This is part of my #newcomer challenge, but I also wanted to do this cute spread for all of those who are heading back to school! This is more for college students, so high schoolers may not find this useful right now, but hopefully this’ll inspire you to look at resources at your school and better prepare you if you choose to go to college.
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I graduated high school in 2014 and college in 2018! And up till July, I was working as a success mentor for college students. My educational journey has definitely had its up-and-downs, but I gathered some tips from my experience and while helping out students. Of course, my college experience might be different from yours or others, so I hope I kept it general enough so others can relate to it as well.
Disclaimer: everyone’s college journey will be different, for sure, and mine was set in a rural small town hours away from an actual city where the college campus made up over 40% of the town’s population...so, a small campus in the middle of nowhere, basically. It wasn’t as crazy or as “romantic” as movies and stories would describe it...but nevertheless, still worth my four years :purple_heart:
• Tip #1: In a form of a checklist, I listed out several on-campus resources that students can and should utilize! They’re free and exist for you to use. For example, the Disability Services is a great resource if you are in need of extra time on assignments/exams - of course, you’ll have to talk with your professors/teachers about this too, but working with Disability Services can help your academic performance if you need it.
• Tip #2: It never hurts to establish a good connection with your professor (or your TA). My college was small, so I was able to get to know my professors fairly well, especially the ones in my department. Professors can also be a good resource as they are aware of the opportunities offered in your department! It may be easier to connect with your professors as you get into higher-level classes, but...
• Tip #3: College can be expensive, and it’s important to know what you’re taking out in loans...and even what you’ll need to cover out of pocket. Talk with your financial aid counselors if you don’t understand your financial aid package. Also, START APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS ASAP!!! Ask professors, offices/departments, coaches/staff /mentors/club leaders/etc. for financial aid resources! You never know what you’ll come across~
• Tip #4: The college experience is more than the books and the grades. What also makes the experience is what you do outside of the classroom. I gained so much memories from being a part of my student clubs as a member, and as a leader, and I made so many friends from there. It’s also nice to have a small “break” from your regular schoolwork. Please, please take a chance with all the extracurricular activities that are available at your school and the fun things that you can do in your town! Also, for studying aboard, it’s an opportunity that can be hard to access, and if you’re interested, work closely with your adviser and study abroad office to see if it’ll fit into your academic track! And don’t forget - it’s better to start learning about the process earlier than rushing to finish everything last minute.
• Tip #5: It’s so easy to take on a lot during your college years, and it can be easier to forget about your own well-being. Self-care is so important, especially in an environment where running on fumes and being drained from overworking yourself is expected- and it’s not. PLEASE SLEEP AND EAT - and if you can’t get a full amount, at least take naps and eat a little bit throughout the day, because something is better than nothing. And figure out what recharges you to be more energized and prepped for the day! Whether that’s a good night’s sleep, a walk in a park, or even a coffee date with a friend - my self-care moments were spending a whole day just cooking for myself, watching anime and Korean variety shows, and hanging out with friends after a long week of school. But self-care is more than just “treating” yourself or taking a “break” from all of your stressors. It’s also taking that step back to reflect on the situation so you can see how you can grow from it - for example, I had a journal where I would write letters to my future self, reflecting on the day and mentioning what I could’ve done differently, etc. And talking it out with my close friends really helped too as they could provide proper and . But, this is just me - it takes time to figure out what you really need and what really helps, but if anything...take care of yourself first if it gets too much, and that it’s okay to take a step back if you need it.
• Tip #6: It can be really hard to make friends in college, no doubt, but it can be a great experience too! I made tons of friends - some have come and go, but a good couple of us had stayed together - and I honestly cherish each and every connection I made, even if there had been drama at one point. The best tip to making friends is just being yourself because you’re going to find the friends that truly accept you for who you are...and, honestly, why hide yourself? No one is going to judge you (and if they do, screw it) because everyone’s too busy trying to get through their classes...don’t waste your energy on trying to fit in because you will once you find the right people - save that energy for better things and people. So, try to be open to meeting new people and get out of your comfort zone too! I found most of my friends through the student clubs that I attended, and they are some of the greatest people that I’ve met.
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Whelp, those are just some of my tips! I obviously omitted some experiences just because not everyone will experience those on the scale that movies show (cuz there was no such thing at my school), and because you’ll get your chance to experience college too...so I gave tips on stuff that I felt like students should be more aware about. So, if you have any more questions for me, I’d be more than happy to ask! And comment if you have any more tips for other students or suggestions to my spread, etc.
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