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Becca Schiel
You've just graduated from high school, you've bought everything
you need for your dorm room, your schedule is all set, and
you have brand new office supplies! Now you're all set to
go to college! Well, kind of.
College is a very different experience from what you're used
to. You're on your own, your schedule is very different, the
people are different. How does everything work? What should
you do when you get there? What if something goes wrong? This
is a list of tips, in no particular order, to help you start
your college experience the right way!
If you haven't yet, get in touch with your roommate(s)
You should talk to them to figure out who's bringing what.
You may have a TV, but no DVD player. Or, they might already
have a microfridge, so you won't have to go out and find one.
Maybe your roommate is bringing a gaming console! You never
know. Just make sure you talk before you go in order to avoid
bringing the same things.
 Make
a roommate agreement
Even if the school provides you with a generic roommate agreement,
you and your roommate should set up some rules and agreements.
Talk about studying habits, finals week, possession of food,
boyfriends/girlfriends, guests, sleeping habits, etc. You
want to make sure you can share a room together without going
too crazy. You want to know each other's boundaries.
Get to know your resident assistant
Your RA is helpful, but they can also be a great friend. The
RA is there to help you with roommate issues, advice, any
questions you might have about college in general. They are
also some of the nicest people you will meet on campus. :)
Always wear flip flops in the bathroom
Always. Even if you're not taking a shower, at least wear
slippers or sneakers. Despite the cleaners coming in once
a day, you don't know what's been on that floor, or how badly
it was cleaned up by your floormates. (Keep in mind that at
least one neighbor is bound to be a hard partier!)
Keep your keys by the door
Or on a hook on your desk. Just make sure it's somewhere very
visible and accessible. As soon as you lock yourself out,
get ready for another lovely interaction with your campus
Safety. You'll come back from class, rehearsal, an exam, a
meeting, a weekend at home, and you'll call to be let in,
then wait anywhere from ½ an hour or more. And if you're
locked out after a shower...well...that stinks.
Keep your student ID ready to go
Much like your key, your ID needs a very specific, very accessible
spot. Especially if you don't carry your wallet around campus.
Most schools require ID to get into computer labs, copy machines,
dorm buildings, etc. Plus, some campuses will have Safety
check to make sure you have an ID randomly.
Go to events on campus
Especially during Welcome Week. It's a great way to meet
people, learn about new clubs, and more networking. Sometimes,
they also have some pretty great activities and fun, relaxing,
time-wasting breaks from learning. And definitely go to events
with free food. You will quickly learn that any free food
is great!
Free food? Bring Ziploc bags!
And a large bag to put everything in. You don't have to do
it every time, but definitely try to during finals week. Who
knows what free food you can find to bring back to the dorm?
Jars of peanut butter, rice, bread and rolls, candy...If it's
free and non-perishable (or a drink, bottled or poured into
a bottle you bring), it's awesome! And it's manna during finals
when they start closing food services way too early.
Get to know your professors and deans
It's true that your professors want you to do well. If you
meet them and keep in touch, they are more likely to be invested
in your success. Professors also want to do what they can
for you if there's an issue that prevents you from getting
something done. E-mail, call, text (if they give you those
numbers - some do), see them with comments or questions during
their office hours.
They appreciate your wish to succeed and your involvement
in your education. Plus, they like to write letters of recommendation
for internships and jobs!
Know your dean(s). Become a face rather than another ID number.
Deans can get things done: classes that were closed, scholarship
money, red tape cutting. And, like professors, they are great
letter of recommendation sources. They like it when you're
involved.
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