The Future Is Yours To Create: Successfully Transitioning to College

Your college experience promises to be both a rewarding and challenging experience. Many issues will face you as you make this transition, and it is important that you prepare in advance, so that you will maximize your chances for success both inside and out of the classroom. While on campus there are plenty of resources and individuals to assist you in making this transition and it is up to you to make use of them. Many students wait too long to ask for help or to get questions or concerns answered. You are responsible for your own experience and for creating your future so within the next few pages we are going to provide you with the tips to assist you in making your mark.

Study Hard Play Hard

Developing consistent and effective study habits during your first term or semester is crucial. Make sure you attend time management and study skills seminars when they are offered on-campus. These sessions will give you great tips on customizing a study and time management program that is unique to your needs. In addition, many campuses offer study groups and tutoring in specific subject areas. If you can’t find one that meets your needs speak with your academic advisor and they will direct you to the appropriate resource person on campus.

A great deal of your learning success depends on your out of the classroom experience so make it a point to schedule relaxation time in advance each week. There is plenty to do on and off campus. Regardless of your interests or hobbies you are sure to find an outlet that suits your relaxation needs.

Get Involved

Make a decision and then make a commitment to join a student organization that will benefit you personally and academically. It has been proven that students who get involved while in college are the same students that get better grades and job offers. Most campuses offer a wide range of student organizations that meet a variety of interests and majors. Simply contact the Student Activities office at your college or university.

Technology Is Here To Stay

Before the academic year begins, be sure to find out what technology is available for your use on campus and what you will need to purchase prior to your arrival. Universities vary greatly in their level of technological readiness, and these are some things you should know and consider:

• Some residence hall rooms and suites are cable and Internet ready so you may not have a problem moving in and plugging into the World Wide Web, if you decide to live on campus.
• Computer labs may be available in residence halls and other university buildings, to accommodate students who do not have their own computer.
• Some campuses have e-mail accounts for students and you may be able to arrange for your new address even before you arrive.
• Some universities require students to have a computer, as part of the admission process.

Since Universities are very diverse in their technological offerings, these are things to research and resolve prior to coming to campus.

A World of Difference

One of the most exciting aspects of being on a college campus is the people you will meet and learn about during your experience. From your roommate if you live on campus, to the person who sits next to you in class, you are sure to find a wide range of individuals from various religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, some very different from your own. Meeting and getting to know these individuals will probably be one of the most memorable experiences for you. So make it a goal to meet as many people who are different from you as you can, it will be well worth it!

Dialing for Dollars

Many students find it difficult to afford the many costs involved with college and living on campus. For instance you may have a meal plan but many times may choose to eat out with friends. Other hidden costs not covered by your tuition bill include but are not limited to laundry costs, books, clothes, car or transportation costs, events off campus, travel to home or other colleges for visits, supplies, etc, etc. In an effort to reduce the stress of these hidden costs it is always a good idea to check out if you qualify for the financial aid work-study program at your college. You can even find out your status and begin to apply for positions on campus prior to your arrival. In addition go to the Career Services and Student Life Offices to determine if you qualify for a position that is not work study funded, as well as possible positions within the local community. Working while attending college has become a very common occurrence for most students these days and it looks great on your resume when you graduate.

Eat Well and Exercise

The freshman 15 is only a myth, however, if you choose to believe this then sure it will come true for you. But it stands to reason that if you eat well and exercise you body and not just your mind while in college you will be more successful and have more energy, ultimately reducing your chances of excess or unnecessary weight gain. Not eating is also very harmful to your chances for success. Your body needs food to produce energy that can burn off. If you have no energy or fuel in your body you will be unsuccessful in reaching your fitness goals. Therefore, proper exercise and nutrition are two of the most critical elements to making your transition to residence hall living a smooth one. The campus dining hall and quick snack stops make it difficult to sometimes exercise healthy eating, however most places offer healthy choices if you take a harder look. Bottom line is to develop a balance of what is good for you, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and simple proteins with the occasional snacks of sugar (i.e. ice cream) and fats (i.e. pizza-a college favorite) mixed in. Everybody deserves a treat every now and then and you should never deprive yourself just keep everything in moderation. As for exercise, just make sure you do it at least 3-5 times per week for 35-50 minutes. Get acquainted with the campus recreational facility, intramural sports or collegiate athletics, exercise classes and outdoor walking or jogging trails. Not only will regular exercise strengthen your body it will most definitely strengthen your mind and ultimately give you the mental clarity needed to be a successful college student.