As we leave high school and move towards beginning college, as exciting as it is, it can also be overwhelming. While you get a lot more independence, you’re also faced with a lot more responsibilities and the pressure’s intensified on your overall academic performance.
Here are some ways on how to make the transition to college easier:
1. Know the transition will turn out to be ok
First off, the #1 thing you need to know about the transition from high school to college is that it’s ok. It’s ok to be nervous. It’s ok to be sad. It’s ok to feel like it’s ‘too much, too soon’. It’s ok to miss your friends. It’s ok to feel lonely.
All these things are ok and normal, and the silver lining is that chances are you’re not alone. There are dozens of students – if not hundreds – going through the same thing.
2. Get organized in college life
Getting organized can help to make the transition to college easier. College isn’t like high school. Your classes could be spaced out time-wise and spread across multiple buildings.
It’s not on your teachers to get you to where you’re supposed to be. It’s all on you. Know your schedule, get organized, and stick with it.
3. Focus on your college routine
In those first couple of weeks, if you’re feeling particularly unsure of what to do or are feeling burdened by this new setup, focus on a routine.
This isn’t just classes. It’s a morning routine, a nighttime routine, when to eat, and taking care of yourself.
4. Keep track of college assignments
Deadlines are a big thing in college and they’re important than they were in high school. Smartphones are a great reminder tool. Use the calendar function.
Input when assignments are due, when tests or assessments are coming up, and any deadlines you must remember.
5. Find a college apartment of your own
College often involves living on your own. Some people are just going to want to party and partake in college life. That’s all fine, but there’s a time and place for studying and focusing on schoolwork and you best know when that is.
If you don’t give yourself time to prepare, test performances and your overall academic goals will never be met. To combat this, it’s a good idea to live in independent student housing. This place gives you a quiet space where you can focus on your studies without the usual distractions on college campus.
6. Start college assignments early
When you leave things to the last possible moment, it shows. Professors see this all the time. Assignments often come with deadlines weeks ahead of you. Start early. Get it done early. This way, you will never feel overwhelmed with studying, work, exams, or papers.
7. Get enough sleep
Sleep is important. The occasional all-nighter is ok if you’ve got to do it. It’s college, after all. Regular staying up all night though isn’t normal. Your brain is at its best when it’s had rest the night before.
Be sure to get a full night’s rest, wake up, eat breakfast, and give yourself enough time in the morning to arrive on time.
8. Don’t sign up for too much
A sure way to overwhelm yourself is by taking on too much. If you think you can enjoy college, have a job, party, and still have time to study, you will burn yourself out quickly.
Take things slow and if things start to feel like too much, cut off the activities taking up time that aren’t attached to your college education.
9. Create a college budget
Many students are living on their own for the first time in college. For a lot of them, they will submerge themselves into debt trying to keep up a lifestyle they can’t afford.
Before you ever leave for college, make a budget. Ensure you have everything you need for food, gas, entertainment, and more. Budget restrictions should be clear and stuck to.
10. Make college friends
As a first-year student, look around. Everyone’s in the same boat as you. There will be people at your college who’ve come thousands of miles who do not have a friend. If you’re socially confident, reach out to them.
If you’re shy, still make an effort to speak to those around you. Lifelong best friends are made during those college years and you never know what sort of connections you may make just by being nice, social, and friendly.
11. Don’t be shy on compromises
College exposes you to all sorts of new people. It’s exciting but it also causes conflict with roommates, classmates, professors, and other people you may encounter on campus. Be kind.
Prepare yourself for compromise and be sure to speak up for yourself but also to always be respectful with others. Your conflict management and conflict resolution skills are going to be worked to the nines.
12. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If there’s an issue – personal, academic, etc. – that you can’t solve, ask for help. College campuses generally have a wide array of resources to help students, from mental health counselors to academic guidance, health services, volunteer opportunities, and more.
If you aren’t enjoying yourself, aren’t getting the most out of an experience, or are struggling, don’t keep it inside. Ask for help. Talk to someone. Believe us when we say the result will be a good one.
