Many are class of 2020 high school graduates, and others applied to colleges thinking 2020 would be their year to finally work towards a Bachelor’s degree. If you are about to be a first-time college student, this one's for you.
Attending college for the first time during a pandemic most certainly will not be normal. However, if you are about to begin college as a freshman in about a month, do not let this discourage you.
Recently, I participated as a student ambassador for the English department during orientation meetings for incoming English majors. I also attended a workshop for incoming students as a panelist to talk about a social justice project I have been working on for a few years. So, in the last month or two, I’ve interacted with and seen the nervous faces of incoming freshmen on a few occasions.
Outside of these events, I am also watching as my younger sister prepares for her first year of college. My preparation for going away to school looked a bit different than it does for her. This is in part because I am a first generation college student, AKA the guinea pig for my parents in terms of sending their kids to college (but I figured it out!). However, it is also because of the pandemic - many things are still undecided for colleges across the country, so for first time students, preparation cannot begin until colleges make it clear what their Fall 2020 plans are.
Needless to say, it is quite difficult to be an incoming freshman on any campus at the moment. My hope is to help these students the best that I can, in order to ease the stress that the entire situation might have on them currently. I want to offer you a few pieces of advice, based on my own college experience.
#1 - Try to Make the Most of Your Experience.
I understand that it might feel easier to avoid stepping on your college campus and delay the experience, particularly if your classes will be online. However, if you can afford it, price-wise and health-wise, I would urge you to try to live on campus (or if you are a commuter student, try to be on campus).
Although campus life probably won’t be the same - we don’t quite know what it will be like - it is important to develop a new sense of independence in your first year of college. Being away from home to work on your school work allows for growth in this area, and it can also provide opportunities to meet other students.
#2 - Know Your First Year will Likely be the Most Challenging.
Adjusting to a college lifestyle can be difficult. Chances are, you will enter the year with few or no friends, and you might not feel confident about getting around campus, knowing what resources are available to you, or how to use various facilities. Something as simple as using a campus printer might be a challenge! In addition to this, you may feel homesick, out of touch with your high school friends, emotionally exhausted, out of place, and generally overwhelmed.
This is normal!
Adjusting to the workload of college classes is undoubtedly difficult. The workload in addition to figuring out how to practice self-discipline (i.e., managing your time responsibly, balancing your social life and academics, establishing boundaries with roommates, etc.) is understandably challenging.
Try not to let this discourage you. Keep in mind that, chances are, college will get better once you make it through the first year, which arguably makes the challenge worthwhile. In the midst of it, though, don’t be afraid to talk to your roommate, your advisor, and people in your classes about these struggles. For me, my freshman year consisted mostly of short-term friendships to make it through the year. However, it was my sophomore year when I started reaping the benefits of the progress I made during my first year of school.
#3 - Take Advantage of Opportunities, but Don’t Overload Yourself.
Any opportunities that are available to you at your university are likely worth your time. If clubs are operating - either remotely or in-person - you should try to join at least one club. It’s an opportunity to meet people and block out a time each week to socialize with them. It also can provide leadership opportunities and fuel a passion of yours outside of classes.
Also, any guest speakers that come to campus - either in person or online - are probably worth your time as well. You should think of these presentations, discussions, and lectures as an opportunity to further your education outside of class. Guest speakers are usually well known, or at the very least on the come-up. Even if you do not recognize their names, Google them and attend the event, especially if it is free (which most of them are!).
That being said, understand when to establish boundaries and give yourself a break; this is where self-discipline really comes into play. Take advantage of opportunities for growth, but not to the extent that you experience burnout. It is also okay to say no.
Another thing: do not hesitate to use free services offered by the college. Be it a writing center, tutoring for a class you are struggling with, mental health counseling, or a showcase for student work or research, it is all there for you to use. Even if there is a stigma associated with the resource, try it out for yourself to form your own opinion before you decide against using it.
Four years is plenty of time, but it goes by quicker than you think. Try to see everything as an opportunity for growth, professional development, and furthering your education. After all, you are paying for these opportunities, so make it worth your time and money!
#4 - Get to Know Your Professors, Especially Ones You Like.
Professors are different from high school teachers, in that they’ve dedicated their lives to the subjects they teach. Many have work published, and if they are within your department, they probably know a thing or two about the career(s) you are considering.
Show up to their office hours, whether or not you need help in their class. Sometimes, they love it when students just swing by to say hello, as long as they are not talking to another student. Participate in their classes, be transparent about anything that strongly impacts your work ethic in their class, and you can also talk to them before or after class to build a rapport.
If you enjoy the teaching style of a professor, you can also look at other classes they offer when it is time to build your schedule. These interactions can be helpful later, particularly if you are seeking advice, looking to learn about opportunities, and/or another opinion about your path for the future.
#5 - If You Are Unsure About Anything, Just Ask.
Asking questions does not make you look dumb, contrary to popular belief. In fact, asking for answers directly instead of blindly trying to figure things out on your own can actually make you look efficient. Save the time and stress, and ask for help when you need it.
For academic questions about your major, relevant opportunities, or academic support, you can ask your advisor, professors in the appropriate department, or the department Chair and/or Dean.
For directions or general questions about the campus, you can ask another student, as long as they do not appear to be in a rush or invested in their work. If you ask someone, and they don’t give you an answer, try not to let that discourage you from asking someone else. Even if you ask another first year student, you might find that they are interested in figuring out the answer with you. For example, my freshman year, I could not find my theatre class; when I asked someone else who also looked lost, it turned out that they were also looking for the theatre classroom which we were able to find together.
It is worth noting that clubs are also helpful for this reason. When you join a club, you are introduced to a new community that can answer questions or give advice. This is especially true for most executive board members or club leaders, as they usually take on positions in part because they are open to answering questions from students who recognize them as a club representative.
This group is especially when it comes to questions about building your schedule, asking for directions, as well as looking for advice about professors, classes to take, how to prepare for advising, which dining locations are the best, and so on.
Ultimately, you should know that everything will turn out okay.
If you think you might be at a point where your first year is too difficult, talk to people. You can turn to your peers, your advisor, and plenty of other people on campus can offer support and advice if you express this concern.
Remember that you are starting college during a historical pandemic, which is already stressful!
Be patient with yourself and others. Do what you can to keep yourself and others safe, and understand that you have a right to feel secure on campus; say something if you don't.
Overall, I’ve found that open communication makes life easier, and taking advantage of opportunities on campus can make the experience so much better.
This is YOUR college experience. Make the most of it while you can.
Oh, and good luck!
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