7 Ways to Prepare for Your First Year of College
It can be a difficult transition for young adults to get acclimated to life away from home and a packed course schedule. That’s understandable, but don’t worry — with some helpful tips to adjust, you can flourish in this new environment. Follow this guide to make sure you set yourself up for a successful first year.
7 Ways to prepare for your first year of college
The best way to prepare for your new beginning at a four year university is by covering every facet of your academic career. Some are provided for you, some may be difficult to find or go under the radar. Embracing the transition will get you on the right track to feeling confident on-campus.
1) Wait to purchase your textbooks
Don’t always be so quick to buy the first textbook(s) you see on a syllabus. Professors may update or change their curriculum, switch textbooks or introduce new material even after the course has already begun. Waiting until after the first few classes gives you extra time to confirm what is needed and what isn’t. Unless the syllabus states to have the book in-hand by the first day of class, try to wait until you hear directly from the professor what is required.
When you buy your textbooks too early, you may be spending more money than you have to. Textbooks can be very expensive and some courses require more than one. With waiting to buy books comes helpful alternatives, such as renting, borrowing from the library, buying used books and even sharing with classmates when possible.
2) Research your major
Choosing what you wish to do with your career is a massive part of adapting to college life. Exploring the curriculum at your school, which includes core options, electives and professors, could help you feel more prepared in the beginning. When you think of these options prior to starting, you’ll be able to make a plan. Take advantage of advisors and their insights and attend department events to get a better perspective of what each major or career is like. You can also seek out other students or alum with that major for their feedback about their experiences.
If you choose a major and later decide it isn’t for you, don’t sweat it. About one third of students change their major over the course of their college career, and doing so first-year gives you the opportunity to make up credits so you can graduate at your desired pace. Life at university is about finding what’s right for you, including the degree you wish to earn and the career you dream of having.
3) Develop your people skills
College is a great place to practice the fundamental skills needed for professional development. There’s an array of opportunities for students to enhance social skills and build relationships. Practicing social growth from both a personal and professional standpoint is an effective way of building your career path.
Skills such as teamwork, problem solving, leadership, and organization are crucial for college. Throughout your time at college, you will most likely engage in a few group projects or work on a team for an assignment. Knowing how to positively contribute to the group and settle disputes can make all the difference in your team’s success. Embracing diversity and advancing your leadership skills can also help you interact with students who come from or have different backgrounds, cultures and perspectives.
Active listening is also a critical skill to develop. Attending lectures, seminars and discussions all require you to listen carefully to truly grasp the information. Learning how to ask meaningful questions and understand the responses to go with them will help you succeed in your courses.
4) Practice time management
Trying to balance going to class, homework, studying, school clubs, rest, and a social life can be overwhelming. Before you know it, you have missed a project deadline and forgot to study for an exam. Practicing time management is absolutely necessary to be able to stay on top of everything going on, while making sure you are taking care of yourself.
Creating a schedule by using a planner is a great tool to help you prioritize and plan your days. Mark down assignment due dates, exams, club meetings, and other important dates so you won’t forget them. You can even use an hourly planner to make sure you set aside enough time to eat, rest, study, go to the gym, and hang out with friends. This is a great way to get ahead of deadlines without sacrificing your mental health and wellbeing. Goals can be set daily or weekly, and breaking them into mini, obtainable steps can help you stay focused. Remember to be flexible with your schedule if something unexpected comes up.
5) Manage your finances
More responsibility in college means you may be managing your finances by yourself for the first time. Practicing smart money management can help maximize your economic well being, control your spending, and save for the future . Create a budget for yourself that directly reflects your income and expenses. This means outlining necessary expenses such as tuition, rent, textbooks, food and transportation. Tracking and adjusting each month can help establish that line and take weight off your shoulders about your finances.
Consider staying in touch with the financial aid office in order to receive scholarships and grants, and look into other organizations or associations that may be able to assist as well. If you’re looking into loans, keep them to a minimum. The more you take out, the more you will have to pay back in the future. Many universities offer student employment and work study programs to eligible students.
6) Make your living situation comfortable
Whether living in a dorm room, apartment or house, being away from home can seem daunting for a first-year student. Nonetheless, there are plenty of simple ways to alleviate the worry of housing and living with roommates.
Turn your room into a personal sanctuary by personalizing it with pictures, posters, artwork, and even plants. This will help make you feel more at home and comfortable. Once you decorate your room, keeping it organized and clean can ensure it becomes a motivational place to study and relax. Bins, shelves and desk drawers can keep things nice and neat so you can easily grab what you’re looking for and go. Finally, add some enhanced lighting to brighten your study environment and improve productivity.
When you meet your new roommate or roommates, take time to build healthy relationships with them. Engaging in positive communication and respecting boundaries can help foster a more welcoming aura in your housing unit. Think about organized meals, activities and chores to create a healthier and more supportive environment.
7) Get involved in extracurricular activities
Aside from classes and studying, find ways to get involved with campus events, clubs, and groups to make the most out of your time at college. Most universities offer a wide range of extracurricular activities that cater to various interests and passions. Engaging in extracurricular activities can foster personal growth, aid in the development of valuable skills and provide opportunities for social skills.
Joining campus clubs or organizations aligned with your hobbies and personal interests can help you connect with like-minded students. Engineering clubs, cultural organizations and student government are a few examples. Going out for an athletics team or club sports is also a great way to get involved, stay active and continue playing a sport at any skill level you choose. You’ll have the opportunity to make friends outside of class and take a break from stressful assignments.
Make the most of your first-year at NJIT
Your first year of college is bound to be packed with fresh faces, unfamiliar locations and adventures. It can feel overwhelming at times, but don't forget that your professors and advisors are there to support you. Take advantage of the resources available to you, and don't hesitate to seek advice when needed. Understand that setbacks are a natural part of personal and professional development. If you want to explore how NJIT assists students in achieving success during their initial year on campus, click here.