Dear First Year,
This is my second draft of this article because after I had written 5+ paragraphs about surviving these first few weeks (that sounded grossly pretentious,) I realized… you’ve heard this all before. There are hundreds of blog posts, youtube videos, and Instagram accounts dedicated to calming your nerves, sharing dorm decor inspo, and reminding you to be social. That’s how I first discovered Her Campus, and that might be what led you to be reading this right now. Instead of repeating the same advice from the articles you and I have probably both read, I am going to focus on some stuff I have learned along the way that are less often discussed. Consider this a supplement to the listicles saturating your Pinterest feed. Oh, and if you are wondering about the cover image, that’s my adorable corgi, Scout. He doesn’t have anything to do with this content, but are you mad? Nope, didn’t think so.
Academics
Whether you decided on a major before you even applied to college or you still have no clue what you want to study, there are strategies to making the most out of the classes you take in the following semesters. You probably didn’t have a say in your schedule for this semester, but come registration week, you’ll have much more control in dictating your stress level during the spring. Before you even look at the course catalog, pull up your degree audit online and look to see which requirements share courses that sound interesting to you.
For example, I fulfilled my Ethics, Diversity Intensive, and Religion requirements with one course – Buddhism. I don’t think I’ve taken a single course, besides Statistics, that didn’t check off multiple boxes. Instead of randomly selecting a course that is listed under one requirement, look for the course that sounds the most interesting, and makes the most sense strategically. That might end up being a course that you would never have considered before reading the title. I’d say that’s even more reason to register for it, because the classes that seem the most random are also often the most eye-opening and engaging.
Another way to make the most of classes is to befriend your professors. This isn’t conceivable for every class, but definitely put in the effort to be friendly towards the professors you find most pleasant and entertaining. You don’t have to become a teacher’s pet by any means, but speak up in class with a comment or question once in a while, and treat them more like a fun aunt or uncle than a scary principal.
Professors are people too, and most want to be seen as approachable. Respect their expertise, but don’t be afraid to joke around or strike up a conversation while everyone else is in a hurry out the door.
Adulting
Jobs – If you have a federal work-study allowance as part of your financial aid package, definitely take advantage and apply for an on-campus position! If you find a less demanding work-study, you will basically earn minimum wage during shifts that become excellent opportunities to actually read for class, answer emails, or write essays. I recommend finding a desk job at your university library or in any student services office. Something like food services may pay a little more, but you’ll always be busy and on your feet. The most boring work studies actually give you a decent amount of time to…study.
Be productive whenever you have a few minutes of time to kill before class or waiting for friends. Every little task adds up, and you will save yourself ay least 20 minutes of housekeeping when you sit down to finish the assignment(s) that you had blocked out the next few hours for.
Splurge Strategically – Decide what you want to spend more money on for higher quality and when the cheapest products won’t have noticeable differences. I tend to splurge on things like shampoo/conditioner/body wash, stationery, and clothes/makeup. Those are the products that I only purchase every few months but make my daily routines more enjoyable, and that’s worth the few extra $ spent. On the other hand, I opt for the store brand versions whenever I stock up on food basics (milk, eggs, pasta) and cleaning supplies (sponges, dish detergent, dryer sheets). Go to the Walmart (and don’t forget about the dollar store!) for less significant items to save your coin whenever you can… the difference of $20 a month is enough to buy a new shirt or lipstick, or go out to a cafe with friends!
Embrace the independence of living away from home by actually giving yourself the time and space to be alone. You might talk to your friends from high school hardly at all during the semester, but that doesn’t mean you care about each other any less. If anything, respecting each other’s busy schedules without becoming bitter will show the strength of your bond. Additionally, try to avoid becoming too dependent on your new friends. Nothing makes college feel more like home than finding a group to call family, but don’t forget to take time to be alone too. You will learn more about yourself as an evolving individual by going to the library or taking a walk alone… whether it’s once a month or twice a week. Consider it as one of the many ways you can practice self-care throughout the next few years!
HCXO,
Emily