Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to College
Dear incoming freshman, here’s what no one tells you…
Academics
You may think you can remember everything, I know I definitely did. It took me a full year through college before I let that stubbornness go. You will forget something. It will be something that is very important. Starting off on the right foot in a new environment is crucial. Don’t make the same mistakes I did, go ahead and buy that planner. And if you don’t want something extra to carry around? Create it in your Outlook Calendar or the app you take notes on in class! That’s what I do. It is the best tool to have to help you get through the exhausting weeks of exams back to back.
Use your calendar to schedule office hours, seriously, treat them like another class. Going regularly (even just once a week) shows your professor that you care and builds a relationship that can really pay off. In huge lecture halls, it’s so easy to feel lost. Office hours give you direct access to your professor and a chance to ask questions in a less intimidating setting.
In most high school classes you will have 50+ assignments. In college, I have classes that will have 3-5 max for the entire semester. Although it may seem nice to not have busy work, that means that exams, presentations, or major assignments can make or break your grade. Focusing on producing your best work or creating a study plan in advance is what you need to succeed. Below is a couple of planner options you can follow for studying!
Social Life/Budgeting
Now that we’ve covered academics, let’s talk about something equally important but often overlooked: your social life and financial habits. A common misconception when first coming to college is thinking you have to do something with someone at all times. That is furthest from the truth. Usually, people will figure that out after a few months. Hopefully this saved you from that.
I truly think college helps you find yourself. Learning to love spending time alone is one of the most valuable things you can do. Go for a walk on campus, work out at the Rec Center, try a new craft, or eat at the dining hall solo. No one is judging you, and likely, no one even noticed. As an avid overthinker, that was hard for me to believe. However, it is so true and fulfilling to do things on your own. Do what makes you happy and learn to love being yourself– that is when you find your people.
Having this change of mindset can also help with spending habits. Suddenly, the pressure to always say yes is off. Plus, the nice thing is, there are tons of free activities happening everyday on campus! Go to your school's student page and find out what you could do for little to no cost. Another great thing are student discounts. Get ready to have your student ID on you at all times. Almost every company/food place offers student discounts.
Everyone comes from different backgrounds and so does the way they spend their money. Think about your usual spending habits and try to plan accordingly. I promise it will save you so much unneeded stress towards the end of the semester. I created a list of things I usually have spent my money on and that you may want to consider too:
Takeout cravings 🍟
Coffee I swore I’d make at home ☕️
Online shopping 🛍
Parking tickets 😬
Hanging out with friends 👯♀️
Org/club fees 💵
Internships
As much as you think it doesn’t matter right now, it does. The big companies start looking for interns at least a year in advance. It’s okay to not know exactly what you want to specialize in but I would start applying to what you think you would enjoy. Getting experience is the only way to find out. Take a research position with your school, work for a smaller company in your hometown, or try big your first time– you never know! I’ve had friends land roles in all of those ways. My biggest advice to you is: there is no harm done in saying you tried.
You may be wondering, how can I apply and see these internships? LinkedIn will become your new best friend, and quickly. Create an account now and gradually friend others that you know. Look for companies you are interested in and see if any alumni work there. If they do, reach out to them. A few calls with someone could jumpstart your career.
Use the flowchart below to see where you are in your internship journey!
College will always surprise you. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. That’s the beauty of it. Coming in prepared and knowing the basis of what to expect can make that transition easier. You got this!
