This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Hofstra chapter.
Here we are at last. College. We’veHere we are at last. College. We’ve all dreamt about these moments for the past few years of our lives. Its freedom. Its a new adventure. It’s pursuing your dreams. It’s taking new chances and hopefully being rewarded. It’s the new start that everyone looks forward to. But now that you’re here, you realize that there is a lot to learn. You ARE only a freshman, after all. So where do you start? Here are some tips to learning the trade…from someone who is living it and learning the ways of college one day at a time.
1. Get Involved
Step out of your comfort zone and join a club, team or organization. Find something that you are enthusiastic about. Love singing in the shower, but never had the chance to showcase you’re talent? Try out for a theatre or vocal club. Do you dream of writing for The New York Times someday? Join the school paper. Not only will this put your foot in the door to meet other people, but it will also give you opportunities that you had no idea existed. So take advantage of all the extra curricular activities. You’ll realize that you can network, while having a lot of fun at the same time.
2. Follow the Open-Door Policy
All of the first years are in the same boat here. Everyone comes to college not knowing anyone else. It can feel awkward at first, but keep in mind that everyone else is feeling the exact same way. When you’re in your dorm room, leave the door opened. It allows people to know that you are willing to socialize and are friendly. It could be as simple as saying “hello” to a stranger on your floor as they walk by your open door that could lead to a lifelong friendship. Or make it a little less awkward when you run into them in the laundry room, weeks later. Just remember: only leave your door open if you are in the room. Even though everyone seems very friendly, not everyone is to be trusted. But other than that, follow the open-door policy and you are guaranteed to meet some cool, new people!
3. Always Keep An Open Mind
Remember that you are going to meet people who are completely different from you. Everyone comes from different places, with different morals, beliefs, backgrounds and stories. The perfect way for a first year to isolate himself is by judging others at school. Don’t burn any bridges early on and always keep an open mind when meeting new people. Someone who seems like your polar opposite could end up having a lot to offer. Take advantage of the diversity!
4. Develop a Relationship with Your Professors
I’m not talking about the Ezra-Aria relationship that we see in Pretty Little Liars and in Hollywood (that could only end in trouble). And I’m not talking about becoming a teacher’s pet either. It’s a simple “have a good weekend” as you walk past your teacher and out the door on a Friday afternoon. Professors notice those little things. Also, if you have a question about an assignment or the class, communicate that with your teacher via email. They are there to help you and will appreciate that you’re making the effort. Also, they will put a name to a face as they take attendance at the beginning of class, and this never hurts when it comes time for grades to be due!
5. Follow the Simple Rules of Going Out
These are going to totally sound like things your mother would say. But they are some of the truest ways to avoid disasters while at college. Always go out in groups. Not huge groups, because it can be overwhelming to keep track of everyone. Just a few friends that you can depend on. Only bring your phone, (in case you get split up) your IDs (but don’t lose them!) and a few dollars. Don’t ever bring your credit card, in the event that it gets stolen or you “alter” your judgment and end up buying pizza for all of your friends (and a few strangers) and wake up with a significantly lower balance. And most of all, don’t drink so much that you end up doing anything you’ll regret thinking about in the morning.
6. Take Advantage of Your Meal Plan…And then Your Free Gym Membership
The food will be overwhelming. So many dining options, it’s like going out to dinner every night! And you don’t have to pay cash? Ah, the beauty of the meal plan makes buying pizza at 2am seem like an okay idea. And by all means, try the food…it’s good! But there’s also that tricky little thing called the Freshman 15…or 25…or 40. Don’t fall victim to the nasty cliché! This means take advantage of all-you-can-eat meal plans… and then take advantage of the amazing gym and fitness classes! It’s like getting a free gym membership (well, not quite free. There’s that little thing called tuition, but we won’t go there) and the gym can be a great place to meet new people. So get out there and get active!
7. Work Hard. Play Hard
Most freshmen, myself included, are so shocked by how much free time and freedom they are allowed when they first get to school. This could be a great asset, or you’re biggest downfall. While you’re used to being at school for 7 hours a day in high school, you may only be in class for 3 or 4 hours some days in college. But that doesn’t mean you should take naps all day long or go out every single night. Allow yourself certain study times. You may gain more free time in college, but you also gain many more hours of homework. Decide to skip out on Sunday Funday and spend the time in the library getting ahead in your work. Basically, it’s about time management. When you work hard, then you can allow yourself to play hard too.
8. Have a Great Time!
College is said to be the best time of your life. And its true. Someday you’ll be telling your children about your amazing college experience (possibly leaving out some details). Take advantage of all the opportunities. Don’t waste a breath. Take chances, work hard and make some amazing memories!
College is said to be the best time of your life. And its true. Someday you’ll be telling your children about your amazing college experience (possibly leaving out some details). Take advantage of all the opportunities. Don’t waste a breath. Take chances, work hard and make some amazing memories!all dreamt about these moments for the past few years of our lives. Its freedom. Its a new adventure. It’s pursuing your dreams. It’s taking new chances and hopefully being rewarded. It’s the new start that everyone looks forward to. But now that you’re here, you realize that there is a lot to learn. You ARE only a freshman, after all. So where do you start? Here are some tips to learning the trade…from someone who is living it and learning the ways of college one day at a time.
1. Get Involved
Find something that you are enthusiastic about. Step out of your comfort zone and join a club, team or organization. Always sang in the shower, but never had the chance to showcase you’re talent? Try out for a theatre or vocal club. Do you dream of writing for the New York Times someday? Join the school paper. Not only will this put you’re foot in the door to meet other people, but it will also give you opportunities that you had no idea existed. So take advantage of all the extra curricular activities. You’ll realize that you can network, while having a lot of fun at the same time. And isn’t multi-tasking what its really all about?
2. Follow the Open-Door Policy
All of the first years are in the same boat here. Everyone comes to college not knowing anyone else. It can feel awkward at first, but keep in mind that everyone else is feeling the exact same way. When you’re in your dorm room, leave the door opened. It allows people to know that you are willing to socialize and are friendly. It could be as simple as saying “hello” to a stranger on your floor as they walk by your open door that could make you a friend for life. Or at least make it a little less awkward when you run into them in the laundry room, weeks later. Just remember; only leave your door open if you are in the room. Even though everyone seems very friendly, not everyone is to be trusted. But other than that, follow the open-door policy and you are guaranteed to meet some cool, new people!
3. Always Keep An Open Mind
Remember that you are going to meet people who are completely different from you. Everyone comes from different places, with different morals, beliefs, backgrounds and stories. The perfect way for a first year to isolate himself is by judging others at school. Don’t burn any bridges early on and always keep an open mind when meeting new people. Someone who seems like your polar opposite could end up having a lot to offer. Take advantage of the diversity!
4. Develop a Relationship with Your Professors
Now I’m not talking about the Ezra-Aria relationship that we see in Pretty Little Liars and in Hollywood. (That could only end in trouble). And I’m not talking about becoming a teacher’s pet either. It’s a simple “have a good weekend” as you walk past your teacher and out the door on a Friday afternoon. Professors notice those little things. Also, if you have a question about an assignment or the class, communicate that with your teacher via email. They are there to help you and will appreciate that you’re making the effort. Also, they will put a name to a face as they take attendance at the beginning of class, and this never hurts when it comes time for grades to be due!
5. Follow the Simple Rules of Going Out
These are going to totally sound like things your mother would say. But they are some of the truest ways to avoid disasters while at college. Always go out in groups. Not huge groups, because it can be overwhelming to keep track of everyone. Just a few friends that you can depend on. Only bring you’re phone, (in case you get split up) your ID’s (but don’t lose them!) and a few dollars. Don’t ever bring your credit card, in the event that it gets stolen or you “alter” your judgment and end up buying pizza for all of your friends (and a few strangers) and wake up with a significantly lower balance. And most of all, don’t drink so much that you end up doing anything you’ll regret thinking about in the morning. And then the night is yours to have a great time!
6. Take Advantage of Your Meal Plan…And then Your Free Gym Membership
The food will be overwhelming. So many dining options, it’s like going out to dinner every night! And you don’t have to pay cash? Ahh, the beauty of the meal plan makes buying pizza at 2am seem like an okay idea. And by all means, try the food…it’s good! But there’s also that tricky little thing called the Freshman 15…or 25…or 40. Don’t fall victim to the nasty cliché! This means take advantage of all-you-can-eat meal plans… and then take advantage of the amazing gym and fitness classes! It’s like getting a free gym membership (well, not quite free. There’s that little thing called tuition but we won’t go there) and the gym can be a great place to meet new people. So get out there and get active!
7. Work Hard. Play Hard
Most freshmen, myself included, are so shocked by how much free time and freedom they are allowed when they first get to school. This could be a great asset, or you’re biggest downfall. While you’re used to being at school for a quality 7 hours a day in high school, you may only be in class for 3 or 4 hours some days in college. But that doesn’t mean you should take naps all day long or go out every single night. Allow yourself certain study times. You may gain more free time in college, but you also gain many more hours of homework. Decide to skip out on Sunday Funday and spend the time in the library getting ahead in your work. Basically, it’s about time management. When you work hard, then you can allow yourself to play hard too.
8. Most of All…Have a Great Time!
College is said to be the best time of your life. And its true. Someday you’ll be telling your children about your amazing college experience (possibly leaving out some details). Take advantage of all the opportunities. Don’t waste a breath. Take chances, work hard and make some amazing memories!