FCYU-Feature Story

You’re Not in High School Anymore
Tips for surviving the first year of college

Once you’re in college, it often takes a while to get your bearings. Here are some things our alumni writers had to learn the hard way.

• Get to know your academic adviser. This person’s job is to make sure you are earning credits toward a degree so that you get through college quickly and successfully.

Don’t limit visits with your adviser to once-a-term course planning and credit counts. Ask them questions over e-mail, and schedule visits during the semester if you need help.

• Take a balanced course load. College classes are harder than high school, and all students struggle to adjust. If you take a tough class, try to balance it with something you feel more confident about.

Working with your academic advisors and professors, find out if you’re ready for specific classes by asking about pre-requisites and workload.

• Talk to professors. New college students often feel intimidated by professors. But your professors are there to help you succeed, and they can become valuable mentors.

Some professors are more helpful than others. But it’s important to talk to them after class, go to their office hours and ask questions.

• Get help. Colleges have many programs to help you with academics and career planning. Get familiar with all the student services programs so you know where to go when you need help. Don’t wait until you’re drowning to seek help with tough classes. Instead, make an appointment with a tutor at the beginning of the semester to learn about the services they offer.

Visit the career center to get advice on career planning, from building a professional resume to internships and job-hunting.

• Be disciplined. Unlike high school, no one is going to nag you to finish your homework or go to class. College classes move fast, so use your time wisely. Make yourself a weekly schedule with plenty of blocks of time for studying.

• Familiarize yourself with the financial aid office. If you’re having trouble paying for books or other basic needs, make an appointment to talk with a financial aid adviser.

Take the time to carefully review and understand your financial aid package – What exactly does it pay for? Do you have work-study obligations? How much are you expected to pay out of your own pocket?

• Make a personal budget and stick to it. It’s easy to dig yourself into a financial hole, especially at the beginning of a semester. Make a list of all your expenses, and what financial aid will and won’t pay for. Also keep in mind that financial aid may be delayed. If this happens, talk to the financial aid office right away.

Don’t wait until you’re in danger of failing classes because you haven’t been able to buy books, or you haven’t attended class because you don’t have money for bus fare.

• Try new things. College can be lonely in the beginning. It might feel as if you’ve been thrown into a whole new world with people very different from yourself. But it’s also a great opportunity to re-invent yourself and make new friends.

Consider joining clubs and volunteering. Visit the campus activities office to learn about low-cost trips and events. Know your limits, too: risky behaviors and too many all-night parties can bring you down fast.

• Take care of yourself. The transition to college is physically and emotionally stressful. Exercise, eat well, get plenty of sleep and don’t hesitate to use the campus health center when you’re not feeling your best. Counselors can help you through the stress and emotional turmoil—they’ve heard it all.

Helpful College Websites

College Board
www.collegeboard.com/student/plan/college-success/963.html
Follow this link to find good advice on surviving your first year of college.

GoCollege
www.gocollege.com/
Click on the College Survival section. It covers grades, enjoying the college social scene, money management, health and more.

Write a letter in response to this story. If selected, your letter could be published in the next issue of Represent.