“Wow! You made it!!”
So for those of you who are now transitioning into college from high school, it’s finally happening…you are becoming a college student. CONGRATS and Yikes!
It is normal for new college students to feel some anxiety. Ok…stop…breathe in and breathe out. It is going to be fine. Let’s review some tips on how to be successful in becoming a college student.
LEARN. Be prepared to be bombarded with a lot of information especially at Orientation. Take time to learn about the university, the new learning and living environments that you are entering, what is available on campus, where buildings are located, degree plans, registering for classes, grading policies…it’s a lot of information. Don’t worry you do not need to remember everything.
PARTICIPATE. Entering college opens a whole new world of possibilities and opportunities. Explore what activities, organizations, special events are available on campus. Your student ID will provide you access to many free events on campus. Become involved in something that sparks your interest. It’s amazing how much is out there and there is even an entire department (Student Activities Center) to help! We know, mind blowing.
LIVE. Get to know where you’re living. For most students who are just entering college living in a residence hall may be their first communal living experience – especially if they have a roommate for the first time. Get to know your roommate, your resident assistant (RA)…remember the residence hall is going to be home for the next academic year, so why not get comfortable?
MANAGE. Managing money...part of being an adult...having to think about your financial priorities and what spending decisions you are making. Take the stress out of money by creating a money plan. Think about what you need and what you can do without. Be honest with yourself because we all know how easy it can be to talk yourself into buying something that you don’t need. Don’t know where to start? Visit the Student Money Management Center. An entire department to help! We know, mind blowing again.
ASK. Not feeling that you fit in or need to talk to someone? It’s okay to ask for help. The university offers many different support services, but we cannot read minds. Don’t hesitate to ask for help (chances are you’ve already paid for a lot of the services through your fees).
Most importantly…relax and enjoy college! Coming to UNT this fall you will be on a life journey that more than 38,000 other students will be sharing. Occasionally you may trip and fall…it’s what you do to pick yourself up that matters. It’s okay not to be perfect and to make mistakes…that’s what learning and growing is about.
TRANSITIONING FROM HIGH SCHOOL TO COLLEGE
Special Contributor UNT Student Counseling & Testing Center