Slashdot Mirror
Tips For Incoming 2002 Freshmen
An Anonymous Freshman asks: "I, along with many other individuals in my age bracket, will soon be heading off to college. It seems that it would be quite easy to become bombarded by the many changes and potential pressures that are on the horizon. So, as the fall semester/quarter rapidly approaches, I would like to take this opportunity to ask what seems to be an experienced (and, overall, educated) community for any suggestions that would aid myself and the numerous other 'freshman-to-be' in adjusting to college social life (or lack thereof), academics, and the like. I would especially appreciate comments related to the potential necessity of time management in response to increased study requirements (and the desire to have an existence, otherwise)."
Wow, I am really impressed. While some responses are amusing, most are seriously thought out and most stress the importance of diversity.
Take the outlandish class, interact with your classmates and enjoy the time. This is a rare time not to be seen again in most people's lives. When going through it I missed some of the experience as I attempted to "focus". Luckily, I met a lady who helped me see the forest through the trees. [We met the first semester in a Dark Age Studies class, an optional course that just sounded interesting. 20 years later we are still together.]
Good luck and thanks to the slash dotters who showed why I read here daily.!
The ink's not yet dry on my BS, so all of the following are still fresh in my mind:
:-) )
Spend at least one semester abroad. After you graduate, taking long-term trips will become vastly more difficult, and the experience is unlike any other.
If you got into a really great school but decided to matriculate at a less well-regarded one due to cost, get on the phone now and transfer. Debt goes away; the knowledge that you went to a second-rate institution doesn't.
That said, no matter where you go, make your degree count. While putting forth the minimum effort to get the grade seems like a good tactic, you'll rue yourself for it later.
By the time you graduate, you must have at least three professors who like you, preferably in your major. This is critical; these people are your references. If you're going to grad school, academic references are mandatory, and they don't look half bad on a professional resume either. To this end, visit professors during their office hours (few people do), and keep in touch after the class is over, even if you didn't do as well as you thought you would.
Another benefit of keeping in contact with your professors is the possibility of finding mentors. Mentors are great; you can learn a great deal that isn't taught in classrooms.
You will regret the things you don't do more than the things you do, and you will feel great fear and trepidation shortly before you have the greatest experiences of your college career.
Do something out of character for you. Join some student organizations you find interesting, even if (or rather, especially if) you don't know anything about what they focus on. Change your wardrobe, hang out with some different people, stop reloading Slashdot and get some fresh air.
Keep busy, but stop and smell the roses every so often.
View your course requirements not as arbitrary hoops to jump through, but as opportunities to take courses (and meet people) outside your major. Are you sure you know everything you want to know about art? About business? About law? About theatre? About literature? About journalism? About biology? About history? If you're sure now, will you be in a year or three?
Do not declare a major, either formally or in your mind, until the end of your first year at least. College is all about change, and yes, you will change. Making a four- or five-year plan is a good idea, but try to stay away from listing courses and instead list things you'd like to do or achieve.
You are not Carl Gauss. Do not take five upper-level mathematics courses in one term, no matter how smart you think you are. (I'm not Carl Gauss either, in case you haven't already figured it out. I know I hadn't.
On a more general note, if you've coasted through high school, you might be able to coast through your first and possibly second year as well. Eventually, however, you'll have to work. I know they've been saying that since you started middle school, but they mean it this time.
Learn how to navigate your school. Universities provide a mind-boggling range of resources, and most students don't take advantage of everything that's there for them. Remember, some resources (e.g. advising) won't do you any good if you get to them late.
Please email me if you have any further questions; I'm always happy to point out hazards.