Seeing as you have completed one year of college; I’m curious, do you have any advice about the first year and/or moving in/ living in dorms? I’m starting to get nervous about starting and you seem to know what you’re doing. I understand if you don’t want to. Thank you.
I’ve actually finished two years!! I’ll be starting my junior year in a couple of days (which is……. crazy to me). idk if I’m the best person to ask for advice about this ahaha, but some things that helped me/I wish I’d known during my first year:
ugh, join clubs and go to events and stuff. I know it’s what everyone suggests but it really is the best way to meet people and make friends and figure out what’s going on around campus
please G-d do not procrastinate, especially your papers and final projects. last semester I wrote most of my papers between 2 and 5 am the morning before they were due. my grades were great but my mental and physical health were not
(if you’re shy/anxious like me) do not be afraid to talk to your professors and participate in class etc. once you start doing it, it just gets easier. eventually you’ll have to anyways (presentations, questions about an assignment, letters of recommendation, etc) so get comfortable with your profs and fellow students early on and avoid anxiety later
find two or three spots on campus where you can truly focus and study well. if you’re having trouble concentrating at one, or it’s crowded, or it’s outside & the weather is bad, move to the next one
find internship opportunities early and take them. ugh. I wish I could force my freshman-self to listen to that one
call your parents, or any other family member or friend, at least once a week. probably more, but at least once a week
living in a dorm can be fun!!! it takes some getting used to but like I said, I’m a junior, and I’m still living in a dorm bc I really like it
put in the effort to get to know your roommate!! it’ll make everything easier. get to know the other people in your hall/dorm too
follow a regular sleep schedule! follow a regular sleep schedule! follow a regular sleep schedule! follow a regular sleep s
go to class! drink a lot of water! try new things! the library will almost definitely have an awesome section on the American Civil War, take advantage of it! don’t be afraid to ask for help, for any reason, from professors, tutors, the health center, librarians, students, anyone. don’t fall in love with any of your professors! do the readings (better yet, try to find ways to make yourself excited about readings and other assignments so you look forward to them instead of dreading them)! do your part in group projects! eat healthy! have fun and do well but remember grades aren’t the most important part of college!
