Going away to college for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. There’s so much to do and prepare for.
Here are a few tips for those going to college for the first time.
Research Majors
At many colleges, students won’t need to know for sure which major they’ll be pursuing on their first day in school…unless you go somewhere like a construction management school or a beauty school.
However, students need to begin considering what area they might like to go into so that they can choose the appropriate courses. For example, if you’re interested in law or medicine, you should determine what courses are prerequisites for those fields.
Take a bit of time to explore the types of academic advisory programs that are offered at your school. It’s never a bad idea to establish a connection with people who’re able to assist you in determining the optimal plan of attack for getting all of the requirements taken care of.
Prepare Before Reaching the Campus
Moving on from high school and into college is a massive transition, regardless of whether or not you’ve chosen a major. For those who might be experiencing a lot of stress over this new chapter in their life, there are a few ways that you can get ready before you set foot into a dorm or classroom. Some of them include getting organized and building a foundation for your success in college.
Read
Coursework in college consists of much more reading than what you may be used to in high school. Reading is beneficial in many ways. It can broaden your mind, teach you better decision-making skills (if you read the right books), and even broaden your social group if you join book clubs.
You should begin getting used to reading more by reading a lot of books while you’re still in high school and during the summer before you begin college. What you end up reading isn’t as critical as the amount you read, but it can be helpful to choose books that have been recommended for your intended field of study or subjects that interest you.
Polish Your Skills
College enables students to develop strong people skills, communication skills, and time management skills. From things like group projects to having to communicate with your professors, having the ability to convey your thoughts clearly while working collaboratively will serve you well.
In addition, so will having the ability to properly manage your time so that you can get all of your coursework and projects done on time.
Moving back to people skills, most students will find themselves living in a dorm room with someone they’ve never met before. Getting to know this person will take people skills.
Problem-solving and leadership skills are important things to have when you get ready to apply for internships or jobs. With that in mind, it’s always a good idea for you to enroll in a few courses that teach you these “soft” skills while you’re in college.
Finally, you should know how to keep yourself safe while you’re on campus. It doesn’t matter if you’re coming back from hanging out with your friends or just walking back from a late class. You should always practice common sense and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Learn how your college handles any potential safety issues that might include things like sexual assault. Both students and their parents should take the time before the beginning of a new semester to get themselves familiar with the safety procedures and resources on campus. Remember that all colleges want their students to be safe.
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