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By this time of year, you amazing seniors are getting ready to say your goodbyes and launch into the next exciting chapter of your life. That excitement is probably tinged with just a little bit of uncertainty though; after all, you’ve never been to college before! How will you know what it will be like? Even with loads of preparation, that first week can be amazing but also daunting. Here are our tips for making your first week as smooth as possible!
Get your walking shoes on! Explore your new home as quickly as possible. Find the routes to your classes, find the campus clinic, and the places you’ll frequent, like the library, common areas, or dining halls. This will not only help you feel more comfortable, it will help save you valuable time between classes to know where you’re going.
Accept help: Whether new friends offer to help you unpack, or your mom is fussing over your dorm decor or your laundry, let them help you. After all, you’ll be on your own soon enough! Your parents might over-help, but remember it is a little stressful for them, too! They are likely working out nerves by making sure you have everything you need. Accepting offers to help unpack or to help you find a class is a great way to meet people too.
Go to class! You might hear that introductory lectures are not that important, but they’re a great way to get introduced to the class, and you may decide if it’s not for you after all. Try to avoid skipping any classes for any reasons other than sickness for the first month or longer, in order to establish a good footing academically. Remember the first week, in a class that meets 35 times a semester, is already 8% of that class.
Find a study spot: You may find that college is noisier than you may have thought! Often dorms are noisy as people come and go. A great pair of noise canceling headphones can do wonders to allow you to cut down the stimulation and study. Find a great spot where you can hunker down without distractions, like a coffee shop or library study room.
Make friends, but don’t panic! You may find a core group of buddies right away, but don’t worry if it doesn’t happen instantly. Try to find clubs and meetings that interest you and will group you with people who share your hobbies, but also branch out to things you may not have tried before. Try to limit your contact with friends at home in the first month, in order to allow you to truly settle in.
Your first week at college can be absolutely fantastic, and by following these simple reminders, you can prepare for a very exciting time. For tips on packing for college, check out our earlier blog!