Whenever you start a new chapter of your life it's bound to feel daunting. At no time is this more true than when starting college! It's like the floodgates have opened: new school, newfound independence, new adult responsibilities. You're dealing with 1,001 new experiences simultaneously. As I've started reflecting on my early years in college, there are a few things I would have liked someone to have told me before I started:
1. It’s OK to Not Have Everything Figured Out
This is the time for you to wander a bit and try different things– especially in the beginning. Try out new clubs, new classes, and new friends. If you don't know where to start, sometimes the best thing you can do is pick something at random and see what sticks. Take advantage of college programs that give you opportunities to try out different paths and careers that you are interested in. Outside of the classroom, you can pursue internship experiences, try shadowing a professional, seek out entrepreneurship experiences. You have 4 years: give yourself the time to try out new things and discover yourself!
2. Building Relationships is Just as Important as Grades
As a freshman and sophomore I was hyper-focused on my grades and academics, and while this is important, by the end of my sophomore year I realized that it had come at the cost of making friends. So, make sure to also develop relationships and have fun experiences! Now that I've graduated I rely heavily on the friends I’ve made from college for advice, support, and even career connections. All the success in the world isn't as sweet if you have no one to share it with, so this is a network you really want to cultivate!
3. Now's the Time to Develop Time Management and Prioritization Skills
In high school, you can get away with mismanaging your time and priorities. But in college, when you have so many responsibilities competing for your attention, leaving everything to the last minute simply isn't sustainable.
My personal system of organization is primarily online – I use Google Calendar – but you can absolutely use a physical planner too. Just make sure you don't misplace it! I also keep a To-do list and I order it by importance. Now, what counts as 'important' will depend on a number of factors. If you're stuck, the two things I like to consider are a) proximity to its deadline, and b) amount of time I think it will take for me to get something done. In an ideal world, you'll use your class syllabus at the start of the semester to plan your work in advance. But you can start organizing your time at any point: the important thing is to try.
In terms of academics, pay attention to how different tasks are weighted. If the grade for your class is 90% determined by tests and 10% by homework then don’t focus on the homework, but make sure you ace the tests!
4. Mental and Physical Health Should Always be a Priority
College is exciting, but it can also be a time of significant stress. Between the pressure to succeed academically, make new friends, and juggle extracurriculars, it’s easy to neglect your health. I wish I had known how important it was to take breaks, seek help when I was feeling overwhelmed, and not to feel guilty for doing so.
If you take anything away from this article, let it be this: Ask for help! Whether it's seeking counseling services, meditating, exercising, talking to friends, or simply getting enough sleep, taking care of your mental and physical well-being is just as important as your academic success. Remember, mental health isn’t something to ignore; it’s a crucial part of your overall college experience. A wise person once told me that if you don't give your body time to rest, it will eventually take that time from you, whether you like it or not.
5. You Won’t Always Love Every Class, and That’s Okay
I had this idea that every class would be engaging, exciting, and something I’d look forward to. The truth is, some classes will be tedious: some professors might not teach in ways that resonate with you, and some subjects might not be what you expected. It’s easy to get discouraged, but learning how to push through or find the value in even the most boring subjects is an important life skill. Also, if you have the option to do so, you can always drop the class! There is no shame in being smart and healthy about the classes you take.
To Conclude:
Your university can be a second home. If you can involved, make friends, and develop a routine that involves getting exercise, eating the occasional vegetable, and getting your work done, you'll be doing extremely well. College is one of the most transformative experiences in life, and while you can’t plan for every moment, you can take advantage of everything that comes your way and have fun with it! Embrace the journey, and make the most of this exciting chapter in your life!
If you still have any lingering questions, why not schedule a consulting session with one of our experts at Hermiona and learn how you can make the most of college!
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