A Guide To Starting College… The Right Way

5/15/2017

College is a huge step in any young person's life. It’s when we, with memories of high school graduation fresh in our minds, take the next big step. For most, this means leaving their family homes and old school friends and starting to go it alone. Yes, there are tears and tissues when you say goodbye, but there’s also a sense of eagerness and anticipation about what’s to come. If you’re about to start college and need some advice, take a look at this guide. From the mundane, like packing the car, to the mature, like how to deal with leaving home, we’ve got you covered…

Perfect Packing

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Like any big event, you’ll want to avoid unnecessary stress on the big day itself. So it makes sense to do all your packing and loading a few days before the morning you leave. You’ll be bringing bed linens, personal items, kitchenware, and a whole lot more so it pays to be organized. It’s boring and labor intensive but it’ll pay off at the other end. Nobody wants to arrive at college and have to spend the next week sorting out their things. Instead, box and label everything up and just leave out the absolute essentials for the big day itself.

Bring Tissues… It’s Going To Get Emotional

Going to college is a huge transition for the entire family. Sometimes freshman's can get so swept up in how they’re feeling they forget that their parents are having an emotional reaction to the situation too. If you’re the oldest or youngest of your family to go to college your parents will possibly feel it the hardest. Either it’s the first time they’ve done this or the last. Obviously, this is an emotional

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time for everybody. It signals the end of one stage of family life. No longer will you all be living under the same roof, and you’ll be starting to strike out on your own as an adult. This transition isn’t always easy. So on the big day itself cut each other some slack. There may be excitement but also some nerves, tension, but mostly tears! Just remind your parents and yourself that this isn’t the end, just the start of a new and exciting chapter.

You’ll Settle In Slowly

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Don’t worry if you spend the most of your first semester eating too much takeout and pizza, guzzling coffee, and generally feeling like you can’t handle all that’s being thrown at you! This is the experience that most college students have, to begin with. You’re likely to only meet a handful of students who hit the ground running with laundry, assignments, and home cooking. That’s not to say you should

ignore these altogether. It’s just about realizing that adjusting to this new way of life is going to take some getting used too. So do have fun whilst you make friends and find your feet. No doubt your diet and work regime will cause your parents some alarm, but reassure them that you’re on track with your studies and simply experiencing college life. After the first semester, most students begin to settle into a more stable routine, which includes healthier meals!

Teething Problems

With any transitional period, there are going to be teething problems. College is probably one of the biggest changes any of us make, and there are bound to be some issues. Over the course of your time as a student you’re likely to have problems with your subject, perhaps your roommate, maybe even with some of your professors. Again, this is all very normal. It can be easy to let this all get on top of you.

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Without the safety net of our families to fall back on it can seem overwhelming. Try solving your problems for yourself, to begin with. This is part of learning and growing at college. You’ll probably find your self-confidence growing as you master different social issues and situations. If you can, try not to bring minuscule issues to your parent’s attention. Of course, if you need help then ask. But telling them every small problem is likely to make they worry. If you do have a problem which you need help solving seek out your advisor, counselor or student guide at college.

The Pitfall Of Procrastinating

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Procrastinating can strike at any time, but always when there’s a load of work to be completed. Procrastination is one of the biggest banes of a college student's life. Putting off work has become an art form that some will have perfected by the end of the first semester. It’s to be expected. To begin with, some people can struggle to stay motivated and disciplined. It may be the first time you’ve

lived away from home or with friends. The distractions are numerous and there aren’t many people to tell us to knuckle down and do our work.
Over time you’ll learn that procrastinating isn’t the way forward. Instead, fill your time doing useful activities. There’s so much to get involved in at college and so much to make your free time productive. It could be joining a football club where you’ll have to attend tryouts, club practices, and team matches. Or it could be joining an art where you’ll be involved in making color guard flags for your college. It could even be a politics or debating society. Whatever your passion is, stop procrastinating and make the most of the resources around you. You could discover a new interest or develop an existing skill. It also gives you the chance to be more social and part of the college community.

Treat Teachers With Respect

College is very different to high school and nowhere is that more evident than with the teaching staff. Your professors and teachers will not chase you for assignments, yell, or give you punishments. They will teach you what you need to know and set and mark your assignments. It’s your job to make sure you get your work in on time and ask for help if you need it. You’re expected to act like an adult, and if you waste time it really will

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be only your time you're wasting. Treat your teachers with respect because you’ll need their help. When you need extra help with your work or a reference it’ll stand you in good stead to have a great relationship with your teachers.

Start Thinking About The Next Step

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It can be difficult to think about the next step when you’re at college. There are plenty of distractions which will keep your mind firmly focussed on the here and now. However, you should begin thinking about life after college. You’ll need to get a job and competition is fiercer than ever. Having a degree is no longer enough to make yourself stand out. Think about applying to do some career-related

work experience. You could even ask one of your professor's, who you look up to, about the career path they took. Anything you can do outside of teaching time to better your chances is a good idea. Starting clubs and societies and taking an organizational and leadership role will look great on applications post-college.

Have Fun!

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Most importantly of all, have fun! College is a truly transformative time and you’re likely to meet friends who’ll be with you for life. Throw yourself into the experience head first and don’t shy away from situations. If you apply yourself to your work and social life, you’ll have a lot of fun and a productive and balanced college experience.

By Iconic Chica Contributors

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