The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at JMU chapter.
The transition to college can be overwhelming and nerve-racking for many students. Here are some tips for your first year at JMU, that will hopefully help make the process easier!
- Try to avoid 8am classes, unless you’re an early bird
- Read your classes syllabus
- See if you have any credit that transferred over from highschool AP, DE, etc. classes
- Use a planner for scheduling and organizing
- Record due dates from your syllabuses in your planner
- Get involved with at least 1 club
- Don’t join more than 3 clubs your first semester
- Bring clothes for all types of weather
- Have a really good winter coat- it gets super cold!
- Have a backpack laundry bag
- Get a desk hutch
- Buy a ton of masks
- Plan out a schedule prior to your class scheduling appointment time
- Buy lots of fans (especially if you live in the village or lakeside)
- Get a phone wallet (you can buy a JMU themed one at the bookstore)
- Buy decorations for your dorm to make it feel homier
- Get a shower caddy
- Bring a speaker
- Try to meet new people
- Make friends in your classes
- Get a mattress topper for your bed (it makes all the difference)
- Try not to spend all your dining dollars on starships
- Get a big trashcan for your room
- Have multiple pillows
- Bring an umbrella, rain jacket, and rainboots
- Have you or your roommate get a mini-fridge
- Get a rug for your room because the floors can get gross
- Buy a pair of shower shoes
- Bring slippers!!
- Figure out if your professor posts the notes after class or not
- Study for tests
- Turn in every assignment
- Go to your professor’s office hours if you need help
- Don’t be afraid to email your professors to clarify things or to ask questions
- Try to stay on top of things/organized
- Try to form a connection with your professor, if possible (get them to know who you are)
- Branch out in college, don’t just stick with the friends you made in high school
- Get to know the people in your hall/suite
- Find a good balance for school vs social life
- Don’t let your social activities negatively affect your grades
- If you go out, go out with people you trust and know you’ll be safe with
- Put your mental health first
- Don’t be too hard on yourself if you get a bad grade, college is about learning to grow as an individual as well as getting a degree
- Don’t wait until the last minute to contact your teacher if you are struggling/doing bad in the class
- Be true to yourself!
- Give yourself time to settle in. It’s okay if you feel super homesick and lonely, but usually, things get easier
- Consider joining a sorority
- Reach out to your advisor
- Have your notifications on for your JMU email
- Try to stay positive, and have a great year!