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One day, someone in your family announces that THE letter has arrived – you got in! The college you dreamt of confirmed you two are a good match and wants you in the ranks of its students.
There’s that feeling in the pit of your stomach – you know, similar to when your crush agrees to go on a date with you – the feeling is both exciting and terrifying.
What should I do now?
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Check for scholarshipsHow will I fit in?
Am I really cut out for this?
Well, we’re not relationship experts, but with these tips, your date with the college will be extraordinary.
Planning Is the Key to Having Good Experience and Quickly Responding to New Circumstances
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail,” Benjamin Franklin famously wrote.
We’re pretty sure you did your homework on the college you applied for – you saw the courses, looked at the pics of the campus, gathered information about tuition fees, maybe even explored fraternities and sororities (it’s important to socialize).
After having all the initial info, you decided that this is where you want to spend the next 3 to 4 years.
Now that you’re in, let’s take it a step further – and plan for having a wholesome college experience.
How do we do that? Let’s break it down into several categories that will make sure you have the best time, AND fulfill all your obligations.
Proactively Gather All the Facts and Recommendations, Then Organize
We are an interesting species – we laugh, we dance, and have good times. We also often jump to conclusions without having all the info.
The current global situation is serious, but it will be alright – and you will be on your way to college. Once everything goes back to normal, you want to be creative and constructive with the time you will be spending there.
Before you start organizing, though, make sure you have all the necessary info. This step is a great time to be proactive.
First stop: college orientation. You will receive leaflets, brochures, and info materials during the initial campus orientation. Tip: don’t just float around while a senior student explains the nitty-gritty of college life. Instead, prepare questions, and figure out what might be really useful to you. Remember, the person in front of you already has the experience and can help you navigate your freshman year.
Second stop: the counselor’s office. All colleges have counselors, and this service is often underused. Not for us! Visit your counselor’s office and – you guessed it -show initiative. Talk about the program you’ll attend, ask what their experience is, what students mostly struggle with and what the best way of overcoming these are; you could even talk about the most efficient ways to organize your schedule. Bonus points: your counselor will definitely remember you and might even share additional advice.
Third stop – and you’re gonna love this one – freshman welcoming parties. Go out, have fun, and get to meet your colleagues. Talk about the studies over some drinks, meet new people. Show interest, but also discernment, in what they have to say.
Let’s Get You Preparing for Classes
The college is a higher-level game than the high school, and you’re in it for the long haul.
That being said, and armed with the new info from the previous step, some basics are still the same.
The first part is, of course, setting your priorities – you have come to college to study and earn a degree. Therefore, the main objects of your attention are the classes and grades.
Schedule the time for classes and studying. This should be the core of your schedule.
Polish your note-taking skills. The better the notes, the less time you will spend studying. Are you better off with a notebook and a set of pens, or do you prefer a computer? It’s all about efficiency, no judgment here. Additionally, can you pair up with a colleague and compare notes afterward? Maybe form a study group with a few new friends? It’s definitely more satisfying to have fun and do things together, as long as everyone does their part.
Finally, realize that you will have time for everything, as long as you do what you have to do every day, consistently.
Nourishing Your Interests Will Recharge Your Batteries
Of course, just because the core of your schedule is dedicated to classes and studying, it doesn’t mean those should be the only items.
It is important to rest and recharge your batteries – that is why we recommend setting a portion of time and investing it in extracurricular activities.
Are you a sporty type? Join a sports team or a gym. Artistic? Check out the drama class, poetry readings, exhibitions, book clubs. Can’t get enough of science? Maybe your college has science clubs. Love a good discussion? Join the debate team.
You get the idea.
Aside from doing things that you love and relaxing in the process, there’s an added benefit to this: you will have met new people and widened your circle of acquaintances.
If you are more of an ambitious type, you can look up internships – it’s never too early to start building your resume.
Whatever you choose, however, make sure it is sustainable and that you can efficiently do what you came for: study.
Additional Support Is a Great Way to Clear up Your Schedule and Prepare Even Better
We also understand that for some students, the financial aspect of college can be challenging. A lot of students have to devote additional time and support themselves throughout the studies, which can decrease the time they set out for studying.
If you are one of those students, make sure to check the ScholarshipOwl’s website and mobile platform, and learn about all the amazing scholarships we offer. They are an important part of preparing for college and clearing your schedule so you can focus on important things.
Our scholarship providers offer diverse, custom-tailored scholarships. You will find at least one that matches your interests.
Click on the links to our website and let’s get you rocking in the college world!
