As a senior in high school going off to college was viewed as the ultimate best amazing thing that was ever going to happen. Most of you probably did the same thing I did and even had a countdown on your phone titled “~*cOlLeGe*~”….or something like that…. counting down the days until you would be moving into dorm life at the University of Central Florida.
Hate to be a buzzkill but college is definitely not the way the movies portray it as. The only “non-stop party” I have ever been a part of is a camp out in the library studying economics for hours. Once I cashed my reality check, I stepped back and learned some crucial things that helped me survive my first year at UCF. As we approach the last days of spring semester and begin our summer breaks I wanted to share a few things I learned my first year as a Knight that I know will help me with my future semesters. Hope it helps you, too!
Get involved!
Whether it’s writing for Her Campus (ahem, you should totally join us), clubs, Greek Life, intramural sports, volunteering, etc., JOIN! College is the years to explore and find what you’re passionate for. What’s a better way to find your niche than alongside 60,000 others trying to do the same? If you want to do something off campus, find internships or jobs that relate to your interests or major.
A good resume helps, a great resume goes far.
Trying to land that dream internship or job? Perfect your cover letter and resume with UCF Career Services! They offer workshops as well as having helpful samples right on their website http://career.ucf.edu/resumes
You’re here for school- not going to bars every night.
Yes this is college and the time to make crazy memories with your friends but your grades matter most. Take time to put forth your best effort and study your little heart out. Sleep is overrated and a bad grade will stay with your GPA longer than a fun night out with your roomies. There truly are so many awesome places to study at UCF such as the library or one of the All Knight Study locations. Want to do something out of the ordinary? Study outside! http://www.hercampus.com/school/ucf/7-places-study-outside-ucf
Make use of free printing.
Don’t spend money on a printer, paper, or ink! We all have or had (or maybe it’s just me) a roommate who is printer-less and insists on borrowing all of your printing supplies. Remind them kindly that UCF offers two printing labs for UCF students and all you need is your student ID. You get 100 black-and-white sides of paper printed per week for free which is perfect to print all your notes, assignments, papers, etc. Get the hours and everything you need to know about the labs here http://asf.sdes.ucf.edu/computer-labs/
Visit professor office hours.
If you’re having trouble in a class go visit your professor at their office hours! Professors will take time to help you if you take the time to go see them. At the beginning of the semester overlook the syllabus and go introduce yourself to them, ask any questions regarding the course. It’ll benefit you to have your professor be able to match a face with a name. Who said it’s wrong to be teacher’s pet? One day you may need a great recommendation letter aka get one from a university professor!
Attend sporting events.
Support your Knights in football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, and all the other athletics. Wear your black and gold and be extremely obnoxious. Show all other universities we play that UCF really is #1! Get all the information here http://www.ucfknights.com/.
Don’t procrastinate.
I am definitely guilty of waiting until 11:58 P.M. to submit assignments on Webcourses at 11:59 but try not to! Make use of a planner and write all important dates from each course syllabus down at the start of the semester. Be organized and complete assignments ahead of the due date, you will be surprised at how much stress gets cut out of your life. The worst feeling is knowing you could’ve done better on an assignment if you weren’t rushing to complete it in twenty minutes. The best feeling is getting a spot on the Dean’s List come the end of a long difficult semester.
Make these four years unforgettable.
What you put into your college experience is what you’ll get out of it. Try something new and don’t regret anything- even if it’s running around memory mall playing Quidditch (can I please join next semester) or looking beyond clumsy attempting to play racquet ball in the clear-walled rooms in the RWC with your roommate (guilty). Be proud to be a Knight and have the time of your life.