Freshman Survival Guide
Sep. 23, 2013 at 07:59 AM | By Emily Kissane | Comment Count
Now that you’ve been through orientation and are settling into the first weeks of classes, you might think you can go on autopilot for the rest of the term. But now’s a good time to make sure you’ve thought through some important topics so you’re not caught off guard.
Are you getting to know your professors? Professors can be a your greatest allies, providing extra class help, advice about course options, and recommendations for grad school and jobs. Always be respectful of professors’ time, but don’t hesitate to take advantage of opportunities to get to know them better.
Have you found a good place to study? Your dorm room or apartment might be the most convenient, but can you really be productive there? If you’re easily distracted, you may need to find a quiet room in the library. If you can handle a little noise, you will be able to find all kinds of places to study: residency halls, cafeteria, lounges, etc.
What will you do if you need extra help succeeding in a class? If you’re struggling academically, it’s natural to commiserate with friends and family, but you really should take advantage of all the professional support available on campus sooner rather than later. Depending on your situation, tutoring, coaching on study methods, advising from the writing center, or other services will help get you back on track. You may be expected to take the first step of asking for help, but professors, advisors, and student services staff are there to help, and they want you to succeed.
Do you have a good balance between school and work? Jobs require serious commitments, so you should be realistic about your availability given other responsibilities and activities. Outside of campus, your employer’s number one priority is your productivity rather than your schoolwork or completing your degree. It’s better to ask for more hours later than to scramble to find a substitute or back out of a work commitment. Always remember that you’ll want a good reference for the future.
Do you have a budget, and are you tracking expenses? Many students underestimate the expenses that accumulate in the first semester. If you haven’t created a budget, it’s not too late. Use electronic tools like Microsoft Excel or an app for budget tracking so you’ll be able to see at a glance spending by category to stay on course.
Do you have a plan for emergencies? An important part of financial planning is discussing what to do in case of an emergency, such as your car breaking down or an unexpected trip to the emergency room—as well as knowing the difference between an emergency and the consequences of choosing to deviate from a budget. Make sure you and your parents/guardian are on the same page about appropriate credit card use, so you know the boundaries and aren’t too scared to use the card when it’s appropriate. Not talking about financial emergencies ahead of time is a recipe for disaster.
Best wishes to all students starting out and returning to campus!
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