How to thrive in college life
University officials’ pointers on making the most of it.
Preparing for college can be daunting. The path from high school senior to college freshman is filled with packing lists, advice, excitement, nervousness, debt worries, learning a new environment and a lot of new items for a cramped dorm room.
But the transition doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Ohio university representatives offer advice on how to be prepared.
Ann Larson
Title: Interim director of admission at Miami University
Advice for incoming freshmen: “There is a learning curve when you arrive in a university setting. It is a fabulous, exciting time to head into a new phase of your life. Time management is important, and study skills may need to be adapted. Get to know the faculty members; you should seek out and make yourself known.”
Tips to ease the transition: “Be open to change and expect to grow. Try not to bring your stereotypes; college is a continuum of thoughts, and personal and political backgrounds. Get involved on the campus. Find some students or organizations that have shared interests.”
How to make the best of college life: “Get involved when you get to college life. As expected, there are enormous amounts of independence. Expand your horizons but be aware of your limitations, too. Be serious and focused academically, and explore concerts and lecture series.”
John Rogers III
Title: Director of orientation at Wright State University
Advice for incoming freshmen: “Make sure you attend
Interim director of admission at Miami University orientation and first-year type programs. It is the beginning of the process. You’ll meet your academic advisers and schedule for classes. We also have an academic day during First Weekend, which is a way to meet faculty and other students. Also go to class every day, and make sure you ask for help if you need it. It also helps to set realistic goals; do well your first semester, and that will set the tone for the rest of your college career.”
Tips to ease the transition: “We have a session in our orientation called the Real World, and it gives tips on connecting with faculty and peers. It covers basics of making sure you are on time for class, listening, appropriate ways to contact your professor, roommate guidelines, campus safety, social networking sites and tips for making sure you get involved.”
How to make the best of college life: “College is great. With all the freedom it gives you, you have to do more than just go to class. Take part in a lot of things on campus. Try to participate in career services. Professors even offer opportunities sometimes with conferences and traveling.”
Sarah Kelly
Title: Vice president for enrollment management and dean of students at Wittenberg University
Advice for incoming freshmen: “It is OK to not know what you want to major in right away. Be open to exploring a lot of different classes and fields of study, and plan to study what you love. Try to limit communication with your parents and your high school friends in the first month or so — you are beginning a new chapter and need some time and space to figure things out. The first few weeks of college is a roller coaster of adjustment and the beginning of your adult life.”
Tips to ease the transition: “Establish good habits early on. One of the biggest pitfalls I see each year with freshmen is time management. Procrastination is not your friend; don’t get behind in your reading and work.”
How to make the best of college life: “Get involved. This is probably the single most effective way to make the best of your college experience. Join student clubs and organizations, go to that floor meeting in your residence hall, attend a lecture or performing arts event, go to the Saturday football game or try to get an oncampus job.”
Kathleen Henderson
Title: Director of student engagement at University of Dayton
Advice for incoming freshmen: “Stay on top of the checklist provided by your college. Make sure that you complete all necessary steps in the pre-enrollment process. Make copies of those papers submitted and create a file that you bring with you to campus. This will come in handy if by some chance one of those filed items never made it to the right office.”
Tips to ease the transition: “Discuss your excitement and fears with your family. College is an exciting time, but it also represents a pretty major change. Share with your parents what makes you nervous so that they can help you prepare for this change. Also, get a planner. When your schedule arrives, plot your classes in your planner. This will help you to envision what your new day/ week will look like.”
How to make the best of college life: “Attend your campus orientation. University administrators create programs and opportunities to give you a crash course in college survival for their institution. Accept that your roommate might just be your roommate; don’t be overly concerned if you don’t hit it off right off the bat. Chances are your family, community, church and high school are all invested in your success in some way. They have instilled morals, values and expectations for you as you’ve grown. Remember those lessons.”
Melissa Tolle
Title: Interim senior director of enrollment management at Sinclair Community College
Advice for incoming freshmen: “Get to know your faculty members and don’t be afraid to communicate with them; see them in the classroom and outside the classroom. Also read the syllabus and follow it.”
Tips to ease the transition: “Make informed decisions about your college and career path. If you are undecided about a program, seek out resources on campus, such as career services or job shadowing. College work and life is different — you manage your time and your success; seek help early. Set goals for yourself that are SMART — specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely.”
How to make the best of college life: “Get involved in extracurricular activities and make new friends. Time management is critical for your college success, so use a planner. And have fun.”