Xing Wu
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Have you ever persuaded yourself to jump in the pool at the end of summer, before it closes for the season?
You know it’s going to be cold and uncomfortable at first, but you also know you’ll get over the initial shock and get used to it.
Starting college can also look like this. Here are some tips to help you keep your head above water and possibly get along wonderfully.
1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Don’t be afraid to ask for help, from your resident assistant or student life staff, professors or new friends. You’re sure to find someone who enjoys helping new students like you discover where the writing center is located or learn how to access your homework online.
2. Chat with your teachers and get to know them.
They appreciate seeing the students show initiative and take an interest in the subject. Chances are they will be happy to help you out after class with any difficult concepts that you have a hard time understanding. And the better they know you, the better the letters of recommendation they can write to you later for internships, jobs, or graduate programs.
3. Take good notes.
Write interesting or funny things that your teachers and classmates say. When your friend says, “You ran our class discussion on Shakespeare so well, maybe you should be an English teacher,” write it down. When that eccentric teacher teaches you an obscure math equation and then says, “This will make you popular at parties!” ” write it. You might think that you will always remember these things, but don’t take the risk.
4. Make friends with people who are different from you.
Find people who come from a different background than you. Connect with people who look or act differently than you. Find out who they are as individuals. Don’t assume that everyone in their group is exactly like them, but see what you can learn about the diversity within their communities.
5. Take a class or two in an area that takes you outside your comfort zone.
Try something you don’t have to take, just for fun: art appreciation, ceramics, botany, creative writing, Italian, photography, film studies, children’s literature, poetry, cooking, ethics, art lessons. singing or guitar, women’s history, leadership training, fencing, ballroom dancing, Pilates, positive psychology, world religions …
6. Try something new, whether it’s an extracurricular activity or a study trip abroad.
Experiment with things you might not have the chance to try after you graduate. Go somewhere you’ve never been before and experience the culture there. You’ll learn a lot about yourself and your interests, even if you decide you don’t really like performing in musicals, for example, or taking service trips to rebuild houses. You will also meet people that you would not have met otherwise.
7. Find a place to study on campus
Find a place of study on campus where you can enjoy the college architecture or a beautiful view of the natural landscapes. A beautiful environment makes studying more enjoyable.
8. Your college years will be over before you know it.
Yes, homework, exams, relationships, being an adult and figuring out what you want to do with your life are all stressful. But savor the time while you can. Once you graduate you will miss the late night cafes and chats with friends, spring break road trips, impromptu dance parties, quizzes / board games / karaoke nights, Free pizzas from the student life office and endless opportunities to meet peers. So take advantage now!
