Starting college is exciting—but it can also be stressful. Here’s how you can smooth out your first days and help avoid the stress, or at least most of it!
1. Talk to Alumni
Look to your family and friends; did any of them attend this college? or anyone they know who attended this college? If so, try to arrange a conversation with them. People usually love talking about their alma mater, and they can offer valuable insights about:
- Figuring out which classes and professors to take (and avoid)
- Deciding what textbooks to buy (or borrow) at the best prices
- Choosing the right organization to join such as sororities, fraternities, or any other campus organization
- Searching for the best places to eat on campus
- Finding the least crowded parking lots at the right time
- What areas of the campus to avoid – if there are any
2. Go to Orientation
Orientation may seem like a waste of time and that it will take too long, but it’s worth attending. It will give you a general overview of the college plus you’ll get essential information about departments, services, clubs, and campus life. Plus, student leaders give guided tours and that can help you become more familiar with your surroundings.
3. Register for Classes Early
Don’t end up stuck on a waitlist! Register as soon as your date opens. Late enrollment means extra hassle—visiting multiple offices or hunting through class schedules at the last minute because the classes you want are already taken.
4. Where is Room 212A?!
Many new students who are not familiar with the campus may wander around and frantically ask passers-by this question on the first day of school. This can take a lot of time and may cause you to be late or not attend class. Avoid the first-day panic by finding your classrooms beforehand. Explore the campus during orientation (on those guided tours we talked about) or on a visit with family or friends. It helps you arrive relaxed and on time.
5. Plan for Parking
The drive to campus for some college students may be enjoyable. But once they get to school, the on-campus drive could be a nightmare. A line of cars forming from full parking structures and lots and frustrated students rushing to purchase those expensive parking permits are common scenes on the first day. So… buy your parking permit ahead of time and arrive early—at least an hour before your class—to find a good spot without stress. Parking areas at many colleges are often far from classes, so give yourself extra time. Also, if the school hosts special events, you may have an extra hard time finding a place to park. Some students prefer bikes, if the campus size is small enough, just for this reason.
6. Set Limits on Partying
Your first weekend will likely involve partying. Enjoy yourself, but remember you’re in a new place surrounded by new people—stay safe and aware of your surroundings at all times. You don’t want to start off the school year either in trouble with the school or your parents, or worse in some sort of physical danger. Having a buddy system is a good idea.
7. Save Money on Textbooks
Purchase textbooks online rather than from the campus bookstore. It’s usually cheaper, and you’ll have extra money for other expenses. Also, look for previous students who had the class you need books for; sometimes, you can borrow them or buy them used.
8. Diversify Your Wardrobe
Wearing your college gear is great—but don’t overdo it. Show your personality with varied clothing rather than constantly sporting school colors.
9. Move Beyond High School Glory Days
College is a fresh start. Avoid constantly talking about how great high school was. Everyone has those stories—be unique and talk about current interests or new experiences instead. College is also a great time for a fresh start if you didn’t like your high school time and have no glory days – guess what? These new people don’t know that.
10. Make a Daily Schedule
College comes with freedom, but don’t lose track of your time. Create a simple daily to-do list balancing study, relaxation, and fun. Planning ahead will keep you organized and productive. If you plan to have time to relax, play sports, or join clubs or other extracurriculars, schedule it alongside your academic tasks.
Bonus Quick Tips for Early College Success:
- Find Your Group: Join clubs or groups that match your interests to build a support network. Finding like-minded people is important especially at a large school.
- Prioritize Sleep: Make sure you get enough sleep. It’s easy to stay up all night, wasting time on the computer. Staying rested improves your mood and helps you succeed academically.
- Budget Wisely: Even if you have mom and dad to lean on, you don’t want to be hitting them up for cash constantly. Stock up on affordable snacks to avoid overspending on takeout and late-night cravings.
- Wait to Join Greek Life: Some schools have you rush during your first days there. Do you really want to be locked into friends a week after stepping on campus? Get comfortable with college life before committing to a fraternity or sorority. Consider waiting until your second semester.
- Have Entertainment Ready: Having access to movies or streaming services helps break the ice and build friendships. A strong collection can help you bond quickly with dormmates.
Follow these steps and you’ll be off to a good start at college. Being prepared is the most important aspect of starting college. In particular, talking to people about the college, going to orientation, registering for classes on time, locating classes and other campus facilities, and knowing when and where to park beforehand are small things to do, but they can make a big impact and help make your first days at college successful and stress-free! Being prepared can make the difference between whether you have a successful and productive first day of college or a stressful and disastrous one.
Don’t be like the character in “Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade” …For those who haven’t seen it (Really? why not?)…
The final test on the way to retrieve the Holy Grail was to pick out the Grail from a line-up of chalices. The Grail Knight explains the test to Walter Donovan (the really bad guy) who picks the biggest, fanciest cup he can find and takes a swig. In a matter of seconds, he ages to his death, then decomposes and crumbles into dust. With a dry, darkly comic wit, the Knight says, “He chose … poorly.” Don’t be that guy. Don’t choose poorly!
Learning With Angie is a place to share honest, unfiltered advice to promote student success. So if you’re a student (high school, college, or beyond) looking for tips on productivity, studying, personal growth, and more to reach your potential, this is the place! To read more about Learning with Angie, click here.
About the Author: TeamAngie
