After high school students receive that beloved acceptance letter from a college or university of their choice, they anxiously await the arrival of the first day of school. This day can be exciting but also overwhelming and stressful if they are not adequately prepared. So, here are several ways students could smoothly sail through that first day of college.
Ask Alumni about the College/University
Family members, friends, or anyone else who graduated from the college or university may be good sources to get the inside scoop on college life at that school. They may give detailed and more personal accounts on the following:
- Figuring out which classes and professors to take (and avoid)
- Deciding what textbooks to buy (or borrow) at the best prices
- Choosing the right organization to join such as sororities, fraternities, or any other campus organization
- Searching for the best places to eat on campus
- Finding the least crowded parking lots at the right time
Attend Campus Orientation
Orientation can be exciting, yet long. But new students should attend because it gives a general overview of the college. Students learn more about the campus’ colleges and departments, administration, services, and clubs and organizations. Additionally, student leaders may give campus tours which can help students become more familiar with the new college environment.
Avoid the “Wait List” if Possible
Every semester, students are assigned a date to enroll in their classes. But some do not enroll on time, which could result in not getting into that class or getting placed on the “wait list”. That means that the class is full and only the professor could add students if there are spots available. If not, students will have to find another class to enroll in. But this can be a hassle, as they may have to make a couple of trips to the admissions office, visit numerous classes hoping to get added, and continue to search through the schedule of classes all day long to find a class that is not full.
Where is Room 212A?!
Many new students who are not familiar with the campus may wander around and frantically ask passers-by this question on the first day of school. This can take a lot of time and may cause students to be late or not attend class. To avoid this, students should find where their classes are located around campus beforehand; searching for the class during a campus visit with family members or friends or during orientation would be a good time to do this.
Finding Parking
The drive to campus for some college students may be pleasant. But once they get to school, the on-campus drive could be a nightmare. A line of cars forming from full parking structures and lots and frustrated students rushing to purchase those expensive parking permits are common scenes on the first day. To save time, students should buy parking permits before school starts to save time. Additionally, they should get to campus an hour before the first class begins to have time to find parking and walk to class, since parking lots at many large colleges and universities are on the opposite side of campus.
Being prepared is the most important aspect of starting college. In particular, talking to people about the college, going to orientation, registering for classes on time, locating classes and other campus facilities, and knowing when and where to park beforehand are small things to do, but they can make a big impact. Being prepared with these details can make the difference between whether a student has a successful and productive first day of college or a stressful and disastrous one.
Starr Balmer - Starr T. Balmer is an assistant editor for an educational company in Culver City, CA. As a former staff writer/intern for the Long Beach ...
