5 More Things to Do Before Heading to College

By Lauren Precker 

If you recall our previous post about 5 things you should know/do now before heading to college these are a few more tips we deem essential for success in college. Making the transition from high school to college might seem like a no-brainer, but many college freshmen struggle with their new found freedom away from the constant oversight of parents and teachers.  While this freedom does have its perks, it also comes with a list of new responsibilities you need to prepare for.

      Join clubs and groups that will help you reach your goals – Remember all of those extracurricular activities, sports and clubs you joined in high school to get in to college you will need to do that again to get a good job.  However, when joining a club in college it should not only interest you but be something that might help you in your future career.  If you love photography and want to one day do that as professions consider joining the yearbook or newspaper staff, or if you want to be a sports agent maybe consider helping out with one of the athletic teams or working in the athletic dept.  Activities in college should be fun but they should also help you reach your goals.  

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      Get to know your professors – Unlike your high school teachers, your professors will not be constantly reminding you about unfinished work and due dates for assignments. If you have questions about specific assignments or if you need some additional help with a topic covered in class, schedule a visit with your professor during their office hours. It will pay off in the end.

      Make friends with your classmates – Making friends with your roommate and people in your hall is great but when you have a question about what pages you need to read for tomorrows class or help fill in the gaps in your notes from the class you missed last week they probably aren’t going to be much help. 

      Find a place to study – In high school that might have been your bedroom, but keep in mind you are sharing your room with someone who might have different study techniques. For example your new roommate might not have a problem studying with the T.V. on and music blaring from their iPad.  Be sure to find a place that works for you and a place where you can actually get work done.

·     Don’t forget to have fun, and EAT! – like we mentioned before it all comes down to time management. College is also about making lasting friendships and exposing yourself to new experiences. With all that going on it can be easy to forget to eat, and especially harder to eat healthy.  Map out where your classes are in relationship to dining options, and always have some healthy snacks and water on hand just in case you can’t make it there before your next class.