Going away to college for the first time can be an overwhelming yet exciting experience. There are so many things to pack and remember. As well as moving out of your home, you have to get ready for classes. Below will be some college tips to help you settle into your new home and lifestyle.
But first, hi, my name is Ari Hurdsman and I am a freshman in college. I am attending Snow College in Ephraim Utah, and while Ephriam is considered a “small town” it is still a drastic change from what I’m used to. Packing up my room and getting ready to live in a dorm with other strangers was something I was freaking out about. What if I forgot something, or I didn’t have all the materials I needed to make food, or I didn’t know how to cook the food! Now that I’ve been living the “college life” for a week, those worries have dwindled, and I’ve come up with these tips for people like me.
Tip #1: Go to Events
The first tip I have for all you new college students and future college kids is to go to as many events as you can. Now I know that sounds like a lot, and it can be, but this is the prime time to get out and meet new people, especially in the first week. Go out with your roommates and just have fun!
Get to know your roommates as well. You’ll be living with these kids for the next 16 weeks, so try your best to get along with them. Learn who they are and what they like.
Tip #2: Have a Fresh Perspective on Classes
Second, go into your classes with a fresh perspective. College classes aren’t like high school. The professors are not there to baby you, but they are there to help you, so take advantage of that. Depending on the type of class you take, you can even end up taking a 50-minute class compared to an hour and half class.
Another tip about classes is, don’t take 8 a.m. classes. This can vary with each person, but for me personally I’m not a morning person, so my classes are a little later. Now just because you don’t take an early class doesn’t mean your classes will go into the evening. I would say a typical block of college classes for most students is between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Tip #3: Do Homework
Third, take the time to do your homework. Something as simple as forgetting to do your homework will set you back. Depending on the professor, some may not accept late assignments so make sure you take some time to do your homework. Go to the library and get it done so you can have fun later!
Also, if your professors have a book that you need to buy, before purchasing it see if you can rent it somewhere. A lot of textbooks can become a big hassle in the money department, so renting is a great option for college students!
Take the Chance
Finally, remember that college isn’t always a place to be stuck studying. Go out and have fun. Learn who you are. For most college students it’s our first time away from home, our parents and the shelter that we have been provided with. Take the chance. It’s a fun place and time!
– by Ari Hurdsman
Feature image caption: Ari, positively overjoyed at being a college freshman, gives us some great tips for surviving at Snow College … or any other college for that matter. Courtesy Ari Hurdsman.
Ari Hurdsman – Junction
Ari Hurdsman is a junior journalist at the Byway. She just recently moved to Ephraim, Utah, where she is a freshman at Snow College. She enjoys writing about Piute sports, and she’s really good at it! In her free time, she enjoys singing, dancing, reading and hanging out with friends and family.