If you’re getting ready to take the step from high school to college there are a couple of things you need to know.
1. School Shopping
When you’re shopping for supplies for college keep in mind that it’s a different process than when shopping for high school. You’re going to need more than a couple of notebooks, a binder and some pencils. When you’re preparing for college, you will need to shop for both you academic needs, as well as your basic needs. These basic needs include bedding, bathroom supplies, a laptop, mini fridge and lots of toiletries. Depending on the school, you may be allowed to bring a microwave, which will serve as a lifesaver. You may also need to consider the necessity of having a router. You’ll also need new clothes, depending on where your school is and the difference in weather. When you’re shopping don’t forget the notebooks, pens and pencils though, they are still absolutely necessary.
2. Meeting New People
You’re going to be meeting a lot of new people, and this doesn’t only include students. You will be interacting with faculty and university staff. How you want others to perceive you is important. First impressions are crucial. When meeting your professors, it’s good to appear respectful and appropriate. When meeting other students, just be yourself. Remember, this is your chance to start fresh since no one knows you. When interacting with university staff, it’s best to be polite, cordial and friendly, they’re just doing their jobs and some are there to help you.
3. Academics
How you approach your academic work is going to also be different from high school. You not only have a schedule you can control, you also serve as your own jurisdiction of how you use your time. This includes whether or not you choose to study or the way you decide to study. The first thing you should to do is break any bad habits when it comes to your academic work because you’ll regret it later. It’s important to realize that your school has many resources, if you want help or are struggling to understand something reach out to the tutoring/writing center or your academic advisor. You can make study groups, which serve as a great way to dialogue on heavy reading assignments, but try not to get off topic too much. You’re not alone, even if you feel like you are, people are waiting to assist you on anything you might need.
If you’re heading to college in the fall remember to have fun, but do not take it too lightly, you are starting your future after all.
