song (Reba My Amoeba!), or whatever, figure out what works for you!
Stay up to date! Do your readings prior to class, review readings/class notes very shortly after class. Don't rely on the professor's uploaded version of the class notes. The act of actually writing it yourself helps to reinforce the material.
Eat and Sleep: Very important for a healthy brain! Eat the right stuff, get some exercise, and get some sleep.
Learn to Handle Money! If you are living on your own, you will need to learn to handle money. Make a budget. Figure out what your expenses are. Plan for the unexpected (car repairs, a trip to the dentist/etc). Try hard not to run up credit cards!
Keep your priorities straight! You are there to get a degree. School comes first. Enjoy the other activities, have fun with friends, but, remember, school is first. If you party on Saturday you won't want to study on Sunday - so, plan accordingly. If you fall in love, don't let it steer you from your primary goal.
Resources: Learn up front what resources the school has, such as study labs, tutors, free printing in the computer lab, on campus healthcare, etc. That way, if you need it, you know where to find it. Don't wait until it is too late to ask for help!!!!
Best of luck!
Kim
Updated
Emitom’s Answer
Hi Shan!
Starting college is a very exciting time. Since many of these items vary by university, first I recommend you connect with current or former students at your school to get their advice specifically. Maybe there is someone from your hometown or a freshman mentor you can connect with. If you don't know anyone, contact the admissions office and maybe they can help.
CLASSES, CAREER CHOICES, INTERNSHIPS - I recommend taking classes that interest you, but also fulfill basic requirements. The faster you fulfill those requirements, the more time you'll have to take classes that interest you and will help you figure out potential future career paths. I became a management consultant after college, but I didn't even know what that was until my sophomore year of college when I learned about it in a class. By exploring new subjects you will naturally learn about your interests and how you could pursue them in your career choice! I also recommend you connect with your school's career center if they have one. It's never too early to get connected with the career center and take advantage of their resources. Additionally, I recommend conducting "informational interviews" with fellow students who have interned or worked in fields that interest you. That can help you learn more about potential career choices and internships.
VOLUNTEERING - When I was in college, there were lots of great opportunities to volunteer. Many schools have a student organization fair at the beginning of the year that helps students find opportunities that align with their interests. I found an opportunity to tutor at an afterschool program every week. The organization even organized carpools so those of us without cars could still get there. I also participated in Alternative Spring Break which was a fun way to give back over spring break.
ROOMMATES - I found my roommate using a roommate search platform recommended by my school. Some schools allow you to choose your roommate while others require you to go random. I think the biggest priority for a roommate is to make sure your living habits are aligned. Do you wake up early or late? What cleanliness / organization expectations do you have? How much time do you want to spend in your room and what do you plan to do in it? If you want to use your room as a quiet, study space it's good to make sure your roommate is on the same page. Even if your roommate is not your best friend, it's a great way to meet someone new and learn how to live with someone else.
Let me know if you have any follow up questions!
Starting college is a very exciting time. Since many of these items vary by university, first I recommend you connect with current or former students at your school to get their advice specifically. Maybe there is someone from your hometown or a freshman mentor you can connect with. If you don't know anyone, contact the admissions office and maybe they can help.
CLASSES, CAREER CHOICES, INTERNSHIPS - I recommend taking classes that interest you, but also fulfill basic requirements. The faster you fulfill those requirements, the more time you'll have to take classes that interest you and will help you figure out potential future career paths. I became a management consultant after college, but I didn't even know what that was until my sophomore year of college when I learned about it in a class. By exploring new subjects you will naturally learn about your interests and how you could pursue them in your career choice! I also recommend you connect with your school's career center if they have one. It's never too early to get connected with the career center and take advantage of their resources. Additionally, I recommend conducting "informational interviews" with fellow students who have interned or worked in fields that interest you. That can help you learn more about potential career choices and internships.
VOLUNTEERING - When I was in college, there were lots of great opportunities to volunteer. Many schools have a student organization fair at the beginning of the year that helps students find opportunities that align with their interests. I found an opportunity to tutor at an afterschool program every week. The organization even organized carpools so those of us without cars could still get there. I also participated in Alternative Spring Break which was a fun way to give back over spring break.
ROOMMATES - I found my roommate using a roommate search platform recommended by my school. Some schools allow you to choose your roommate while others require you to go random. I think the biggest priority for a roommate is to make sure your living habits are aligned. Do you wake up early or late? What cleanliness / organization expectations do you have? How much time do you want to spend in your room and what do you plan to do in it? If you want to use your room as a quiet, study space it's good to make sure your roommate is on the same page. Even if your roommate is not your best friend, it's a great way to meet someone new and learn how to live with someone else.
Let me know if you have any follow up questions!
Updated
Julie’s Answer
It looks like you have a ton of advice for the areas you talked about so I'm going to just give you a couple tidbits based on my experiences!
1.) Talk to your professors. If they know you are working hard, they don't have to give you the grade that you "earn" and can bump you up if you find yourself in a pinch.
2.) During your orientation or Welcome Week, talk to people outside of your assigned roommate. You have all year to get to know your roommate (and if it doesn't work out that you're friends with your roommate, you'll have other people to hang out with).
3.) Most campuses will have a lot of different speakers, events, etc. Keep an eye out for those events because sometimes it can be really cool to attend.
4.) Obviously working hard and becoming a well-rounded student for post-graduation is really important, but one of my biggest regrets is that I stressed TOO much about grades and wish I had taken advantage of fun activities a bit more. So remember to have fun!
1.) Talk to your professors. If they know you are working hard, they don't have to give you the grade that you "earn" and can bump you up if you find yourself in a pinch.
2.) During your orientation or Welcome Week, talk to people outside of your assigned roommate. You have all year to get to know your roommate (and if it doesn't work out that you're friends with your roommate, you'll have other people to hang out with).
3.) Most campuses will have a lot of different speakers, events, etc. Keep an eye out for those events because sometimes it can be really cool to attend.
4.) Obviously working hard and becoming a well-rounded student for post-graduation is really important, but one of my biggest regrets is that I stressed TOO much about grades and wish I had taken advantage of fun activities a bit more. So remember to have fun!
Updated
Jamie’s Answer
Hi Shan! Here is some advice I would add:
1) Though it's great if you know your major when you go in, don't stress out if you do not know exactly what career path you want. There is time to figure that out as you take some of your pre-requisites and basic classes. Take a variety of classes within different majors if you are undecided and one may stick - I knew I wanted to do something business related so took a number of the pre-requisites for the college, but did not realize I wanted to major in accounting until I took the class.
2) Once you figure out your major, look at internships early. They are another great way to make contacts and really confirm that you want to go into that career.
3) Look to meet new people. Some of my closest friends now are ones I met at college in the dorms and in classes.
4) If you are able, look into a study abroad program - there are lots of ways to fund one and most offer college credit. Look early in your college career, as many only offer introductory courses. If I had one regret from college, it is that I did not study abroad.
5) Have fun! Go to sporting events, join clubs, look to join activities within your major/college. Studying is key, but just make sure to also balance that with all of the other things college has to offer.
6) Take advantage of office hours and study groups. Professors are typically more than happy to meet with you and answer questions and using your class mates is a great way to share ideas and learn the material. These are also great ways to build your network for the future.
Hope this helps and good luck!
1) Though it's great if you know your major when you go in, don't stress out if you do not know exactly what career path you want. There is time to figure that out as you take some of your pre-requisites and basic classes. Take a variety of classes within different majors if you are undecided and one may stick - I knew I wanted to do something business related so took a number of the pre-requisites for the college, but did not realize I wanted to major in accounting until I took the class.
2) Once you figure out your major, look at internships early. They are another great way to make contacts and really confirm that you want to go into that career.
3) Look to meet new people. Some of my closest friends now are ones I met at college in the dorms and in classes.
4) If you are able, look into a study abroad program - there are lots of ways to fund one and most offer college credit. Look early in your college career, as many only offer introductory courses. If I had one regret from college, it is that I did not study abroad.
5) Have fun! Go to sporting events, join clubs, look to join activities within your major/college. Studying is key, but just make sure to also balance that with all of the other things college has to offer.
6) Take advantage of office hours and study groups. Professors are typically more than happy to meet with you and answer questions and using your class mates is a great way to share ideas and learn the material. These are also great ways to build your network for the future.
Hope this helps and good luck!
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Shan!
One thing that I wish I knew sooner in college was that you have time to pick your major. I feel like I rushed my decision and only ended up working in the field I got my degree in for a year. My advice would be to take as many classes in 3 different interest areas of yours before finalizing a decision!
Another piece of advice I have for you is to get involved in different campus groups/organizations. I was in a social sorority and a business fraternity. It was nice to have two different groups of friends, mentors, and study buddies!
Lastly, I saw this mentioned in a previous answer but I will repeat as I think it is so important. Get adequate amount of sleep the week of an exam! I know you might feel like you need to pull all nighters to study and cram, but that will only hurt you come exam day. The best way is to spread out the studying over a week and complete 2-3 hours each night. Good luck in college - you will have a blast!
One thing that I wish I knew sooner in college was that you have time to pick your major. I feel like I rushed my decision and only ended up working in the field I got my degree in for a year. My advice would be to take as many classes in 3 different interest areas of yours before finalizing a decision!
Another piece of advice I have for you is to get involved in different campus groups/organizations. I was in a social sorority and a business fraternity. It was nice to have two different groups of friends, mentors, and study buddies!
Lastly, I saw this mentioned in a previous answer but I will repeat as I think it is so important. Get adequate amount of sleep the week of an exam! I know you might feel like you need to pull all nighters to study and cram, but that will only hurt you come exam day. The best way is to spread out the studying over a week and complete 2-3 hours each night. Good luck in college - you will have a blast!
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hi Shaun,
Congratulations on starting college! As an incoming freshman, I remember being overwhelmed. I didn't know what my major was going to be or what classes to take, I was worried about making friends and I didn't know what career path I wanted to embark on. Remember that you don't have to have it all figured out on day one. You have four years to discover yourself. What I can tell you know is that I eventually chose a major, made friends and am happy with my career path!
1. Take advantage of every opportunity - Attend campus fairs, discover extracurriculars and clubs outside of your comfort zone. You may meet new people and find topics you are interested in that never thought you would be!
2. Go to office hours - Especially if your classes are large lecture halls where you may not feel comfortable asking questions, attending office hours allows for extra time with your professors, ask questions and learn helpful tips before exams
3. If you haven't decided your major (which is OK!) - take classes in all areas that excite you to discover what your interested in
Congratulations on starting college! As an incoming freshman, I remember being overwhelmed. I didn't know what my major was going to be or what classes to take, I was worried about making friends and I didn't know what career path I wanted to embark on. Remember that you don't have to have it all figured out on day one. You have four years to discover yourself. What I can tell you know is that I eventually chose a major, made friends and am happy with my career path!
1. Take advantage of every opportunity - Attend campus fairs, discover extracurriculars and clubs outside of your comfort zone. You may meet new people and find topics you are interested in that never thought you would be!
2. Go to office hours - Especially if your classes are large lecture halls where you may not feel comfortable asking questions, attending office hours allows for extra time with your professors, ask questions and learn helpful tips before exams
3. If you haven't decided your major (which is OK!) - take classes in all areas that excite you to discover what your interested in
Updated
Beth’s Answer
Shan, I agree with all three responses so far. As a mother of a college student, I will say that finding your organizational skills early on will help you the most. By keeping track of when assignments, quiz, tests, etc. are due - will help you to manage what you study for at what point in time. This will also allow you to know when you can have "fun" outside of just school work. Definitely build a strong relationship with your Advisor - they are the best person to help guide you with what your future path may be. They are also there for you when you may be experiencing issues that you weren't expecting. Get involved in activities within the school and outside of the school. It will help you to build your resume. Be careful what pictures you post on social media - they will be there for life for all to see (including upcoming employers). Think about what you post on social media as if you are posting it on the front cover of the New York Times. Sleep, eat properly - it is more important than you think it is. Build friendships with those who have common goals that you do. Don't let others take you away from your own personal goals.
Updated
Maggie’s Answer
Hi! Some college advice I wish I knew is you DON'T need to have your major decided before you go to school! In fact, if you are indecisive it is better to go undeclared so you can try out a bunch of intro courses that may interest you to get a better sense of what you want to do. As well, what you major in doesn't defy what field you will go into after school, of course it helps if you know what you want to do but if you don't its okay too! Plenty of the courses you take in school can apply to a wide variety of jobs so don't get fixated or stressed on choosing the "right" major. I also recommend talking to upperclassmen who are majoring in something you are interested to get a sense of their journey and if you can see yourself pursing something like that. Those who have been through it give great and honest advice :)
Another piece of advice is take advantage of clubs, seminars, and all events that your school has to offer. Although it may seem like there's a speaker or event every week this is something you will not experience later in life!! Not only are you getting to experience these incredible speakers or seminars you will also meet so many people by just showing up. Its so important to be open and curious because college is meant for you to expand your thought process and embrace all the different opinions that people have to offer. You may learn something you never would have been exposed to if you hadn't shown up to these sort of things. In addition, this is an easy way to make a diverse group of friends which is extremely important to learn and grow as an individual! Always be open to making new friends because you don't know what they could open up for you, not in a hand out sort of way, but in a developmental way. I promise the more open minded you are, the more you'll learn and grow which will put you at a huge advantage when you start your career and set you up for success in the working world.
Another piece of advice is take advantage of clubs, seminars, and all events that your school has to offer. Although it may seem like there's a speaker or event every week this is something you will not experience later in life!! Not only are you getting to experience these incredible speakers or seminars you will also meet so many people by just showing up. Its so important to be open and curious because college is meant for you to expand your thought process and embrace all the different opinions that people have to offer. You may learn something you never would have been exposed to if you hadn't shown up to these sort of things. In addition, this is an easy way to make a diverse group of friends which is extremely important to learn and grow as an individual! Always be open to making new friends because you don't know what they could open up for you, not in a hand out sort of way, but in a developmental way. I promise the more open minded you are, the more you'll learn and grow which will put you at a huge advantage when you start your career and set you up for success in the working world.
Updated
Josh’s Answer
Hi Shan!
First and foremost, know that not knowing what you want to major it is OK! People around you may have their heart set on something, but college is about discovering what it is you want to do. I have friends move from Science to Business or Business to English because they found something they really enjoy and pursue it!
Second, take the classes that best fit your plan and provide flexibility to switch. So if you have a lot of basic education classes left, I would knock those out. Building upon that, take classes you think are interesting if you have extra space in your schedule! Electives are some of the best classes because you find hidden topics you never knew you would enjoy.
Third, organizations, go to ALL the meetings for orgs you think you would enjoy being a part of. It is OK to stop showing up if it is not for you, the people in the organization are in it because they enjoy it and generally want to share that with potential new joiners, BE CURIOUS!!
Fourth, college is much harder than high school. You will need to study. Utilize peers and form study groups, if you study better by yourself, then make a recurring reservation for a study room on campus or set aside time to focus solely on work you need to get done. Being on top of school work will make your life 1000x better. Also, OFFICE HOURS, these will save your life. It is ok to go and ask questions. The professor is teaching that subject because they are passionate about it. Asking them questions does not make you look dumb, it makes you look engaged and professors want to help students who want to succeed.
Fifth, internships are a nice way to get exposure to an industry or a particular job you might be interested in. Attend company's information sessions and network with recruiters, in-person, virtually, or through LinkedIn. On LinkedIn, the phrase "I'm a student interested in....do you mind if we schedule a 15 minute informational interview so I can learn more about your current role and career progression?" will be your bestfriend.
Lastly, on the mention of roommates, if they are randomly assigned or if they are your friends from high school, please create and have everyone sign a roommate agreement. It has saved me so many arguments about chores, bills, groceries, you name it. You may think it is tacky (so did I), but it has been a life saver. Aside from the agreement, everyone has a different definition of clean or cluttered. That is something that took me a long time to grasp because my "I'll get it done soon" was drastically different from my roommates.
You got this! Remember one of the most important things is to believe in yourself and utilize the resources around you (professors, study groups, peers, organizations, on-campus services) to be successful.
First and foremost, know that not knowing what you want to major it is OK! People around you may have their heart set on something, but college is about discovering what it is you want to do. I have friends move from Science to Business or Business to English because they found something they really enjoy and pursue it!
Second, take the classes that best fit your plan and provide flexibility to switch. So if you have a lot of basic education classes left, I would knock those out. Building upon that, take classes you think are interesting if you have extra space in your schedule! Electives are some of the best classes because you find hidden topics you never knew you would enjoy.
Third, organizations, go to ALL the meetings for orgs you think you would enjoy being a part of. It is OK to stop showing up if it is not for you, the people in the organization are in it because they enjoy it and generally want to share that with potential new joiners, BE CURIOUS!!
Fourth, college is much harder than high school. You will need to study. Utilize peers and form study groups, if you study better by yourself, then make a recurring reservation for a study room on campus or set aside time to focus solely on work you need to get done. Being on top of school work will make your life 1000x better. Also, OFFICE HOURS, these will save your life. It is ok to go and ask questions. The professor is teaching that subject because they are passionate about it. Asking them questions does not make you look dumb, it makes you look engaged and professors want to help students who want to succeed.
Fifth, internships are a nice way to get exposure to an industry or a particular job you might be interested in. Attend company's information sessions and network with recruiters, in-person, virtually, or through LinkedIn. On LinkedIn, the phrase "I'm a student interested in....do you mind if we schedule a 15 minute informational interview so I can learn more about your current role and career progression?" will be your bestfriend.
Lastly, on the mention of roommates, if they are randomly assigned or if they are your friends from high school, please create and have everyone sign a roommate agreement. It has saved me so many arguments about chores, bills, groceries, you name it. You may think it is tacky (so did I), but it has been a life saver. Aside from the agreement, everyone has a different definition of clean or cluttered. That is something that took me a long time to grasp because my "I'll get it done soon" was drastically different from my roommates.
You got this! Remember one of the most important things is to believe in yourself and utilize the resources around you (professors, study groups, peers, organizations, on-campus services) to be successful.
Updated
Maya’s Answer
Hi Shan!
I think some of the best advice I can give from my experience in University, is that you should always ask multiple people when it comes to scheduling your classes and when the time comes maybe applying to graduate school programs. What I mean by this is that you should have a group of people you trust and who are on the same path as you so that when an opportunity arises or a deadline is approaching you are surrounded by people who can let you know/ help you accomplish your goals. Study groups will save your life, so make sure you are in some for all of your classes because college is fast paced compared to high school so studying with other people will encourage you to study and create a support system for you. I hope this helped! Good luck!
I think some of the best advice I can give from my experience in University, is that you should always ask multiple people when it comes to scheduling your classes and when the time comes maybe applying to graduate school programs. What I mean by this is that you should have a group of people you trust and who are on the same path as you so that when an opportunity arises or a deadline is approaching you are surrounded by people who can let you know/ help you accomplish your goals. Study groups will save your life, so make sure you are in some for all of your classes because college is fast paced compared to high school so studying with other people will encourage you to study and create a support system for you. I hope this helped! Good luck!
Updated
Alexis’s Answer
Hi Shan!
Thanks for your questions. College is an exciting time!
I would like to share my experience regarding your questions and hopefully it will help you.
I started my college career thinking I wanted to major in pre-law. I ending up taking an accounting course and loving it. I changed my major and graduated with an accounting degree. I went on to get my masters degree and completed the CPA exam while in my masters' program. The advice I would give you is to choose a major that you believe you want to learn more about but be flexible with yourself. The point of college is to learn and as you take classes that interest you, you may end up changing your major. Be open and don't muscle through a major you do not like.
I wish you much success!
Thanks for your questions. College is an exciting time!
I would like to share my experience regarding your questions and hopefully it will help you.
I started my college career thinking I wanted to major in pre-law. I ending up taking an accounting course and loving it. I changed my major and graduated with an accounting degree. I went on to get my masters degree and completed the CPA exam while in my masters' program. The advice I would give you is to choose a major that you believe you want to learn more about but be flexible with yourself. The point of college is to learn and as you take classes that interest you, you may end up changing your major. Be open and don't muscle through a major you do not like.
I wish you much success!
Updated
Bethany’s Answer
Hello,
Going to college is such an exciting time in a person's life. This is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and gain knowledge not only on a career path, but life lessons.
Having a roommate as well can make or break it. It is important to have a roommate who supports and respects you when in comes to studying. If you have a roommate that does not respect your studying time or quiet time, then it might be time to look for a different roommate.
Studying is extremely important in college, however do not just surround yourself with it. You will burn yourself out quickly. Take some time to play games, listen to music, walk, eat, or anything to give yourself a break.
Volunteering in college is important as well, this can also help with break times. Volunteering looks good on resumes when looking for a job eventually. There is so many options to volunteer and if the option comes, I would suggest grabbing that opportunity.
Overall, college can be stressful, but do not let it engulf you. Take a breath, it will be crazy the first year because it is something new, but you can do it. Good luck in college and always do the best you can.
Going to college is such an exciting time in a person's life. This is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and gain knowledge not only on a career path, but life lessons.
Having a roommate as well can make or break it. It is important to have a roommate who supports and respects you when in comes to studying. If you have a roommate that does not respect your studying time or quiet time, then it might be time to look for a different roommate.
Studying is extremely important in college, however do not just surround yourself with it. You will burn yourself out quickly. Take some time to play games, listen to music, walk, eat, or anything to give yourself a break.
Volunteering in college is important as well, this can also help with break times. Volunteering looks good on resumes when looking for a job eventually. There is so many options to volunteer and if the option comes, I would suggest grabbing that opportunity.
Overall, college can be stressful, but do not let it engulf you. Take a breath, it will be crazy the first year because it is something new, but you can do it. Good luck in college and always do the best you can.
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
Let me break down the advice by topic.
Classes: I would take advantage of the ability to make your own schedule to find one that works for you. Some people design their calendar so that they can sleep in or wake up early. I might sounds crazy, but my favorite schedule was choosing all once a week classes and scheduling them all for Monday. It gave me so much more control over my time. Second, I would say to print off a copy of the curriculum for every class and keep it in your binder for reference. Look carefully over the grade breakdown. It'll teach you what to not stress over and what to buckle down and study hard for. Plus, many professors never mention important items outside of the curriculum, which is silly to me, but still happens.
Career Choices: Choose a major/career that you can know of specific jobs for, meaning you can go on job boards today and see openings for them. Because of the wide variety of choices in degrees, you'll be told that each major is viable for long-term. This simply isn't true. I am passionate about psychology, literature, philosophy, religion, etc., but don't take these degrees unless you plan to teach them (or become a therapist/psychologist in the case of psychology). There are seas of books on these topics and you have your whole life to read them. Second, I would seek out someone from the field and ask them what life is like in their field. Make sure to ask them in a context where they actually be honest and transparent with you.
Volunteering: The biggest missed opportunity in volunteering is assuming it's a one-way relationship: the volunteer giving and the other receiving. Use volunteering as an opportunity to explore the world of people you would never have gotten to know during normal life. Strike up a conversation and do your best to actively listen to them.
Internships: These are just as important as getting good grades. Find an internship in a career you like and do what you can to build relationships with the people on the inside. Chances are very good that you'll be offered a job after college. Organizations prefer to make safe bets on people they know rather than rolling the dice on someone they only know by their resume.
Roommates: It's rewarding to get a friend as a roommate if you can control that. There is a lot of relational wisdom to learn by being in close proximity to someone and learning to negotiate your space with them. Having a friend in that place means you can develop other interpersonal skills as you'll get to see them in a variety of moods and contexts. The "soft" skills are some of the most important in life and there are few places to practice them early on, but the roommate situation is one of them.
Classes: I would take advantage of the ability to make your own schedule to find one that works for you. Some people design their calendar so that they can sleep in or wake up early. I might sounds crazy, but my favorite schedule was choosing all once a week classes and scheduling them all for Monday. It gave me so much more control over my time. Second, I would say to print off a copy of the curriculum for every class and keep it in your binder for reference. Look carefully over the grade breakdown. It'll teach you what to not stress over and what to buckle down and study hard for. Plus, many professors never mention important items outside of the curriculum, which is silly to me, but still happens.
Career Choices: Choose a major/career that you can know of specific jobs for, meaning you can go on job boards today and see openings for them. Because of the wide variety of choices in degrees, you'll be told that each major is viable for long-term. This simply isn't true. I am passionate about psychology, literature, philosophy, religion, etc., but don't take these degrees unless you plan to teach them (or become a therapist/psychologist in the case of psychology). There are seas of books on these topics and you have your whole life to read them. Second, I would seek out someone from the field and ask them what life is like in their field. Make sure to ask them in a context where they actually be honest and transparent with you.
Volunteering: The biggest missed opportunity in volunteering is assuming it's a one-way relationship: the volunteer giving and the other receiving. Use volunteering as an opportunity to explore the world of people you would never have gotten to know during normal life. Strike up a conversation and do your best to actively listen to them.
Internships: These are just as important as getting good grades. Find an internship in a career you like and do what you can to build relationships with the people on the inside. Chances are very good that you'll be offered a job after college. Organizations prefer to make safe bets on people they know rather than rolling the dice on someone they only know by their resume.
Roommates: It's rewarding to get a friend as a roommate if you can control that. There is a lot of relational wisdom to learn by being in close proximity to someone and learning to negotiate your space with them. Having a friend in that place means you can develop other interpersonal skills as you'll get to see them in a variety of moods and contexts. The "soft" skills are some of the most important in life and there are few places to practice them early on, but the roommate situation is one of them.
Updated
Alanna’s Answer
Hi there! Great question!
I know you already got a lot of great advice in the responses above, but would love to dive a bit deeper into maximizing your experience both in your education and in your career. Every college, university, certificate program, etc. has a great network of resources, it is just a matter of finding the right ones for you.
So my advice boils down to start meeting people, start building your network. College is a highly unique experience in that you can meet anyone from anywhere, and with that comes a vast and diverse knowledge set. Great way to start meeting people is simply by saying hello. Whether it is someone sitting in front of you for Physics or someone you repeatedly see in the library, introducing yourself and finding common ground might seem scary or intimidating at first, but you never know who might say hello back.
And if you're not ready to take that leap yet, start to join different organizations and clubs. That is an amazing way for someone to be introduced to you, instead of the other way around. You can join more targeted groups with a more specific audience; for example if you are studying mechanical engineering, join a robotics club. You will likely find people with similar interests to you, and maybe even someone on the same career path as you. You can also join less knowledge-specific clubs and more interest-specific ones like a music group or a running club. Here you might find folks that are not on the same education or career path as you, but again, you never know when your paths might cross again or how their experience could impact you. I, myself, joined a dance group because it was something I loved. Through this I met a bunch of people with majors and career paths from communications and dance to business and mathematics. When it came time to interview for college internships, turns out one of the recruiters was an alumni of the same dance group I was on and even knew a few of the older members of the team. Again, you never know who you will meet and how your paths will cross!
The above lists a few great way of meeting your peers, but I would very much encourage you to also reach out to and connect with your faculty, advisors, professors, etc. They have all been where you are now: at a crossroads, making major life decisions, asking questions, pursuing your passions, developing your skills, etc. Don't feel bad or awkward being a "teacher pet." Go to their office hours, answer questions when they ask them in class. This will not only help you learn more about your field, but it could positively impact your GPA, which is always important in finding a job, especially your first. Outside of class, take advantage of your career centers. Reach out to advisors there. They can help guide you, to those resources that are best for you. More information is always better than less.
Finally (I promise), my last piece here is more broad but so important: follow your own path. I'll make it bigger so it isn't missed in this bulk of text:
FOLLOW YOUR OWN PATH.
It can be very hard to not compare yourself to those around you. Society is built on standardization and comparison (e.g. standardized tests like the SATs and ACTs, GPAs themselves are a means of comparison, etc.); our brain is made to function by comparison. Actively work to recognize that the beauty of human experience is our uniqueness. Every person is different in every way and thus your education / career path should also be different. If you need more than one internship before you start full time, do it. If you need an extra year of college because you want to finish a minor that think would be impactful for your life, do it. I am a huge believer in that you know what is best for you. By all means, gather as much data and advice as you possibly can before making a decision, but do what you believe in your heart and soul is best for you to do.
Hope this longer than anticipated post proves useful! Wishing you the best of luck in your future endeavors. You got this!
I know you already got a lot of great advice in the responses above, but would love to dive a bit deeper into maximizing your experience both in your education and in your career. Every college, university, certificate program, etc. has a great network of resources, it is just a matter of finding the right ones for you.
So my advice boils down to start meeting people, start building your network. College is a highly unique experience in that you can meet anyone from anywhere, and with that comes a vast and diverse knowledge set. Great way to start meeting people is simply by saying hello. Whether it is someone sitting in front of you for Physics or someone you repeatedly see in the library, introducing yourself and finding common ground might seem scary or intimidating at first, but you never know who might say hello back.
And if you're not ready to take that leap yet, start to join different organizations and clubs. That is an amazing way for someone to be introduced to you, instead of the other way around. You can join more targeted groups with a more specific audience; for example if you are studying mechanical engineering, join a robotics club. You will likely find people with similar interests to you, and maybe even someone on the same career path as you. You can also join less knowledge-specific clubs and more interest-specific ones like a music group or a running club. Here you might find folks that are not on the same education or career path as you, but again, you never know when your paths might cross again or how their experience could impact you. I, myself, joined a dance group because it was something I loved. Through this I met a bunch of people with majors and career paths from communications and dance to business and mathematics. When it came time to interview for college internships, turns out one of the recruiters was an alumni of the same dance group I was on and even knew a few of the older members of the team. Again, you never know who you will meet and how your paths will cross!
The above lists a few great way of meeting your peers, but I would very much encourage you to also reach out to and connect with your faculty, advisors, professors, etc. They have all been where you are now: at a crossroads, making major life decisions, asking questions, pursuing your passions, developing your skills, etc. Don't feel bad or awkward being a "teacher pet." Go to their office hours, answer questions when they ask them in class. This will not only help you learn more about your field, but it could positively impact your GPA, which is always important in finding a job, especially your first. Outside of class, take advantage of your career centers. Reach out to advisors there. They can help guide you, to those resources that are best for you. More information is always better than less.
Finally (I promise), my last piece here is more broad but so important: follow your own path. I'll make it bigger so it isn't missed in this bulk of text:
FOLLOW YOUR OWN PATH.
It can be very hard to not compare yourself to those around you. Society is built on standardization and comparison (e.g. standardized tests like the SATs and ACTs, GPAs themselves are a means of comparison, etc.); our brain is made to function by comparison. Actively work to recognize that the beauty of human experience is our uniqueness. Every person is different in every way and thus your education / career path should also be different. If you need more than one internship before you start full time, do it. If you need an extra year of college because you want to finish a minor that think would be impactful for your life, do it. I am a huge believer in that you know what is best for you. By all means, gather as much data and advice as you possibly can before making a decision, but do what you believe in your heart and soul is best for you to do.
Hope this longer than anticipated post proves useful! Wishing you the best of luck in your future endeavors. You got this!
Updated
Vani’s Answer
Get involved! I'm currently a senior and regret not getting involved in different clubs and stuff early. It might be harder now due to COVID but in personal experience, many groups are still meeting virtually. I have friends who have built life long friend groups from the groups they are part of. I kept to myself during the first few years of college and felt as if it was too late once I realized this. These groups don't only bring you friendships but the more people you get to know in college, the more connections you're making. You never know, maybe one of those connections could possibly help you land your dream job.
Updated
Wendy’s Answer
Shan,
Here's the thing to remember: advice is relative, everyone is different! Embrace that, it's a great thing. The honest answer to each of those things you mention, is: it depends.
Before you even start: decide what's important to *you*. If you picture yourself as a successful college student, what does that look like? (If you don't have a goal, you can't create a path.) It's great to seek counsel and seek other's experiences and suggestions, just remember that at the end of the day, you know you best, so make sure you stay true to yourself first.
When it comes to classes, mix it up! If you're the type of person where you know taking more than 3 classes a day will wear you out, don't take more than 3 classes (example). If you're more of a "night owl" than a "morning person", maybe don't sign up for an 8am class. You don't have to fit anyone's "mold" - just because high school classes were maybe 7am-2pm, doesn't mean college has to be!
Career-wise? What makes you happy? Find things you like and that you can build a career around, and just start there. It's okay to find out 6months in that you don't like a job, or an industry, or something you thought you'd like. Don't be afraid to try something just because it sounds fun - that's the point! You can make a career around things that are fun, you just have to be open looking around. Follow your curiosity, I promise it will always be worth it.
Roommates are just like family, so choose wisely! Remember everyone is different, everyone grew up different. For example, I was a TERRIBLE roommate (unknowingly) the first few years, simply for the fact of how I grew up, things my parents did or didn't teach me. Thankfully I had true friends who opened up to talk about it and they helped teach me things about myself that I didn't even realize. Be open, be kind, and you can't go wrong.
Relax and enjoy it, it is a wonderful season of life to go through college so make sure you do your best to stay true to yourself and follow what feels right.
Wishing you the best and hope that helps!
Here's the thing to remember: advice is relative, everyone is different! Embrace that, it's a great thing. The honest answer to each of those things you mention, is: it depends.
Before you even start: decide what's important to *you*. If you picture yourself as a successful college student, what does that look like? (If you don't have a goal, you can't create a path.) It's great to seek counsel and seek other's experiences and suggestions, just remember that at the end of the day, you know you best, so make sure you stay true to yourself first.
When it comes to classes, mix it up! If you're the type of person where you know taking more than 3 classes a day will wear you out, don't take more than 3 classes (example). If you're more of a "night owl" than a "morning person", maybe don't sign up for an 8am class. You don't have to fit anyone's "mold" - just because high school classes were maybe 7am-2pm, doesn't mean college has to be!
Career-wise? What makes you happy? Find things you like and that you can build a career around, and just start there. It's okay to find out 6months in that you don't like a job, or an industry, or something you thought you'd like. Don't be afraid to try something just because it sounds fun - that's the point! You can make a career around things that are fun, you just have to be open looking around. Follow your curiosity, I promise it will always be worth it.
Roommates are just like family, so choose wisely! Remember everyone is different, everyone grew up different. For example, I was a TERRIBLE roommate (unknowingly) the first few years, simply for the fact of how I grew up, things my parents did or didn't teach me. Thankfully I had true friends who opened up to talk about it and they helped teach me things about myself that I didn't even realize. Be open, be kind, and you can't go wrong.
Relax and enjoy it, it is a wonderful season of life to go through college so make sure you do your best to stay true to yourself and follow what feels right.
Wishing you the best and hope that helps!
Heidi L. Henry, PhD, LPC
Assistant Professor in Counselor Education
4
Answers
Updated
Heidi L.’s Answer
Hello Shan,
The advice that has been given is extremely valuable. I might offer a different perspective to be able to add to this discussion. My background is in education and mental health. Attending college can be one of the best experiences of your life, but it can also be very stressful at times. Be sure to build in time for taking care of yourself and doing things you enjoy. I might also suggest making a friend on campus who can help keep you accountable for practicing those activities regularly. If you are anything like me, it is easy to get sucked into studying as much as humanly possible, trying to get involved across campus, and also have a social life. All of these things are incredibly rewarding, but can also deplete your energy depending on what type of personality you have. Create regular time for yourself and activities that re-energize you. Best wishes as you embark on your college journey!
The advice that has been given is extremely valuable. I might offer a different perspective to be able to add to this discussion. My background is in education and mental health. Attending college can be one of the best experiences of your life, but it can also be very stressful at times. Be sure to build in time for taking care of yourself and doing things you enjoy. I might also suggest making a friend on campus who can help keep you accountable for practicing those activities regularly. If you are anything like me, it is easy to get sucked into studying as much as humanly possible, trying to get involved across campus, and also have a social life. All of these things are incredibly rewarding, but can also deplete your energy depending on what type of personality you have. Create regular time for yourself and activities that re-energize you. Best wishes as you embark on your college journey!