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What's the best advice for an 18 year old going into college?
Going to SJSU, any things to look out for when first going on the campus
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13 answers
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Chirayu’s Answer
There is a lot of advice I could offer to an 18-year-old starting college, but here are a few key pieces of advice that I think would be especially helpful - College is a time when you have a lot of freedom and responsibility, and it can be easy to get overwhelmed. One way to stay on top of things is to be proactive about your education. This means attending classes, taking notes, asking questions, and seeking out help when you need it. Don't wait until you're struggling to reach out to your professors or advisors. College is also a time when you can explore your interests and passions. Take advantage of this by joining clubs, volunteering, or pursuing internships or research opportunities. Not only will this help you build skills and experience, but it can also be a great way to meet new people and make friends. College can be stressful, and it's important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. This means eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and finding ways to manage stress. Don't be afraid to seek out support if you need it, whether that's through counseling services or a trusted friend or family member. College is a time when you will encounter people from a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. Try to approach new ideas and experiences with an open mind, and be willing to learn from those who have different views than you. This can be a valuable opportunity for personal growth and development. Finally, remember that college can also be a lot of fun! While it's important to work hard and take your education seriously, don't forget to enjoy yourself and make the most of your college experience. Try new things, make new friends, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Excellent advice here. Just a few things I would add: Talk to your professors! Ask questions in class. If you are confused about something, I guarantee somebody else is too. It's ok if you don't already know everything - you're there to learn! Even if you take all of the suggestions above regarding mental and physical health, you will feel overwhelmed at some point - Pause, take a deep breath, take a walk, and ask for some help. Do not give up! You CAN get through it.
Maureen Cruzen
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Melanie’s Answer
I can't speak for SJSU, but in general, my advice before starting college would be to get into Facebook groups for students going to your college and start talking to other fellow freshman. Everyone is feeling nervous and excited to start and this can help you feel more connected before you start. These groups can also be really helpful by giving advice for your specific school/campus. You can ask questions and people will be quick to help you out. I would look up your school name and then "class of [whatever year you will graduate]" and there will likely be a group already created.
In terms of preparing for classes, make sure you are reading all of the emails you receive from your college to make sure you are not missing anything. A lot happens that summer before to help prepare you and you don't want to miss anything!
Be prepared for it to feel a little overwhelming when you first start college, but that feeling will go away. You will begin to feel more comfortable as you meet people and get the hang of everything. Classes, especially general education, are not much different from high school courses. You just have to get a feel for what your professors expect and be prepared to advocate for yourself.
In terms of preparing for classes, make sure you are reading all of the emails you receive from your college to make sure you are not missing anything. A lot happens that summer before to help prepare you and you don't want to miss anything!
Be prepared for it to feel a little overwhelming when you first start college, but that feeling will go away. You will begin to feel more comfortable as you meet people and get the hang of everything. Classes, especially general education, are not much different from high school courses. You just have to get a feel for what your professors expect and be prepared to advocate for yourself.
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Karri’s Answer
Do not give up and do not procrastinate. Time management is really important to ensure you stay on top of all your assignments and give them the attention required to keep your grades in good standing. While you should have fun, continue to remind yourself that you are building the foundation for your future. Take advantage of all of the resources available through the school; tutors, library, professors, counselors ect. Soak in as much information from these resources as you can, and as you meet these individuals ask them their career paths.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
I would scout out the college before you attend it. Get a good map from one of the information desks and walk around and determine where all the resources are located.
This includes the bookstore, student life and residential facilities, your classroom assignments and the library.
Campus navigation seems to be an enormous challenge for many students. Where will you get books? Where are my classes located? Where are the best study spots? Where can I get something to eat? Where do I register for classes? etc...
The more efficient you are able to orient yourself to your environment, the easier it will be for you to navigate any issues or challenges that you might experience in the future.
This includes the bookstore, student life and residential facilities, your classroom assignments and the library.
Campus navigation seems to be an enormous challenge for many students. Where will you get books? Where are my classes located? Where are the best study spots? Where can I get something to eat? Where do I register for classes? etc...
The more efficient you are able to orient yourself to your environment, the easier it will be for you to navigate any issues or challenges that you might experience in the future.
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Krystal’s Answer
My advice would be to prioritize your time and list of classes and coursework wisely through time management. College can seem very overwhelming at first and by organizing yourself and your courses, it really does help with getting your course work done and even having some freedom to have some fun for your personal time outside of studying as well.
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Cindy’s Answer
Take your time to figure out what you want. The college environment can be overwhelming and time passes by in a blink of an eye. You don't need to have it all figured out in your first year of college. Take a bunch of classes you are interested in before diving right into a Major and Minor that later down the line doesn't fit your interests. Also, don't be afraid to sign up for tutoring and go to office hours. I would also advise you to get a school counselor. They can help you outline the steps you need to take to be successful. Make sure you attend College Fairs early on and start building your professional network. Landing your summer internships with these Fortune 50 Companies is going to help you get your foot in the door before you even graduate. This will also help you practice what you're learning in school to see if that is the career path you want to take. Remember that all of these resources are available along with the support of your family, friends, classmates, and professors.
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Greta’s Answer
My advice is to be persistent and embrace the challenges. People don't always talk about how hard college can be, so I was a little caught off guard when my first few months were difficult. However, it truly does get better, so just stick with it and enjoy the opportunities that come your way.
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Tina M’s Answer
College in general bring a lot of freedom and a lot of new people in your life. Not everyone that is "friendly" is your friend - choose friends carefully.
Use the resources the school provides and do not wait until your are struggling to ask for help. Use the professors, tutoring center, counselors and staff to help you stay on track and get any help you need.
Spend your money wisely - going out and exploring is 100% neccessary but set a budget and keep some for when you really need it.
Time Management is the key in college - get a calendar or a planner and on a routine basis (start of the semester, monthly and weekly) make sure you are up to date on when items are due.
Study first then go out and have fun.
Use the resources the school provides and do not wait until your are struggling to ask for help. Use the professors, tutoring center, counselors and staff to help you stay on track and get any help you need.
Spend your money wisely - going out and exploring is 100% neccessary but set a budget and keep some for when you really need it.
Time Management is the key in college - get a calendar or a planner and on a routine basis (start of the semester, monthly and weekly) make sure you are up to date on when items are due.
Study first then go out and have fun.
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Michel’s Answer
Be smart and start to develop some self awareness. This is extremely important man or women you are more vulnerable because you don’t have parents to make sure you are being smart. Be aware of your surroundings if something feels off start to analyze why that is feeling off. Now for the fun stuff. Make friends learn new things. Try things you never thought you would try. Growing up I was in a small town and I didn’t have a lot of access to a lot of the things that cities offered, and I started to develop an appreciation for art, and a lot of other things. Go outside of your comfort zone, but don’t do this too quickly. Above all things have a good time meet new people learn material thats interesting to you.
Good luck with this transition and you got this.
Good luck with this transition and you got this.
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Mark’s Answer
For the next few years, your Grade Point Average will be your constant companion. When you wake up, when you're watching TV, while you're sitting in class, and over the summer. If you have a 3.2, you will happy. If you have a 1.8, you won't be happy — even when you're doing something fun on the weekend.
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Christina’s Answer
Shower shoes! They are a must for the showers. Bring stuff that makes you happy, photos, snacks, streaming service passwords (lol). Always have 2 sets of sheets for your bed, one to wash and one to have on your bed until laundry day. Don't be afraid to join diff organizations, greek life, different clubs, it will help you make friends that will probably be with you for a lifetime. Once you get your schedule, plan out where all your classes are in which building and how long it will take you. That will help with those first day butterflies. Do not buy books! Look and see if there is a way to rent the books because it is much cheaper and the next year there is always a new addition so the book you probably brought will be out of date.
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Killian’s Answer
Hi Noah! I've recently started college myself, and here's my two cents for what you should look out for. For me, something that has been helpful in managing the extraordinary degree of freedom you find yourself enjoying in college versus high school is being intentional about where you find structure and where you find exploration. You're going to hear a lot that you should explore your city, try new things, and otherwise allow yourself to be swept up by the new experiences that college brings. That is absolutely true, and I've loved the openness to new things you naturally experience as a college freshman. However, I think that "going with the flow" can wreak havoc on your life if you take it too far - you might lose your physical health, fail to sleep regularly, and fall behind on assignments if you say yes to every opportunity you encounter in college. Personally, I tried to be intentional about creating a skeleton of stability around which the body of adventure can build itself, and I think that I've been successful in this regard. I've chosen to make my meals, sleep schedule, workouts, specific extracirricular activities, and a few particular study times "sacred" in my schedule. While at first it might seem overly restricting to bind yourself to a schedule this strong when you have so much time, I've found that the adventure I do have is so much more fulfilling when I'm eating, sleeping, studying, and excercising as I should. Of course, after you figure out what your top priorities are, you should leave the rest of your 168 hours a week free. Along with scheduling in times for routine, self-preserving work, schedule in time for specific exploration as well. For me, that means trying to go on an adventure in the city with my friends every Saturday and trying to sit with potential new friends at mealtimes. For you, that could mean a large host of things. Enjoy your freshman year, man! I hope you have the best year yet.
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Katie’s Answer
"You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." - Jim Rohn
Think about what you really want to get out of your college experience and write those values or experiences down. Then, think about the characteristics those values require, and actively seek them out when making friends.
Example 1:
Value or experience: As a college student, I want to learn and retain as much as possible over the next 2-4 years in order to build a fruitful career when I graduate.
Characteristic to seek out in friends: Those who learn and retain most are often diligent, disciplined, and focused.
Result: By spending time with diligent, disciplined, and focused friends, I'll learn how to focus on my studies, be diligent when coursework is difficult, and be disciplined when it matters (i.e. large papers due, finals, etc.). Not only that, I'll have company while making those choices, and great friends to spend time with when taking a break from studying.
Example 2:
Value or experience: As a college student, I want to care for myself and others.
Characteristic to seek out in friends: Those who care for themselves and others are often empathetic (towards themselves and others), and willing to take time for self care.
Result: By spending time with empathetic friends who take time to focus on their self care (i.e., taking a walk in nature, working out regularly, sleeping 8 hours every night), I'll learn to care for myself which will create the conditions I need to live a peaceful and giving life. Also, I'll have friends who can join in while volunteering or giving back to my community.
Keep the list of values and experiences somewhere you see them regularly. As you read each value, it trains your brain to look out for those in others throughout your day, but also helps you focus on creating those experiences yourself. Good luck! You're going to do great things.
Think about what you really want to get out of your college experience and write those values or experiences down. Then, think about the characteristics those values require, and actively seek them out when making friends.
Example 1:
Value or experience: As a college student, I want to learn and retain as much as possible over the next 2-4 years in order to build a fruitful career when I graduate.
Characteristic to seek out in friends: Those who learn and retain most are often diligent, disciplined, and focused.
Result: By spending time with diligent, disciplined, and focused friends, I'll learn how to focus on my studies, be diligent when coursework is difficult, and be disciplined when it matters (i.e. large papers due, finals, etc.). Not only that, I'll have company while making those choices, and great friends to spend time with when taking a break from studying.
Example 2:
Value or experience: As a college student, I want to care for myself and others.
Characteristic to seek out in friends: Those who care for themselves and others are often empathetic (towards themselves and others), and willing to take time for self care.
Result: By spending time with empathetic friends who take time to focus on their self care (i.e., taking a walk in nature, working out regularly, sleeping 8 hours every night), I'll learn to care for myself which will create the conditions I need to live a peaceful and giving life. Also, I'll have friends who can join in while volunteering or giving back to my community.
Keep the list of values and experiences somewhere you see them regularly. As you read each value, it trains your brain to look out for those in others throughout your day, but also helps you focus on creating those experiences yourself. Good luck! You're going to do great things.