I’ve seen college life from many different angles. I was once a college student myself, you know. And, then I graduated, went on to graduate school, and then somewhere in between I started working for the University that I graduated from.

I’ve learned about the importance of student engagement from my time in Student Affairs. And I’ve seen the other side as a faculty member preparing students for their next class or dream career. But, it means nothing if I hold back information that could help just one, or maybe even hundreds. As I prepare for this upcoming school year, I reflect on my experience and how I can make the experience of my students better.

Things I Wish I Knew As A Freshman

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1. Get to know your professors. 

Your professors genuinely care about your success and are approachable. They may start the class with a tone that lets you know they mean business, but it’s just a part of classroom management.  The idea is to create a safe environment that fosters your learning.

If you have a question, ask it. Go and visit your professor during their office hours for additional help. Contact your professor in any way your professor has listed as an acceptable way to contact him/her. By the time you graduate, you will agree with me that college is expensive. Get everything you can out of what you are investing in.

2. Learn about your campus resources.

There are resources on campus available to you, most free of charge when you need them. Sick?? Visit your campus Health Services. Home sick?? Visit your campus Counseling Services. The list could go on and on, but it is important for you to know where you can go if you need help. More than likely, these services have been covered in your mandatory Student Fees. It would make no sense to go through the next 4 years and never use any of your campus’s provided resources.

3. Be on your best behavior.

You have rights as a student. And, now you are now 100% responsible for your behavior. Those few days before classes start, look over your school’s Code of Student Conduct. My undergraduate institution had a slogan and they would encourage you to “Know the Code.”  Know what the expectations are for your behavior and what the consequences are for behaviors not tolerated on campus.

4. Meet your Dean of Students.

Most students will say that you don’t want to meet the Dean of Students because if you do that means you are getting kicked out. That’s only true if you bring weapons on campus or decide you want to distribute drugs or some other heinous and illegal activity.

But, the reality is that 90% of the time, they are working to help students stay in school. You just received your eviction notice or maybe you just found out you are pregnant, those are situations that can affect your life significantly and students deal with it more than you think. And, sometimes the Dean of Students can help your find assistance in those situations. They are miracle workers that don’t get a lot of credit.

5. Get involved.

There are campus events you can attend and clubs that want to get to know you. You may be able to land an internship or leadership opportunity just by your association. Have you heard the saying it’s not what you know but who you know. Start getting to know some people that could have an influential impact on your future.

6. Connect with people studying within your major.

I learned this lesson way too late. I loved my college friends, but I wish I could have connected with more people who studied the same subjects as I. If you are a Biology major, your study schedule is going to be different than that of a Business major. And, if you are a Business major your student schedule is going to be different than that of a Calculus major.

The point is, is that your subject will have different expectations and may have different requirements of you when compared to your peers focusing on different majors.

Team up with people in niche and form study groups and help hold each other accountable. That has proven to be an effective way to help you in your rigorous studies.

7. Don’t forget to take care of yourself.

The transition to college life will come with its challenge but it is important that you take time to take care of yourself. Make sure your living conditions are comfortable and that you are eating a balanced diet. There used to be the warning about the Freshmen 15 but I would say that if you are not careful, you will be experiencing what I call Freshmen 15+.

8. Practice safe behaviors.

Also, be careful and aware of your surroundings. Just because you are on a campus, it does not mean you are safe. Know how to get help when you need it and don’t forget to lock your doors to your room or your car.

9. The first one does not always finish.

It’s better to finish last and do really well than to rush through and finish first with no achievements and a low GPA. So, take your time. If you are struggling and need to drop a course. It is okay. I am not saying make it a habit. But give yourself a break and don’t overwhelm yourself. Sometimes all you need is just a fresh start or you may discover that learn differently  and need to readjust the way you record and organize your class notes.

And I will close with my last tip.

10. Don’t sweat the small things. It’s not a competition. It’s your experience and don’t let anyone take that from you.

Congratulations and good luck on your first academic year!

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