1. Make the most of Orientation. Orientation might seem like a waste of time, or a confusing, hectic day. Don’t just go through it with a bored attitude, however. When you’re registering for classes, take a few that seem fun and interesting, and learn about organizations you might be interested in joining. If professors are around, take the time to talk to them and get to know other students. You might not see those students again, but at least you’ll get a feel for the general student population and you might discover more about what you’re interested in. During your first week, if your school has some sort of welcome event, go out and meet people! You might run into these people on campus and they could become great friends. You might even end up living with one if they end up being your roommate in the future!
2. Get to know your roommate and be open about what is/isn’t acceptable. I fortunately had a pretty good roommate during my first year in college. Spend some time getting to know your roommate as a person, and don’t just set up rules right away. If you ever feel uncomfortable with anything, let your roommate know right away. Most people are willing to work with you to make things run as smoothly as possible, especially when you have to live together. If you happen to not get along at all with your roommate, you may have to make some changes in your living arrangements. Try to work things out before this happens though. A lot of times conflict simply arises due to miscommunications. Try to look forward to living with a roommate, even if it seems awkward at first. Your roommate might become a close friend, and you might look forward to seeing them after a long day of classes.
3. Find a way to balance your social and academic life. Your studies are what’s most important. After all, you’re in college for a reason. You might find yourself turning down fun events because of your studies. Try to go out every now and then when you can, but always place your studies first. When you can’t go out with friends, set up another date, that way they know you care about them and are just a bit too busy. Relish the moments you spend with your friends, as they can become like your second family. If you find yourself having trouble getting to know people, see tip number four!
4. Join clubs and organizations, or find a home church/religious organization you are interested in becoming a part of. Join groups you are interested in, or attend meetings to learn more about them. Clubs might include art clubs, philanthropy-related clubs, and clubs for various religions and cultures. Joining an organization brings you more opportunities for friendships, and it looks good on your résumé. For those of you who hold to a particular faith, finding a good home church or other religious organization might help you transition to your new college home. Explore various churches until you find one that suits you best and makes you feel at home. Keep in mind that this might take a while. Don’t just go wherever your friends go; find someplace that appeals to you. During your time in college, you might grow stronger in whatever faith you practice, as it is a time of self-discovery.
5. Be careful when you go out late at night, and try not to go out alone. I don’t mean to scare any of you, or sound like your mom (although mom knows best!), but keep in mind that while many of the people you meet are truly awesome people, not everyone is concerned with your well-being. Be aware of your surroundings, and if you go out at night, have friends join you so that you will not be a target. Also make sure you’re aware of any suspicious activity and contact the authorities if you suspect something is amiss. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but if you’re at a party, don’t drink anything that might have questionable contents- if you didn’t see it while it was being served, don’t drink it!
6. Don’t choose “Undecided” as your major, and take as many interesting classes as you can. If you have an idea as to what you want to study, even if you’re not entirely sure of your decision, go for it! You can always switch majors, and you’ll have a leg up and become more aware of your field of interest. Although you might already have a heavy courseload for your required major courses, try your best to take a few interesting electives. You might become interested in something you never knew you’d enjoy and that might shape your studies and your future. Don’t be afraid to switch majors, even if you do so more than once. You can’t be expected to know exactly what you want to do with your life right away. Realize that your interests change, and as you become exposed to different areas of study, you might find that your calling is in a different area than what you once thought.
7. Be open to new ideas. If you come from a small town, you might not have been exposed to various cultures, religions, and ideas. That will definitely change during your time in college. You’ll make friends who come from various cultures and have various ideas and beliefs. Respect their ideas, even if you disagree, and share your own thoughts. You might learn something from them and they might learn something from you.
8. Avoid going home every weekend. This was pretty much drilled into incoming freshman at Baylor, and I agree wholeheartedly. Of course you miss your family and friends back home and they certainly miss you too, but now is the time to make new friends and get used to life on your own. This is your time to explore and see what all’s out there. You don’t necessarily have to hang out with friends every weekend, but you can catch up on homework, get to know yourself better, and attend a religious service (since they typically take place on the weekends).
9. Voice your opinions. Voice your opinions in class discussions. Don’t feel intimidated by your professors and their impressive educations. Realize that they too were once where you are right now, and they once had budding ideas like you do. Speak your mind and cultivate those ideas.
10. Realize that opinions change. As you go through college, you might find that your opinions change. Be aware that you make mistakes and that your ideas are sometimes wrong. You’ll learn more about yourself in college, and you’ll form ideas and learn to back them up properly. Don’t be afraid to have an idea or belief, and don’t worry if that idea or belief changes later on.
2. Get to know your roommate and be open about what is/isn’t acceptable. I fortunately had a pretty good roommate during my first year in college. Spend some time getting to know your roommate as a person, and don’t just set up rules right away. If you ever feel uncomfortable with anything, let your roommate know right away. Most people are willing to work with you to make things run as smoothly as possible, especially when you have to live together. If you happen to not get along at all with your roommate, you may have to make some changes in your living arrangements. Try to work things out before this happens though. A lot of times conflict simply arises due to miscommunications. Try to look forward to living with a roommate, even if it seems awkward at first. Your roommate might become a close friend, and you might look forward to seeing them after a long day of classes.
3. Find a way to balance your social and academic life. Your studies are what’s most important. After all, you’re in college for a reason. You might find yourself turning down fun events because of your studies. Try to go out every now and then when you can, but always place your studies first. When you can’t go out with friends, set up another date, that way they know you care about them and are just a bit too busy. Relish the moments you spend with your friends, as they can become like your second family. If you find yourself having trouble getting to know people, see tip number four!
4. Join clubs and organizations, or find a home church/religious organization you are interested in becoming a part of. Join groups you are interested in, or attend meetings to learn more about them. Clubs might include art clubs, philanthropy-related clubs, and clubs for various religions and cultures. Joining an organization brings you more opportunities for friendships, and it looks good on your résumé. For those of you who hold to a particular faith, finding a good home church or other religious organization might help you transition to your new college home. Explore various churches until you find one that suits you best and makes you feel at home. Keep in mind that this might take a while. Don’t just go wherever your friends go; find someplace that appeals to you. During your time in college, you might grow stronger in whatever faith you practice, as it is a time of self-discovery.
5. Be careful when you go out late at night, and try not to go out alone. I don’t mean to scare any of you, or sound like your mom (although mom knows best!), but keep in mind that while many of the people you meet are truly awesome people, not everyone is concerned with your well-being. Be aware of your surroundings, and if you go out at night, have friends join you so that you will not be a target. Also make sure you’re aware of any suspicious activity and contact the authorities if you suspect something is amiss. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but if you’re at a party, don’t drink anything that might have questionable contents- if you didn’t see it while it was being served, don’t drink it!
6. Don’t choose “Undecided” as your major, and take as many interesting classes as you can. If you have an idea as to what you want to study, even if you’re not entirely sure of your decision, go for it! You can always switch majors, and you’ll have a leg up and become more aware of your field of interest. Although you might already have a heavy courseload for your required major courses, try your best to take a few interesting electives. You might become interested in something you never knew you’d enjoy and that might shape your studies and your future. Don’t be afraid to switch majors, even if you do so more than once. You can’t be expected to know exactly what you want to do with your life right away. Realize that your interests change, and as you become exposed to different areas of study, you might find that your calling is in a different area than what you once thought.
7. Be open to new ideas. If you come from a small town, you might not have been exposed to various cultures, religions, and ideas. That will definitely change during your time in college. You’ll make friends who come from various cultures and have various ideas and beliefs. Respect their ideas, even if you disagree, and share your own thoughts. You might learn something from them and they might learn something from you.
8. Avoid going home every weekend. This was pretty much drilled into incoming freshman at Baylor, and I agree wholeheartedly. Of course you miss your family and friends back home and they certainly miss you too, but now is the time to make new friends and get used to life on your own. This is your time to explore and see what all’s out there. You don’t necessarily have to hang out with friends every weekend, but you can catch up on homework, get to know yourself better, and attend a religious service (since they typically take place on the weekends).
9. Voice your opinions. Voice your opinions in class discussions. Don’t feel intimidated by your professors and their impressive educations. Realize that they too were once where you are right now, and they once had budding ideas like you do. Speak your mind and cultivate those ideas.
10. Realize that opinions change. As you go through college, you might find that your opinions change. Be aware that you make mistakes and that your ideas are sometimes wrong. You’ll learn more about yourself in college, and you’ll form ideas and learn to back them up properly. Don’t be afraid to have an idea or belief, and don’t worry if that idea or belief changes later on.