3 answers
3 answers
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Owen! If you want to prepare yourself to college, make sure to gather academic supplies like notebooks, pens, and a backpack. Also, don't forget your electronics, such as a laptop and chargers. Pack your bedding essentials like sheets, pillows, and blankets, along with a variety of clothing suitable for different weather conditions. Remember to bring toiletries, medical documents, and any necessary kitchen and dining items if applicable. Don't forget miscellaneous items like a laundry basket, cleaning supplies, and personal items that will make your living space feel like home. Check with your college for any specific guidelines, and have a great time getting ready for this exciting new journey!
Updated
Candace’s Answer
Going to college is a huge step. It means you may be living away from home for the very first time and experiencing your first step into adulthood. When my parents dropped me off at a college 3,000 miles away from home, I was unexpectedly overwhelmed. Even though I was very independent and had traveled on my own previously, I still found being left behind by my family in Boston from San Francisco to be very scary. Don't be surprised if you feel this way too, and it is okay to feel frightened.
The first step is to go out and find a friend to take this journey with you. Choose well and your college experience will be smooth. I met my best friend my second day at school and never looked back. She is still my best friend today more than 30 years later.
Next, organize your class schedule so you know where you need to be and by when. Take part in orientation so you know your campus and how to access all the resources at your disposal. College is typically a larger environment than high school, and they are not going to spoon-feed you information. You need to be your own advocate to find resources on your own.
Third, join a few clubs to start building your network. Find what you like and where you feel a sense of belonging. This will be your community for the next few years so now is your chance to build it with your interests at the center.
Finally, as your school work gets underway, connect with to your professors. Ask questions and make yourself known and heard. Students can be intimidated by the professor. Don't be. You're there to get an education, so raise your hand and participate - online, hybrid, in person, it doesn't matter. This is how you learn.
Believe in yourself. You belong there and don't let anyone tell you don't. YOU WILL DO GREAT THINGS!
Step 1: Make a friend
Step 2: Get organized and join the orientation sessions
Step 3: Join a club and build community
Step 4: Raise your hand and connect with professors
Step 5: Believe in yourself!!
The first step is to go out and find a friend to take this journey with you. Choose well and your college experience will be smooth. I met my best friend my second day at school and never looked back. She is still my best friend today more than 30 years later.
Next, organize your class schedule so you know where you need to be and by when. Take part in orientation so you know your campus and how to access all the resources at your disposal. College is typically a larger environment than high school, and they are not going to spoon-feed you information. You need to be your own advocate to find resources on your own.
Third, join a few clubs to start building your network. Find what you like and where you feel a sense of belonging. This will be your community for the next few years so now is your chance to build it with your interests at the center.
Finally, as your school work gets underway, connect with to your professors. Ask questions and make yourself known and heard. Students can be intimidated by the professor. Don't be. You're there to get an education, so raise your hand and participate - online, hybrid, in person, it doesn't matter. This is how you learn.
Believe in yourself. You belong there and don't let anyone tell you don't. YOU WILL DO GREAT THINGS!
Candace recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Chelsey’s Answer
What Rafael said really hits the nail on the head. If you're in a dorm room you may have to share a space, so be sure to think about that. One thing that could be good are shower shoes. Some colleges have communal showers and, even if you have a bathroom in your dorm, you might be sharing that with at least one other student. A lock for your drawers and closets may also be beneficial to make sure your personal belongings are as safe as possible when you aren't there.